Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland MLA Shane Getson has been invited to attend the Council of State Governments (CSG) Midwest’s annual, five-day leadership program, which brings together legislators from member states and associate member jurisdictions. The training provided through the leadership program focuses on helping legislators sharpen their skills, build foundational knowledge and establish relationships that will allow them to lead the pack as the next generation of leaders, consensus builders, decision makers and policymakers.

This latest mission follows an MLA trip to Columbus, Ohio for CSG Midwest’s annual meeting earlier this summer to meet with policymakers and industry leaders in the region. BILLD will provide MLA Getson with a platform to build on the success of this previous conference as well as share ideas, highlight the importance of Alberta’s trade relationship with the U.S. and promote Alberta’s leadership as a secure, responsible and reliable energy partner.

“I am honoured to be offered this exclusive fellowship opportunity to collaborate with, and learn from, innovators in public policy. I look forward to building even more connections with the best and brightest in the Midwest – a region that makes up the largest share of Alberta’s trade with the U.S., and one that is key to ensuring Alberta remains the economic and job creation engine of Canada for decades to come.”

Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland

CSG Midwest is a regional, multilateral forum that brings together lawmakers and government leaders from 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario are affiliate members and Saskatchewan is a full member. Alberta has been an associate member since 2010.

Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Quick facts

  • The United States is Alberta’s largest trading partner.
  • In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled $162.1 billion, accounting for 90 per cent of total provincial exports.
  • The U.S. Midwest is the largest trade region for Alberta. Bilateral trade between Alberta and CSG Midwest member states totalled more than $104 billion in 2023, with Alberta’s exports making up $91.7 billion of that total. Top exports to the region included:
    • Energy: $83.6 billion
    • Plastics: $1.89 billion
    • Machinery: $967 million
    • Meat: $644 million
    • Inorganic chemicals: $616.1 million

Itinerary for MLA Getson*

Aug. 23
  • Travel to Madison, WI.

Aug. 23-27
  • Attend BILLD training.

Aug. 28
  • Return to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

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