Championing unity with our partners in the U.S.

MLAs will participate in Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Capital Visits throughout January, beginning with Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland and Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright traveling to Helena, Montana Jan. 13 to 15 to join state leaders. The visit will provide a platform for MLAs to advocate for Alberta’s interests in meetings with U.S. legislators, academia and private sector leaders while promoting the province as a willing and collaborative partner in areas spanning energy collaboration, enhancing trade and investment, integrating economic corridors and addressing border issues.

The importance of Alberta’s economic ties with PNWER member states will be further reinforced through subsequent meetings with MLA Rowswell travelling to Olympia, Washington Jan. 20 to 23 to meet with elected officials and legislators.

“I am excited to engage with our partners in the U.S. to reflect on the mutual benefits that our important trade relationship has brought us so far. Our shared border with Montana gives us the unique opportunity to work collaboratively to advance our existing trade relationship and strengthen economic corridors for all partners in the Pacific Northwest Economic region. Our involvement in PNWER Capital Visits showcases Alberta’s government dedication to defending, strengthening and broadening our ties with our most important bilateral trade partner.”

“I look forward to meeting with state leaders representing the Pacific Northwest region so we can learn from each other and tackle the issues that are front of mind for Albertans and Americans. This is such an important opportunity to profile Alberta’s initiatives in responsible energy development, emissions reduction and more, while highlighting how our strong economic ties contribute to prosperity, job creation and industry growth on both sides of the border.”

Meanwhile, Angela Pitt, MLA for Airdrie-East will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah Jan. 17 to 19 to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Winter Executive Committee meeting where she will join legislators from across the U.S. in discussions on state and federal policy and represent Alberta when she convenes alongside fellow members of the NCSL’s International Legislative Advisory Committee.

“Just before Christmas, I joined members of the NCSL in Texas where I had a number of promising discussions about how Alberta can help establish North American energy security. I look forward to building on these conversations while laying the groundwork for new relationships that will take root and continue to grow in the months ahead as we welcome the new U.S. administration.”

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.

The NCSL, established in 1975 by state legislators and legislative staff, brings together lawmakers and government leaders from all 50 U.S. states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. The conference promotes cooperation and information exchanges between state legislatures in the U.S. and in other countries. Alberta formalized its role in the NCSL by becoming an affiliate member of the organization and a member of its International Advisory Council last year.

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

Quick facts

• The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
• In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$156 billion, accounting for about 90 per cent of total provincial exports in 2023.
  • Energy products accounted for about C$127.5 billion, or 82 per cent, of the province’s exports to the U.S.
  • Other important export sectors included plastics, forestry, meat and machinery.
• In 2023, Alberta imported about C$25.8 billion in products from the U.S., including energy, machinery, aircrafts, vehicles and plastics.
• The Pacific Northwest is an important trade region for Alberta. In 2023, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER U.S. member states totalled C$25.7 billion.
• Alberta’s government takes comments made by President-elect Donald Trump about imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian exports to the U.S. very seriously.
• Alberta’s government does not support tariffs on Canadian exports or U.S. imports. Tariffs on Canadian and U.S. goods make life more expensive for everyday Canadians and everyday Americans.

Itinerary for MLA Getson*

Jan. 13	Travel to Helena, MT.
Jan. 14-15	Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
Jan. 16	Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

Itinerary for MLA Rowswell*

Jan. 13	Travel to Helena, MT.
Jan. 14-15	Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
Jan. 16	Travel to Alberta.
Jan. 20	Travel to Olympia, WA.
Jan. 21-22	Meet with U.S. legislators and policymakers as part of the 2025 PNWER Capital Visits.
Jan. 23	Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

Itinerary for MLA Pitt*

Jan. 17	Travel to Salt Lake City, UT. Join U.S. legislators and policymakers at the NCSL Winter Executive Committee meeting.
Jan. 18	Join U.S. legislators and policymakers at the NCSL Winter Executive Committee meeting.
Jan. 19	Travel to Alberta.

*Subject to change.

Related information

• Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER)
• National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)