Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS)

The Midwestern Legislative Conference is a regional association of legislators from 11 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. The purpose of the MLC is to foster regional intergovernmental cooperation in the U.S. Midwest through the joint consideration of common problems, the interchange of information and ideas, the sharing of knowledge and experience and, as appropriate, the pursuit of collaborative efforts to improve state government.

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a statutory, bi-national public-private partnership comprising five U.S. states – Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington – and, in Canada, three provinces and two territories – Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

PNWER’s annual summit provides Inter-Parliamentary Group members with the opportunity to discuss regional cross-border initiatives with state and provincial/territorial legislators, as well as engage with private and non-profit organizations that are working to strengthen economic relations between Canada and the United-States.

The Council of State Governments West (CSG West) is a non-partisan organization comprising the United States’ 13 western states. British Columbia and Alberta are associate members. CSG West meets annually and facilitates regional cooperation, exchange of information and fosters the strengthening of legislative institutions among its member states.

The Western Governors' Association includes the governors from 19 Western states, as well as from American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Canadian premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also participate in the WGA’s activities.

The Can/Am 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 the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities. The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C.

Meetings on Capitol Hill enable members of the IPG’s Canadian Section to speak with U.S. federal legislators – particularly those who do not attend the IPG’s annual meeting or those who have recently been elected to Congress – and inform them about, and gain their support on, critical issues affecting Canada and the United States.