NEWS RELEASE

MEMBERS OF CANADA–U.S. IPG ATTEND THE WESTERN GOVERNORS’
ASSOCIATION SUMMER MEETING

From 10-12 June 2019, the Canadian Section of the Canada ̶ United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) was represented at the 2019 summer meeting of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) by Senator Jane Cordy, Vice-Chair of the IPG, and Senator Percy Downe. The meeting was held in Vail, Colorado.

The WGA annual meeting provides an opportunity for members of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States IPG to build relationships with governors from the Western United States. “A number of topics were discussed during the meeting, such as water and invasive species management, economic development and the growth of illicit fentanyl exports; these are important issues to both Canada and the United States,” said Senator Cordy.

Senator Downe added: “We were pleased to hear the keynote presentation given by Scott Pulsipher, President of the Western Governors University and former Western Governors Roy Romer and Mike Leavitt who explained the creation of a ground-breaking competency-based education model. They highlighted how lower tuition fees are making higher education more accessible and creating more opportunities for their students. They are changing the mindset and proving that you can obtain a quality education from an online university.” Senator Cordy concluded: “Members of the Canadian Section of the IPG always appreciate having the opportunity to engage in conversations with U.S. governors and to communicate the nature and scope of our bilateral relationship.”

The WGA 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. More information on the WGA can be found at www.westgov.org.

The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States IPG. For this reason, 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 on the IPG can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For further 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