NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN SECTION OF CANADA–U.S. IPG ATTENDS MEETING WITH U.S. STATE LEGISLATORS

From 13–15 December 2017, two Vice-Chairs of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) – Senator Diane Griffin and Senator David Wells – attended the annual national conference of the Council of State Governments (CSG) with three of their colleagues: the Honourable John McKay, P.C., M.P.; Mr. Gord Johns, M.P.; and Mr. Len Webber, M.P. The conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The CSG’s annual national conference is always an excellent opportunity for members of the IPG’s Canadian Section to meet with U.S. legislators,” said Senator Wells. “The IPG’s main goals include encouraging the exchange of information and promoting better understanding of issues of shared concern. Certainly, the ability to speak with legislators from all of the 50 U.S. states enables us to highlight the nature and extent of the trade and other relationships between Canada and their state, hopefully with a view to future enhancement of those relationships.”

Senator Griffin concluded: “In supporting Senator Wells’ comments, I would add that a number of the policy sessions were relevant for Canada, as well as the United States. For example, presentations were made about the marijuana policy in a number of U.S. states, and we obtained information that will inform our work as Canada’s cannabis legislation undergoes legislative review. Other sessions, including those on water, hiring and retaining disabled individuals, an opioid strategy and trade, among others, were also useful to the Canadian delegation.”

The CSG serves all three branches of state government and provides regional fora – the western, midwestern, southern and eastern regional conferences – through which ideas and insights are exchanged with a view to shaping public policy. Additional information on the CSG can be found at www.csg.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 further information:

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator, Co-Chair
Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-995-1866

Hon. Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair
Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-2406

Ms. Miriam Burke, Association Secretary
Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238