SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Pacific NorthWest Economic Region
February 24, 2026
Honourable senators, as the Senate Co-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, it is my pleasure to welcome today’s delegation from the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, or PNWER, as they visit the national capital.
The Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group’s work is primarily active in three areas: The Council of State Governments, with its various regional meetings; the National Governors Association conferences, which usually occur twice annually; and the National Conference of State Legislatures. All of these meetings occur on the U.S. side of the border.
However, the PNWER meetings are unique in that they alternate annually between Canada and the U.S. For example, last year it was held in Seattle, and this year it will be held in Edmonton.
Established in 1991, PNWER is a unique statutory public-private partnership created by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, in addition to the Yukon and Northwest Territories.
The partnership brings legislators, governments and business leaders together to advance shared regional priorities with a mission to increase the economic well-being and quality of life of citizens across the region on both sides of the border. For more than three decades, PNWER has served as a trusted forum for cross-border collaboration, policy innovation and the exchange of best practices.
On behalf of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, I welcome to Ottawa current PNWER president and Saskatchewan MLA Travis Keisig; past president and Montana State Senator Mike Cuffe; Yukon MLA Adam Gerle; as well as Interim Executive Director Brandon Hardenbrook; Special Advisor Matt Morrison; Director of PNWER’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator program Bruce Agnew; Scott Hunter, with the Government of Saskatchewan; and Lianne Bell, with the Government of Alberta.
I look forward to discussing our common goals, especially during this important moment in the history of Canada-U.S. relations. Strong parliamentary relationships, such as those fostered by PNWER, are essential to ensuring that trade continues to flow efficiently and reminding us that the North American economy is deeply integrated, providing shared opportunities for businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the border.
Welcome to the Senate of Canada, and I thank the people of PNWER for their continued leadership in strengthening the Canadian-American partnership.
