Shane Getson, parliamentary secretary for Economic Corridor Development and MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland; Chantelle de Jonge, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore; and Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod will travel to Anchorage, Alaska to voice Alberta’s priorities and fast-track bilateral cooperation in meetings, discussions and working groups with U.S. government representatives, state legislators and industry leaders.
MLAs will focus on promoting the importance of integrated economic corridors and supply chains across the Pacific Northwest region and beyond, and how they contribute to the mutually beneficial growth and security of both Canadian and American economies. They will also profile Alberta as a partner of choice in responsible energy development and emissions reduction, and identify new areas of opportunity for collaboration and enhanced energy infrastructure that will bring even more Alberta-made energy products to the U.S.
This trip will build on conversations that took place in Whistler, B.C. in July, when MLAs Getson, de Jonge and Petrovic joined colleagues and more than 600 delegates from the U.S. and Canada at the 33rd PNWER Annual Summit.
“I am eager to work together with Pacific NorthWest Economic Region members to continue our work to enhance trade and logistical relationships within the region. With Alberta as the gateway to the north, we have the opportunity to build an economy of connections, which will create a brighter future with many mutual benefits and enhanced opportunities for the region.”
“The United States is Alberta's most important friend, ally and trading partner, and this forum provides an excellent platform to strengthen those critical relationships with state legislators. It offers an opportunity to highlight the deep economic ties that bind our two regions and underscores the importance of collaboration on secure supply chains. Alberta’s energy industry plays a vital role in supporting American national security, and together, we can continue to build on this strategic partnership."
“I am excited to speak to Alberta’s role in supporting North American energy independence and security, creating jobs and driving industry growth on both sides of the border. I’m also excited to share about Alberta’s vibrant tourism industry and how it strengthens our cross-border relationship, welcoming visitors from all over to experience our unique landscapes, culture and heritage. Together, our energy and tourism sectors showcase Alberta’s contributions to a thriving North American partnership.”
While in Alaska, MLAs Getson, de Jonge and Petrovic will also participate in the Resource Development Council’s 45th Annual Alaska Resources Conference from Nov. 13 to 14 to highlight the importance of enhancing economic ties and collaboration between Canada and the U.S. while promoting Alberta as a partner of choice for responsible energy and emissions reduction solutions.
The Resource Development Council is a trade association representing Alaska’s fishing, forestry, mining, oil and gas and tourism industries that focuses on promoting responsible resource development in the region.
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.
Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Quick facts
- The United States is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
- 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.
- Top exports included energy (C$19.2 billion), meat (C$475.3 million), livestock (C$435.4 million), wood (C$431 million) and machinery (C$323.3 million).
Itinerary for MLAs Getson, de Jonge and Petrovic*
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Nov. 12 |
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Nov. 13-14 |
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Nov.15 |
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*Subject to change.