The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a regional multilateral forum that brings together legislative, government and private sector leaders from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska to advance policies that promote the region’s economies.

MLA for Livingstone-Macleod Roger Reid, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek Richard Gotfried and MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Garth Rowswell will attend the PNWER economic leadership forum from Dec. 3-7 in Portland, Ore.

The event provides an opportunity to represent Alberta’s interests on key policy issues including the importance of trade, investment, energy security and infrastructure for continued economic growth on both sides of the border.

“Meeting face to face with American legislators provides us the opportunity to have more meaningful conversations about how we can grow our economies. This forum provides us the opportunity to promote our strengths, find common interests, and collaborate on solutions to shared issues.”

Roger Reid, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod

“Enhancing our ties with other members of PNWER will help to strengthen those relationships. By meeting together, we assure each other of our commitment to the success of the regions we represent, but also to the success of our partners.”

Richard Gotfried, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek

“The opportunity to meet with other legislators is critical to strengthening our relationships with them. Alberta’s economy is strong and I am looking forward to sharing the positives from our province and learning more about what is working well in other jurisdictions.”

Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright

Alberta is a founding member of PNWER and continues to play an active role in the organization. Maintaining and building strong relationships with key partners is important for creating jobs and strengthening Alberta’s economy.

In July 2022, Alberta hosted PNWER’s Annual Summit in Calgary, attracting more than 550 attendees from across the region.

The mission will be supported by one public servant.

All mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

The Alberta government is committed to working with national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

Quick facts

  • The United States is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S.

  • In 2021, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled $122.7 billion.

  • In 2021, bilateral trade between Alberta and U.S. states in the PNWER region was approximately $18.9 billion.

  • In 2021, Alberta exports to the region totalled $16.9 billion and included agriculture and agri-food, chemicals and plastics, manufacturing, forestry products, energy, metals and minerals.

  • If PNWER were a nation, it would be the 11th-largest economy in the world.

Itinerary for MLAs*

Dec. 3
  • Travel to Portland, Ore.

Dec. 4-6
  • Meet with government officials and state legislators representing the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region and participate in the economic leadership forum

Dec. 7
  • Business outreach (MLA Gotfried only)
  • MLAs Reid and Rowsell return to Alberta

Dec. 8
  • MLA Gotfried returns to Alberta

*Subject to change.