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By rdnewsNOW Staff

MULTIPLE MEETINGS PLANNED

Alberta MLAs aiming to strengthen relationship with Pacific Northwest U.S. capitols

Jan 10, 2025 | 4:39 PM

Multiple MLA’s are scheduled to participate in Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Capital Visits throughout January in an effort to solidify Alberta’s reputation as a trusted ally and close partner of the United States.

The trips begin with Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, and Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermillion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, travelling to Helena, Mont., on Jan. 13 to join 15 state leaders.

“Our shared border with Montana gives us the unique opportunity to work collaboratively to advance our existing trade relationship and strengthen economic corridors for all partners in the Pacific Northwest Economic region,” said Getson. “Our involvement in PNWER Capital Visits showcases Alberta’s government dedication to defending, strengthening and broadening our ties with our most important bilateral trade partner.”

The visit is intended to provide a platform for MLAs to advocate for Alberta’s interests in meetings with U.S. legislators, academia and private sector leaders, while promoting the province as a willing partner in areas like energy collaboration, enhancing trade and investment, integrating economic corridors and addressing border issues.

This message, say government officials, will further be reinforced in subsequent meetings with MLA Rowswell when he travels to Olympia, Wash., from Jan. 20-23 to meet with elected officials and legislators.

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“This is such an important opportunity to profile Alberta’s initiatives in responsible energy development, emissions reduction and more, while highlighting how our strong economic ties contribute to prosperity, job creation and industry growth on both sides of the border,” said Rowswell.

Additionally, Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East, will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, from Jan. 17-19 to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Winter Executive Committee meeting. Here, she will join legislators from across the U.S. in discussions on state and federal policy, and will represent Alberta when she convenes alongside fellow members of the NCSL’s International Legislative Advisory Committee.

“Just before Christmas, I joined members of the NCSL in Texas where I had a number of promising discussions about how Alberta can help establish North American energy security. I look forward to building on these conversations while laying the groundwork for new relationships that will take root and continue to grow in the months ahead as we welcome the new U.S. administration,” shared Pitt.

Itinerary for Getson

• Jan. 13: Travel to Helena, Mont.
• Jan. 14-15: Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
• Jan. 16: Travel back to Alberta.

Itinerary for Rowswell

• Jan. 13: Travel to Helena, Mont.
• Jan. 14-15: Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
• Jan. 16: Travel back to Alberta.
• Jan. 20: Travel to Olympia, Wash.
• Jan. 21-22: Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
• Jan. 23: Travel back to Alberta.

Itinerary for Pitt

• Jan. 17: Travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, and join U.S. legislators and policymakers at the NCSL Winter Executive Committee meeting.
• Jan. 18: Join U.S. legislators and policymakers at the NCSL Winter Executive Committee meeting.
• Jan. 19: Travel back to Alberta.

PNWER is a non-partisan, public/private partnership that was established in 1991 to advance the economic well-being, quality of life and common interests of its 10 member jurisdictions, which include the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

The NCSL, established in 1975 by state legislators and legislative staff, brings together lawmakers and government leaders from all 50 U.S. states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. Alberta formalized its role in the NCSL by becoming an affiliate member of the organization and a member of its International Advisory Council last year.