NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND 11^th CONFERENCE OF THE SEUS–CP ALLIANCE

From 3–5 June 2018, Mr. Randy Hoback, M.P. and Mr. Brian Masse, both of whom are Vice-Chairs of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG), led a delegation to the 11^th annual conference of the Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces (SEUS–CP) Alliance in Mobile, Alabama. The other delegate was Mr. T.J. Harvey, M.P.

“I was very pleased to join my colleague, Mr. Masse, in leading a delegation to this meeting of high-level government officials and business representatives from both Canada and the United States,” said Mr. Hoback. “The hundreds of business-to-business, or B2B, meetings that were held will hopefully contribute to significantly enhanced trade and investment between our countries. As well, while all of the plenary discussions were informative, it is perhaps the session entitled ‘A Conversation on Trade and Investment’ that provided us with the most insights about a possible path forward as the NAFTA negotiations continue.”

Mr. Masse concluded: “The delegation was also extremely fortunate to have an opportunity to speak with Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, and with the leaders of the delegations from Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. These private meetings are instrumental in helping the IPG’S Canadian Section to achieve its goals. As with other endeavours, relationships matter, and we value the frank discussions that we have with the United States’ federal and state legislators, and governors. By working together, we should be able to enhance our bilateral relationship, which is the envy of many in the world.”

The SEUS–CP Alliance is a trade- and investment-focused partnership among six southeastern U.S. states – Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee – and six Canadian provinces – New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. The group was established in 2007 to serve as a forum through which common interests in enhancing economic ties between the two regions could be advanced. Additional information can be found at: www.seuscp.com.

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