Two Alberta MLAs are heading down to Salem, Oregon in early February to strengthen ties between Alberta and the United States that should bring prosperity to both sides of the border.
MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, Shane Getson and MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, Justin Wright will lead the mission to Salem as they meet with American legislators and officials at the 2025 Pacific NorthWest Economics Region (PNWER) capital visits from Feb. 3 to 6. The MLAs hope to build on previous conversations had with key decision-makers and delegates during the first round of visits held throughout January.
PNWER is a non-partisan, public/private partnership that was established in 1991 to advance the economic well-being, quality of life and common interests of its 10 member jurisdictions, which include the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
MLAs Getson and Wright, say they plan to solidify Alberta as the answer to North American energy, food and data security by reinforcing conversations Premier Danielle Smith had with lawmakers and officials during President Trump’s inauguration.
MLA Getson, says building relationships with State officials is vital to maintaining Alberta’s economy.
“Alberta’s membership in PNWER has offered us a valuable platform for forging partnerships and having important conversations that have helped form the foundations of our long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S. – a relationship that is more important than ever,” says Getson. “The economies of Alberta and the U.S. are highly integrated, which is why Alberta has found and will continue to find allies at the state level on issues of importance to our province – particularly energy security.”
MLA Wright, says he is looking forward to building stronger trade relationships through important conversations.
“I look forward to this opportunity to lend my voice to the important conversation we are having with our U.S. friends and allies as Alberta’s government continues its efforts to enhance this important trade relationship and promote the common interests that bring Albertans and Americans together.”
While in Salem, MLAs Getson and Wright will attempt to promote the role Alberta can play in Supporting North American energy dominance by participating in meetings with state leadership, corporate leadership, Pacific Northwest legislators and academia.
Organizers say other topics of discussion include border security, enhancing mutually beneficial trade for both countries and securing supply chains and economic corridors.
Officials say mission expenses will be posted to the Travel and Expense Disclosure section of the Government of Alberta website.
