NEWS RELEASE

CANADA–U.S. IPG CO-CHAIR SPEAKS AT PALMER CONFERENCE IN CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI

On 29 August 2017, the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, spoke at the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership at the University of Prince Edward Island.

“I was very honoured to be able to make a presentation at the Fifth Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership, which had a very timely theme: Canadian–American relations in a changing world,” said Mr. Easter. “As part of a panel on bilateral trade and commerce, I had the opportunity to talk about the modernization of NAFTA. Certainly, the outcome of the modernization efforts will affect residents and businesses in Canada, the United States and in Mexico. I think it will be interesting to see how – going forward – the three NAFTA countries will work together in competing with countries and regions throughout the world.”

Senator Michael L. MacDonald, Co-Chair of the Canadian Section, concluded: “I am pleased that my colleague was able to represent the Inter-Parliamentary Group’s Canadian Section at this important conference. Members of the Canadian Section are very focused on the critically important relationship that Canada has with the United States, and we always welcome opportunities to highlight our efforts regarding that relationship. I agree with my colleague about the importance of the three North American countries working together to increase shared prosperity as we compete with the rest of the world.”

The Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership, which is now held biennially, was envisioned by Mr. Jim Palmer, a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. His goal was to bring together those who make policy, those who implement policy and those who are affected by policy, with a focus on a different theme each year. The inaugural conference, which had “public servants and their relationships with politicians and media” as its theme, was held in 2010. Since then, themes have included “developing a Canadian energy strategy,” “Canada as a leader in immigration policy and practice,” and “dream for Canada: bringing them home.”

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 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