This release was issued under a previous government.

The minister will participate in panel discussions on NAFTA modernization, economic development, and energy initiatives in Canada and the U.S. as part of the annual Council of State Governments (CSG) West conference.

“We want to see more market access for Alberta businesses as we begin the process of modernizing NAFTA.  The United States will always be our most important trading partner – working together we can continue growing our economies and creating jobs.”

Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

The minister will highlight the value of trade between Alberta and the United States to more than 600 lawmakers, industry leaders, academics and other delegates attending the annual Council of State Governments (CSG) West conference.

More than 171,000 jobs in the CSG West region rely on exporting merchandise and services to Alberta. In Alberta, more than 174,000 jobs are the result of trade with CSG West states.

CSG West is a regional forum bringing together legislators and government leaders from 13 U.S. states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Pacific islands of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Alberta and British Columbia are Associate Members.

MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park, Estefania Cortes-Vargas, will join the minister for the conference.

The estimated cost travel cost for Minister Bilous, MLA Cortes-Vargas and one staff member to Tacoma is $8,950.

Itinerary for Minister Bilous

Date

Event

Aug. 15

Travel from Edmonton to Seattle/Tacoma

Aug. 16-17

Participate in CSG West Annual Meeting activities, including North American Summit and Canada Relations Committee

Aug. 17

Depart Seattle/Tacoma