MLA for Airdrie-East Angela Pitt, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Garth Rowswell and MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock Glenn Van Dijken will represent Alberta at the summit in Louisville, Kentucky from Aug. 3 to 8. They will attend sessions and advocate for Alberta at the largest gathering of legislators, legislative staff and business leaders in the U.S.
The annual summit will provide the province a platform to build valuable connections with decision makers and advance Alberta’s priorities on key issues spanning energy, cross-border pipelines and mutually beneficial policies that promote trade, investment and economic development.
Additionally, the MLAs will represent the province at the inaugural meeting of the NCSL’s International Advisory Council, where they will work with U.S. officials to lay the groundwork for the council’s objectives going forward, including Alberta’s participation and role.
“This is a unique opportunity to meet with influential U.S. decision makers across the political spectrum and solidify Alberta’s position as a contributing member of this important organization. We look forward to voicing Alberta’s perspective and building consensus on common interests that will boost trade and investment between our province and the U.S. – a country that buys the largest share of Alberta’s exports and helps communities across our province thrive.”
"The U.S. is a crucial friend and trading partner to Alberta, and further strengthening that relationship is a priority for our province. This summit is an opportunity to share Alberta’s story and learn more about the policies and issues facing our counterparts at the state level. I look forward to representing Alberta at this productive event.”
“As Alberta continues to diversify, staying connected to our counterparts in the U.S. is critical to cross-border energy development, promoting cohesion in our agricultural sector, improving trade relationships and attracting investment for future economic growth. Having a seat on the International Advisory Council and the Agricultural Task Force ensures Alberta has a forum to collaborate with like-minded states and advance our collective efforts on issues of mutual benefit to Alberta and the U.S.”
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 co-operation 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 earlier this year.
Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Quick facts
- The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner. In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totaled $156.1 billion – about 90 per cent of Alberta’s total exports.
- Alberta’s top exports to the U.S. in 2023 included energy, plastics, forestry products, meat and machinery.
Itinerary for MLAs Pitt and Rowswell*
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Aug. 3 |
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Aug. 4 |
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Aug. 5 - 7 |
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Aug. 8 |
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*Subject to change.
Itinerary for MLA Van Dijken*
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Aug. 3 |
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Aug. 4 |
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Aug. 5 - 7 |
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Aug. 8 |
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Aug. 9 |
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*Subject to change.