Premiers Conclude Successful Mission to Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 8, 2017 /CNW/ - This week's visit by Canada's Premiers to the U.S. capital wrapped up today following a series of productive meetings.

The mission was led by Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Chair of the Council of the Federation.  Joining him were Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan, Newfoundland & Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, and Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod.

Canada's Premiers highlighted the strength of the Canada?U.S. economic relationship and the importance of working together to secure North American prosperity.

"I'm very pleased with the success of this visit, especially ahead of efforts to improve the North American Free Trade Agreement," said Premier Silver. "In each of our meetings, Premiers highlighted the mutual benefits of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship, including Canada's contribution to American economic security and prosperity."

Premiers held meetings with numerous senior American political leaders including:

• A meeting with Stephen Schwarzman, Chair of President Trump's Strategic and Policy Forum, where discussions centered on NAFTA and the President's economic priorities.
• A meeting with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, where Premiers discussed the importance of bilateral trade in the agriculture sector and the resulting positive impact on the economy in both Canada and the U.S.
• A meeting with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, where the focus was on Canada's contribution to American energy security.

Premiers also held meetings with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Premiers met with key American business leaders at an event organized by the Business Roundtable and participated in a panel discussion at the Wilson Center's Canada Institute where they discussed key trade issues with a business audience.

Nearly 9 million U.S. jobs depend on Canada, and Canada is the top export destination for 35 U.S. states while 48 states have Canada among their top three export markets.

In addition, Premiers held meetings with a large number of Members of Congress to inform them about key Canada-U.S. trade issues, including softwood lumber. Given the importance of NAFTA modernization, Premiers also met with representatives of Mexican state governors, as well as the Mexican Ambassador to the United States.

SOURCE Canada's Premiers