Canadian American Business Council AGM and Economic Integration Forum June 9 - 13, 2010

Final Trip Report
Mission to the Canadian American
Business Council (CABC)
Washington, D.C.
Dates: June 9-11, 2010
.
Purpose of travel:
To represent the Government of Alberta and promote Alberta’s agriculture and food trade interests at a conference hosted by the Canadian American Business Council (CABC).

Overview:
The CABC Annual General Meeting and Economic Integration forum brings together policy makers and business leaders from Canada and the United States (US) to engage in high-level discussions on the current economic climate and issues that may be impacting our integrated North American market.

The US is Canada’s largest trading partner, and a healthy integrated North American market is critical to the success of so many Alberta industries, including our agriculture and food sectors. The opportunity to sit down with other decision makers and discuss how we can address trade barriers and achieve greater mutual economic success is an important part of advancing Alberta’s competitiveness.

The conference entitled “What Ever Happened to the North American Market? Implications for Canada/US Relations” explored procedures and structures across the food, transportation and infrastructure sectors that may be affecting trade relationships and cooperation that can further support a more robust cross-border economic recovery.

Mr. Broyce Jacobs, MLA Cardston-Taber-Warner and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development represented Alberta at the CABC.

Mission Objectives:
Attend CABC conference opening luncheon and remarks
Attend panel discussion: Congressional and Administration’s Strategy for North America
Attend address by US Secretary of Commerce
Attend address by US Secretary of Transportation
Participate in panel discussion: Integrated Economies, Divided Border: What issues are preventing a more robust cross-border economic recovery, and are we seeing the emergency of a new paradigm for cross border trade? Food security & Transportation – case studies
Attend panel discussion: What can we do to improve the North American Competitive Advantage?

The event draws together policy makers and business leaders from both sides of the border to engage in high-level discussions on issues of current concern. It provides assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, as well as significant networking opportunities and informative seminars. It is one of the key events in Washington, D.C. on Canada/US relations that capture the attention of members of the media. The speaking engagement provided the opportunity to build stronger working relationships with key contacts in the US, and advance the interests of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Results:
Provided an overview of the state of Alberta’s agriculture industry.
Shared Alberta’s efforts to enhance the safety of our North American food supply that do not restrict trade or add unnecessary costs.
Shared the importance of working together towards removing some of the barriers that impede trade between Alberta and the US.
Exchanged information with US participants and enhanced Alberta’s position and profile in the US.

Delegation:
Mr. Broyce Jacobs, MLA Cardston-Taber-Warner and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

For more information about the content of this document, contact Annalisa Baer.
This document is maintained by Kelly Bernard.
This information published to the web on October 1, 2010.
Last Reviewed/Revised on January 10, 2017.