NEWS RELEASE

Canadian Federal Parliamentarians attend Legislative Summit with
U.S. State Legislators

From 7–11 August 2016, Senator Michael L. MacDonald, Vice-Chair and Mr. Brian Masse, M.P., Vice-Chair led a delegation from the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group to the annual legislative summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Chicago, lllinois. The delegation also included Senator Jim Munson, Mr. Kerry Diotte, M.P. and Mr. Colin Fraser, M.P.

“I am a regular attendee at the NCSL’s legislative summits, and I know that I speak on behalf of the entire delegation in saying that we continue to be impressed by the wide range of public policy issues that are discussed. The topics that are addressed are always important and timely, and the extremely knowledgeable presenters provide us with information that we can use when these issues are examined in Canada,” said Mr. Masse.

Senator MacDonald concluded: “Many topics considered at this year’s summit are relevant for both of our countries. It is extremely important that we keep integrated supply chains, shared ecosystems, common borders and other bilateral issues in mind as we make decisions designed to enhance growth and prosperity throughout North America. Our interactions with state legislators are invaluable as we seek information on U.S. and joint priorities.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the 50 U.S. states, as well as its commonwealths and territories. With its standing committees comprised of legislators and legislative staff, the NCSL provides research, technical assistance and a venue for the exchange of ideas on state issues.

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 can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For further information:

Hon. Janis Johnson, Senator, Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-943-1430

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