NEWS RELEASE

Canadian parlementarians attend meeting of legislators from the U.S. South

From 29 July–1 August 2017, Mr. Phil McColeman, M.P., Vice-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, led a delegation to the 71st annual meeting of the Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). The other delegates were Senator Anne Cools and Mr. Anthony Rota, M.P. The meeting was held in Biloxi, Mississippi.

“I know that my colleagues and I feel fortunate that we were able to attend the annual meeting of legislators from the United States’ southern states,” said Mr. McColeman. “Canada is the primary foreign export market for many SLC states, Canadians often vacation in states in the U.S. South, and the supply chains that contribute to the prosperity of businesses in both of our countries involve southern states. We were happy to have the opportunity to speak with state legislators about how Canada and their states are – and could be – working together for our mutual benefit.”

Mr. McColeman concluded: “As well, we always find that the SLC’s policy sessions provide us with information on topics that are relevant for both of our countries. For example, this year’s sessions focused on autonomous vehicles, disaster resilience, infrastructure and innovation, among others. I know that the insights we gained will be useful in our legislative work in Canada.”

Founded in 1947, the Southern Legislative Conference includes state legislators from 15 southern states. Its mission is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among member states. Information about the SLC can be found at www.slcatlanta.

org. The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group. 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 on the Group 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