Dallas to promote energy and trade in Europe

December 8, 2011
Dallas to promote energy and trade in Europe

Edmonton... Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations Cal Dallas will advance Alberta’s trade and energy relations in Europe December 12-20.

Dallas will travel to France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to discuss the European Union’s proposed Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) with industry. “We support the intent of the fuel quality directive and the EU’s commitment to addressing global climate change,” said Dallas. “Our concern is the language in the proposed FQD, which discriminates against our oil sands while not applying the same level of scrutiny to all of Europe’s other existing crude suppliers.”

Dallas will also focus on growing Alberta’s presence in these key markets when he meets with European investors and business community representatives.

“When taken together, Europe is Alberta’s third largest trading partner, and the second largest source of foreign direct investment into Canada,” Dallas said. “There are significant opportunities to grow our trade and investment relations abroad.”

In Geneva, the minister will participate in World Trade Organization (WTO) policy meetings to discuss the “Doha Round” of negotiations and emphasize Alberta’s support for free trade. Dallas will also meet with Canadian ministers and negotiators to advance the province’s WTO priority interests. He will also participate in a business roundtable in Paris along with the Canadian Minister of International Trade, Ed Fast, and meet with Canada’s Ambassador to France.

Alberta’s trade and investment relations with the UK will also be bolstered when Dallas meets with Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce board members. Dallas will also meet with the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada and the Alberta United Kingdom Office to discuss Alberta’s commitment to responsible energy production.

The minister will be accompanied by his executive assistant. The estimated cost of the mission, including travel, food and accommodations, is approximately $32,500.

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Backgrounder: Dallas’ itinerary

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mike Deising, Communications Director
Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations
780-422-2524
mike.deising@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

December 8, 2011

Itinerary for Minister Cal Dallas*

December 12

Minister Dallas travels to Paris, France.

December 13

Briefing with the Honourable Ed Fast, Canadian Minister of International Trade.

Roundtable discussion with French companies to discuss Alberta’s economic outlook and trade and investment.

December 14

Meeting with French multinational corporations on energy development in Alberta.

Minister Dallas travels to Geneva, Switzerland.

Minister Dallas attends familiarization meetings with Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization John Gero.

December 15

Attend World Trade Organization policy meetings to emphasize the importance of free trade on Alberta’s export-based economy, and express support for the WTO’s continued work on the “Doha Round” of negotiations.

Attend World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, the highest decision-making body at WTO, to convey Alberta’s support of trade liberalization.

December 16

Attend World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference to convey Alberta’s support of the WTO.

Discussion with World Business Council for Sustainable Development on Alberta’s FQD concerns and promote Alberta’s environment and energy advocacy.

December 17

Minister Dallas travels to London, UK.

December 18

Personal time.

December 19

Review of Alberta United Kingdom Office business plans and operations.

Meeting with Mr. Claude Boucher, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to discuss efforts to promote Alberta in the UK.

Presentation to Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce board members on Alberta’s economic and fiscal outlook and provide an overview of government’s policy direction.

December 20

Minister Dallas travels back to Alberta.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mike Deising, Communications Director
Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations
780-422-2524
mike.deising@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Send us your comments or questions

December 12	Minister Dallas travels to Paris, France.
December 13	Briefing with the Honourable Ed Fast, Canadian Minister of International Trade. Roundtable discussion with French companies to discuss Alberta’s economic outlook and trade and investment.
December 14	Meeting with French multinational corporations on energy development in Alberta. Minister Dallas travels to Geneva, Switzerland. Minister Dallas attends familiarization meetings with Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization John Gero.
December 15	Attend World Trade Organization policy meetings to emphasize the importance of free trade on Alberta’s export-based economy, and express support for the WTO’s continued work on the “Doha Round” of negotiations. Attend World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, the highest decision-making body at WTO, to convey Alberta’s support of trade liberalization.
December 16	Attend World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference to convey Alberta’s support of the WTO. Discussion with World Business Council for Sustainable Development on Alberta’s FQD concerns and promote Alberta’s environment and energy advocacy.
December 17	Minister Dallas travels to London, UK.
December 18	Personal time.
December 19	Review of Alberta United Kingdom Office business plans and operations. Meeting with Mr. Claude Boucher, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to discuss efforts to promote Alberta in the UK. Presentation to Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce board members on Alberta’s economic and fiscal outlook and provide an overview of government’s policy direction.
December 20	Minister Dallas travels back to Alberta.