NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN IPG PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET WITH STATE LEGISLATORS FROM THE U.S. WEST

From 15–19 August 2017, the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG), led a delegation to the 70th Annual Meeting of the Council of State Governments-West (CSG-West) in Tacoma, Washington. The other members of the delegation were Senator Scott Tannas, Mr. David McGuinty, M.P., Vice-Chair and Mr. Larry Miller, M.P.

“The delegation was pleased to attend CSG-West’s Annual Meeting,” said Mr. Easter. “I was particularly fortunate to be able to speak at one of the most important program elements of the Annual Meeting: the North American Summit. I focused on a topic that is extremely critical to the future of Canada, United-States and Mexico: renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. A variety of important perspectives were highlighted during the Summit, and I’m sure that a number of us will reflect on the insightful comments as the renegotiation continues.”

Mr. McGuinty concluded: “As well, we gained very pertinent information not only at the session held by CSG-West’s Canada Relations Committee, but also during the discussions that were focused on U.S.–China relations, public safety, energy, innovation, economic development, opioid addiction and cybersecurity, among others. Certainly, I know that my colleagues and I gathered useful information that will inform our parliamentary work.”

CSG-West comprises the United States’ 13 western states. British Columbia and Alberta are associate members of CSG-West. Additional information on CSG-West can be found at www.csgwest.org.

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 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