NEWS RELEASE

MEMBERS OF CANADA–U.S. IPG ATTEND U.S. GOVERNORS’ WINTER MEETING

From 23–25 February 2018, the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG), led a delegation to the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA) in Washington, D.C. The other members of the delegation were Senators Anne Cools and Scott Tannas, Mr. Kerry Diotte, M.P., Vice-Chair and Mr. Marc Serré, M.P.

“In addition to renewing and building relationships with U.S. governors, like previous years, Canadian parliamentarians benefitted from insightful presentations that will help us in our legislative work,” said Mr. Easter. “This year, we were fortunate to be at a session that discussed a new NGA initiative – NGA Global – that is focused on the relationship that the U.S. states have with the global community, including in the area of international trade. Because the United States is Canada’s most important trading partner, it was very interesting to be able to attend this initiative’s inaugural session.”

Mr. Diotte concluded: “The ability to speak with U.S. governors about issues of Canada–U.S. concern is critically important in identifying ways in which the two countries can work together cooperatively to enhance growth and prosperity. The NGA’s winter and summer meetings provide us with valuable opportunities to build the relationships that will allow continued dialogue on issues relating to trade, investment and the shared border, among other issues.”

Founded more than a century ago when President Theodore Roosevelt gathered state governors in order to discuss the nation’s resources, the NGA is the collective voice of U.S. governors from the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. It is also a public policy organization that represents the governors on Capitol Hill and before the U.S. Administration on federal issues that affect them, and that develops and implements solutions to public policy challenges.

The theme for the NGA’s activities in 2018 – including the winter and summer meetings – is “Ahead of the Curve: Innovation Governors.” This initiative has been selected by NGA Chair Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.

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

The Canada–United States IPG 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 at 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