Alberta Deepens Relationships with U.S. Partners

MLAs Shane Getson and Garth Rowswell will champion Alberta’s economic priorities with American decision-makers at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit.

July 14, 2023 Media inquiries

MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland Shane Getson and MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright Garth Rowswell will travel to Boise, Idaho, July 15 to 20, to attend the summit as Alberta’s PNWER Delegate Council. They will advocate for issues of particular importance to Albertans, build relationships to support Alberta’s interests and further trade and investment ties with the U.S.

PNWER is a regional forum that brings together legislative, government and private sector leaders from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska to advance policies that promote the region’s economies.

“Economic development is directly related to the strength of the partnerships we create. Alberta’s interests at the PNWER conference are to seek new avenues for innovation and investment while strengthening our long-standing trade relationships. The PNWER conference will indicate how the northwestern region of Canada and the United States seeks to progress in economic development and diversification.”

Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland

“The PNWER conference will significantly aid Alberta’s economic diversification interests by facilitating collaboration with neighbouring leaders and innovators. The United States is Alberta’s largest trading partner, so meeting with state leaders to strategize mutual growth opportunities is necessary to ensure Alberta’s development into a leading global economic producer.”

Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright

The annual summit is a key opportunity to collaborate with U.S. decision makers on issues critical to Alberta’s economic success. It allows the province to promote key policy issues for Alberta, including energy security, trade, critical minerals, agriculture and transportation. This year’s summit will also highlight topics such as border issues, water policy, innovation, artificial intelligence and invasive species.

Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

Quick facts

The United States is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
In 2022, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled US$141.3 billion.
The PNWER region is an important trade region for Alberta, as it is closest in proximity to Alberta’s borders.
In 2022, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER U.S. member states totalled more than US$19.2 billion.
In 2022, Alberta’s exports to the PNWER member states totalled US$16.9 billion.
Alberta imported US$2.3 billion from the PNWER member states in 2022.
If PNWER were a nation, it would be the 11th largest economy in the world.

Itinerary for MLAs Getson and Rowswell*

July 15  MLAs Getson and Rowswell travel to Boise, Idaho

July 16-19 Participate in the PNWER Annual Summit

July 20 Return to Alberta

*Subject to change.

Related Information

• Pacific NorthWest Economic Region
• Travel and expense disclosure

Media inquiries

Andrea Farmer

780-405-0775
Press Secretary, Jobs, Economy and Trade