BC – Premier John Horgan has named Parliamentary Secretary of Technology Rick Glumac as his representative at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER).
The parliamentary secretary will help the Premier extend a warm welcome to delegates, from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Montana, when the Government of British Columbia hosts the group’s Annual Winter Meeting in Victoria, Nov. 5-7.
“The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region provides an opportunity for B.C. to continue to build strong relationships with U.S. state legislators and influential members of the U.S. private sector,” says Premier Horgan.
“This is especially important at a time when government is actively advocating for B.C.’s interests in softwood lumber and the North American Free Trade Agreement in both Canada and the U.S.”
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region is inviting legislators and private-sector representatives from each jurisdiction to participate in a three-day economic leadership forum.
The forum will feature a number of keynote speakers, including Canada’s Consul General in Seattle, Brandon Lee, who will address the importance of key areas of Canada-U.S. relations such as trade, innovation and tourism. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s executive policy advisor, Charles Knutson, will be speaking at the event and will shed light on the state of Washington’s long-term vision for high-speed rail.
“The Province was one of the founding members of PNWER in 1991,” says Glumac. “British Columbia stands with its neighbour jurisdictions to support the goal of increasing economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens in the Pacific Northwest, while maintaining and enhancing the natural environment.”
PNWER represents a unique opportunity for British Columbia to promote its interests and priorities throughout the region through collaboration, innovation and engagement.