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Premiers and governors to meet in Washington, February 20

The Canadian Press has reported that, “Canada’s premiers will get a moment in the spotlight (on February 20) at the influential National Governors’ Association winter meeting, a gathering that often serves as a guiding policy light for both Congress and the White House.”

“It’s the first-ever meeting between the association and its Canadian counterpart, the Council of the Federation. …Regional premiers and governors often get together to discuss common issues, but it’s unprecedented for all governors and premiers to sit down in a formal setting at such a prestigious event in the U.S. capital.”

Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador will be represented at the meeting.

“Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is co-hosting an event during the meeting entitled Common Border, Common Ground, focusing on touchy Canada-U.S. issues that include trade, border security and energy.”

The Edmonton Sun adds that, “Promoting secure energy exports will be the main focus of a trip to Washington, D.C., for Alberta’s international and intergovernmental minister (Iris Evans). Also on the agenda is promoting the importance of open trade with the U.S., officials said Thursday.”

A Council of the Federation media release notes, “The mission will focus on trade and border issues, as well as on energy and the environment.”

The Globe and Mail reports today that, “Border issues and trade will top the agenda, including the Buy American deal…”

The Canadian Press article is at http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091218/Meeting_US_091218?hub=EdmontonHome.

The Edmonton Sun article is at http://m.edmontonsun.com/news/Alberta/12846141.1.