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VICTORIA – Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations John van Dongen is in Washington, D.C. this week to meet with U.S. federal officials and promote British Columbia’s priorities on energy, softwood lumber, the proposed passport requirement, border security and cross-border transportation, as part of a delegation from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER).
“British Columbia is a key part of an increasingly interconnected regional economy, and it’s critical that we work with our PNWER partners to advance our shared objectives in Washington,” van Dongen said. “While British Columbia’s interests will always be paramount, it is clear that a strong regional partnership is fundamental to our economic future. Many of the decisions impacting that relationship on the U.S. side are made at the federal level, so it’s important that we ensure British Columbia’s voice is heard.”
Van Dongen is joining representatives from Washington State, Alaska, and Idaho for two days of meetings Oct. 3 and 4.
He will
meet with Members of Congress and representatives from a variety of agencies,
including the U.S. State Department, Department of Commerce, Department of
Homeland Security, and the National
Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
Key topics for discussion include
border security impacts on businesses, agricultural trade and opening up
remaining restrictions to cattle exports due to BSE, border infrastructure and
the possibility of the proposed Alaska Railway project, and regional energy
issues.
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contact: |
250 356-7562 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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