Canadian
Parliamentarians attend meeting with U.S. state legislators.
From 12-15 August 2013, three Vice-Chairs of the Canadian Section
of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) – Senator Michael
L. MacDonald, Mr. Brian Masse, M.P. and the Honourable
Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P. – led a delegation to the annual legislative summit of
the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which was held in
Atlanta, Georgia. The delegation also included Senator Jim Munson and Mr. Larry
Miller, M.P.
“While the sessions and presentations were very informative, one of
the most useful activities undertaken by the IPG delegation at the legislative
summit was the meeting we had with New Hampshire Speaker Terie Norelli, NCSL
President, Oregon Senator Bruce Starr, NCSL-President Elect and Nevada Senator
Debbie Smith, NCSL Vice-President. We conveyed the importance of the
Canada-U.S. relationship, and the value added by the participation of Canada’s
federal parliamentarians, recognizing that there are certain issues – such as
trade – where both federal and provincial/territorial governments in Canada
have an interest,” said Senator MacDonald.
Mr. Masse continued: “I agree with Senator MacDonald, and would add
that attendance at the meeting provided members of the IPG delegation with an
unparalleled opportunity to speak with legislators from throughout the United
States about specific and time-sensitive issues that are important to both
countries. For example, I spoke to a number of legislators about the need for –
and benefits for both countries of – a new highway-to-highway connection at
Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Clearly, the establishment of such a
connection would facilitate the growth and prosperity of North American
manufacturing sectors and of the economies in both countries.”
Mr. Easter concluded: “I support the comments of my colleagues: the
sessions and presentations were instructive, our meeting with NCSL leadership
was extremely beneficial, and the summit provided us with an opportunity to
speak to state legislators about critical bilateral issues. I chatted with a
number of legislators about another issue that is
important at this time: the United States’ mandatory country-of-origin labelling – or COOL – provisions. The United States has lost
a World Trade Organization challenge, and these provisions have the potential
to continue to harm both Canadians and Americans operating in the integrated
North American livestock industry.”
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.
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 IPG 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
Mr. Gord Brown, M.P., Co-Chair
Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-8756
Ms. Angela Crandall, Association Secretary
Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238
