Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 13, 2009

North American Energy and Climate Change on Agenda for Western Governors and Premiers



PARK CITY, Utah—Premier Gary Doer is among three western premiers attending the annual meeting of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), where he will discuss a number of cross-border issues related to North American co-operation on renewable energy and climate change, the economy and trade.
 
Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Doer will join the 10 western governors scheduled to attend the June 14 to 16 meeting hosted by Utah Gov. John Huntsman. 
 
“Western Canada is the largest supplier of energy to the U.S., with Manitoba a leading provider of renewable hydro power,” Doer said. “The western region is uniquely positioned to work together on energy issues including transmission.”  
 
This year’s WGA features the participation of a number of key officials from the Obama administration including Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. 
 
Doer said it is important for Canadian leaders to have formal as well as informal discussions with American political leaders on issues related to the secure and free flow of trade and people among the two countries. 
 
“Manitoba supports necessary security measures that protect Canadians and Americans alike. At the same time, we will continue to work with our American neighbours to ensure that our integrated economies are open to each other. North America’s strength as a region lies in working with our top trading partner to increase trade and build our economies.”
 
Manitoba’s two-way trade with the WGA states continues to increase, rising to $5.3 billion in 2008 from $3.7 billion in 2004.
 
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