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CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE WESTERN GOVERNORS’ ASSOCIATION From 28-30 June 2013, Senator Wilfred Moore, Q.C., led a delegation from the Canadian Section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group to the 2013 annual meeting of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) in Park City, Utah. The other member of the delegation was Mr. Jasbir Sandhu, M.P. “We were very pleased to be able to attend the annual meeting, and to speak with all but one of the governors who attended the meeting, as well as with U.S. Secretary of the Department of the Interior Sally Jewell, leading natural gas proponent T. Boone Pickens, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger and Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer,” said Senator Moore. “These meetings provide Canadian parliamentarians with an unparalleled opportunity to talk about how important Canada and the United States are to each other, and to identify areas – including energy, trade, security, the environment and others – where our countries can work together for joint benefit.” Senator Moore concluded: “I am always impressed by the presentations that are made at meetings of the United States’ governors. My colleagues and I are able to return to Canada with valuable information and insights, a better appreciation of the United States and an understanding of the ways in which the future prosperity of our countries is linked. In particular, at this annual meeting, the discussion on such topics as public lands, endangered species, energy, health care and education were very informative.” The WGA includes the governors from 19 western states as well as from American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Canadian premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also participate in the WGA’s activities. The WGA uses six basic strategies: develop and communicate regional policy; serve as a leadership forum; build regional capacity; conduct research and disseminate findings; form coalitions and partnerships in order to advance regional interests; and build public understanding and support for regional issues and policy positions. More information on the WGA can be found at www.westgov.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 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 on the Group can be found at: www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us. -30- For further information: Hon. Janis Johnson, Senator, Co-Chair 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
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