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CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Alberta MLAs push for U.S. trade at Boston conference
Three Alberta MLAs are in Boston this week to participate in talks aimed at improving trade relations between Alberta and the U.S. A team of Alberta MLAs is in Boston this week to advocate for barrier-free trade with the United States. The three MLAs, Glenn van Dijken, Angela Pitt and Chelsae Petrovic, will be attending the National Conference of State Legislators, a large summit where lawmakers from across the U.S. discuss policy and partnerships. According to the province, they're pushing for barrier-free trade with our American neighbours, highlighting Alberta as a reliable source for energy and agriculture. 'Given the sheer number of influential American legislators attending the NCSL, it's crucial to make sure Alberta is well represented in the room,' said van Dijken in a statement. The U.S. is Alberta's biggest trading partner, receiving more than $162 billion in exports last year. Energy products accounted for about $133.4 billion. The MLAs left for Boston on Aug. 2 and will return on Aug 7. Their schedules show them participating in a series of policy sessions, meetings and networking events. The trip south of the border comes amid the larger trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. While speaking on a U.S. talk show over the weekend, Dominic Leblanc, Canada's minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, said recent meetings in Washington were cordial and constructive. He added that he remains optimistic a deal can be done.
Hamilton Spectator
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Beyond Washington diplomacy fuels U.S. trips
Trips to the U.S. this month from within the non-cabinet ranks of the UCP appear to build on an elbows-down approach to trade with Alberta's most important market. The itineraries of MLAs Glenn van Dijken and Angela Pitt also show that not all diplomacy happens in Washington. Van Dijken just returned from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after attending the spring agricultural task force meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Pitt, meanwhile, heads off to Lake Tahoe, Nev., on June 15 for the NCSL Legislative Leaders' Symposium. Their stateside presence aims to 'build on progress made with lawmakers to protect and deepen ties that bond our economies,' says an Alberta government news release. Established in 1975 by state legislators and legislative staff, the NCSL brings together lawmakers and other government leaders from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and the 16 U.S. territories. Alberta formalized its role in the NCSL by becoming an affiliate member and a member of its International Advisory Council last year. And the province also has strong ties with another U.S. governmental group, the Council of State Governments. Founded in 1933, the Council of State Governments is the only nonpartisan association serving all three branches of state government and their elected and unelected officials and staff. Four provinces are members of the council's Midwestern Legislative Conference — Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario are affiliate members, Saskatchewan is a full member. Van Dijken, the member for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock, was in Cedar Rapids to 'champion Alberta's role as a reliable partner in establishing U.S. food security,' the news release said. While meeting with decision-makers on state and federal policy issues, Van Dijken shared best practices in agriculture and agrifood development, and advocated for 'Alberta's unimpeded access to U.S. markets,' says the release Although not a member of cabinet, van Dijken chairs a cabinet policy committee called Alberta First. The U.S. is Alberta's largest trading partner, and Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario. The government pegs exports last year to the U.S. at $162.1 billion, accounting for almost 89 per cent per cent of provincial exports. Although energy projects make up more than 82 per cent of Alberta's U.S. exports, the stateside marketplace is also critical to agriculture. Ag products worth $9.2 billion when there in 2024, up four per cent from the year before. Airdrie-East's Angela Pitt will 'reinforce the value of our trade relationship' while in Lake Tahoe. She will 'promote the benefits of working together on critical trade corridors, including pipelines, to unleash Alberta's ability to support the U.S. in its ambitions to become energy dominant,' the release says. Said Pitt: 'I have had many positive conversations with members of the NCSL over the past few months, and I look forward to advancing these discussions further in Nevada.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
