|
Members of the Canadian Section of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group Attends Meeting with Governors and State Legislators From October 19-23, 2011, the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P. led a delegation from the Canadian Section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) to a meeting of the Council of State Governments (CSG) in Bellevue, Washington. The other delegate was Phil McColeman, M.P. Mr. Easter commented: “I was pleased to attend the CSG’s annual meeting and inaugural North American summit as part of the annual meeting. As a result of this North American focus, many of the discussion panels were focused on issues that have an impact on Canada, the United States and Mexico, including topics that affect the prosperity of all three nations. As well, I was honoured to participate on a panel discussion entitled “Governing in North America: Strengthening Global Relations Through Intergovernmental Engagement,” which recognized that all levels of government and all North American countries share this economic space. Also of particular interest to me were a number of other insightful presentations, including by former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, who co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, and by Anthony DePalma, who spoke – among other things – about the thickening of the Canada-U.S. border following the terrorist attacks of September 2001.” “This CSG meeting was my first opportunity to attend a conference organized by this group,” concluded Mr. McColeman. “I agree with the comments made by my colleague, Mr. Easter, and would add that the lively plenary session that included perspectives provided by the Ambassadors of the three North American countries, which was chaired by Governor Schweitzer of Montana, was a useful reminder of how we must work together as neighbours, friends and allies. As well, the session that was focused on revitalizing the North American economy, which included a presentation by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters’ Jayson Myers, was most useful, as were those on such topics as energy, transportation and education. These sessions, and others, provided me with valuable information that I will be able to use as I serve my constituents and other Canadians.” The Council of State Governments 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. It should be noted that the views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group and, as such, may not reflect the views of United States 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 on the Group can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us. -30- For
further information: Canada-U.S.
Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-943-1430 Canada-U.S.
Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-8756 Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238
|
||
 |