NEWS RELEASE

CANADA–U.S. IPG ATTENDS SPRING MEETING OF THE CAN/AM BORDER TRADE ALLIANCE

From 6–8 May 2018, Senator Michael L. Macdonald and the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chairs of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) led a delegation to the 2018 spring meeting of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance (Can/Am BTA) in Ottawa, Ontario. The other delegates were Mr. Vance Badawey, M.P., Vice-Chair, Mr. Randy Hoback, M.P., Vice-Chair and Ms. Tracey Ramsey, M.P. Senator MacDonald and Mr. Easter addressed the meeting’s participants.

“I was very pleased to be able to attend the BTA’s most recent meeting, and to share information about the Canada–U.S. IPG’s recent activities as we work to enhance the bilateral relationship.” said Mr. Easter. “My colleagues and I always find that the presentations at the BTA’s meetings, and the opportunities to network with those who attend these meetings, provide us with insights that inform our interactions with U.S. legislators.”

Senator MacDonald concluded:  “It’s always an honour for me to speak at the BTA’s meetings, and members of the IPG’s Canadian Section benefit from conversations with those who deal with the shared border – with all of its successes and all of its challenges – each and every day. Certainly, we leave these meetings with important information about areas where we need to work harder to find mutually beneficial solutions.”

The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: in the spring in Ottawa and in the fall in Washington, D.C. The BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure continued growth in cross-border trade, as well as efficient and productive border-crossing capabilities.

It should be noted that 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 at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

-30-

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