Alberta delegation strengthens ties with critical trade region

Cal Dallas, Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, along with Wayne Cao, MLA Calgary-Fort and Everett McDonald, MLA Grande Prairie-Smoky, will attend the Council of State Governments (CSG) Midwestern Legislative Conference from July 12-16. They will meet with U.S. Midwest legislators and business leaders to explore further opportunities with our largest trading partner.

“The Midwest is vital to our prosperity as more than half of our total U.S. exports, or $51 billion, went to the region last year. Alberta values our membership in organizations like CSG. Our new Chicago office demonstrates our commitment to engaging with the area’s business and political leaders.”

Alberta officially joined CSG’s Midwestern Legislative Conference in 2011. Officials with the organizations say the province has contributed significantly to the interstate and international dialogue.

“Given the large and growing volume of cross-border trade between Alberta and the American Midwest, Alberta’s participation is critical to the ongoing efforts to forge stronger ties between states and provinces whose economic futures are so closely intertwined.”

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Backgrounder

Mission itinerary*

July 12 (evening)	Minister and MLAs arrive in Omaha, Nebraska
July 13	Attend CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference: Executive Committee meeting Midwest-Canada Relations Committee meeting
July 14	Attend CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference: Meet with CSG Midwest Executive Meet with business representatives Minister Dallas speaks at the “Doing Business in Canada” luncheon seminar Minister Dallas speaks at the Omaha Press Club reception
July 15	Attend CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference: “Midwestern past, present and future” session Meet with business representatives
July 15 (evening)	Minister Dallas departs from Omaha, Nebraska
July 15	MLAs attend CSG Midwestern Legislative Conference: History of Populism session Networking events
July 16 (morning)	MLAs depart from Omaha, Nebraska

The estimated cost for Minister Dallas, MLA Cao, MLA McDonald and 1 staff is estimated at $11,200.

*Subject to change