NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND MEETING OF LEGISLATORS FROM EASTERN STATES AND PROVINCES

From 13–16 August 2017, the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) was represented at the Annual Meeting of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Regional Conference (ERC) by Senators Michael Duffy and Lynn Beyak.

“I know that I speak on behalf of my colleagues in saying that the ERC’s Annual Meeting is always interesting and of great value to Canada’s federal legislators, especially those from Eastern Canada,” said Senator Michael L. MacDonald, IPG Co-Chair. “Certainly, many of the policy discussions are relevant for both countries, and such events as the Friends of Canada reception provide valuable opportunities for legislators from Canada and the United States to explore ways in which we can enhance the bilateral relationship for the benefit of residents and businesses.”

The Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the IPG, concluded: “The discussions that occur at the ERC’s Canada–U.S. Relations Committee are relevant for both nations, and the presentations at that Committee are helpful in understanding how Canada can move forward with the Trump administration and U.S. legislators on such issues as trade and travel. Of course, the other Canada-related discussions, such as those focused on bilateral agricultural trade, are also important generally and within the context of renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.” 

The ERC is a regional association of state legislators from 11 states in the U.S. northeast and five Eastern Canadian provinces. By facilitating cooperation among its member jurisdictions, the ERC promotes multi-state or region-wide solutions to the problems and challenges facing state and provincial legislators. Information on the ERC is available at www.csg-erc.org.

The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–U.S. IPG.  As such, they may not reflect the views of U.S. counterparts.

The Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group aims to find points of convergence in respective national policies, to initiate dialogue on points of divergence, to encourage the exchange of information, and to promote better understanding among legislators on shared issues of concern. Additional information can be found www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For furthur information:

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator, Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-995-1866

Hon. Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-2406

Ms. Miriam Burke, Association Secretary
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238