Ottawa, Ontario –Brant MP Phil McColeman recently represented the Canadian Section of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) at a meeting of the Council of State Governments (CSG) in Bellevue, Washington, from October 19-23, 2011.

McColeman has a personal interest in trade and commerce involving our largest trading partner and closest ally, having involved himself in conferences and seminars hosted by groups such as the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance. In addition, he is currently seeking the Vice-Chair position of the Canada-US IPG on Parliament Hill. Given the vicinity of the Brant riding to the American border, McColeman views issues of cross-border trade, transportation and security with our American counter-parts as ones of vital importance to his constituents.

Travelling to the CSG`s 2011 North American Summit was an opportunity for Mr. McColeman to continue building relationships and supporting efforts for change and progress that is in the mutual interest of our two countries. The trip included meetings with Canada`s Ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, and US Ambassador David Jacobson. McColeman also participated in a panel discussion titled “Governing in North America: Strengthening Global Relations Through Intergovernmental Engagement,” and heard from speakers like Anthony DePalma, who spoke – among other things – about the thickening of the Canada-U.S. border following the terrorist attacks of September 2001.

“It is important that I continue to place an emphasis on improving Canada’s relationship with legislators and policy makers south of the border,” said McColeman. “Decisions on trade, tourism, and security affect the day-to-day lives of so many individuals and businesses in Brant and I want to make sure that our voice is heard, both here in Canada and in the United States”.

The Council of State Governments serves all three branches of state government and provides regional fora – the western, midwestern, southern and eastern regional conferences – through which ideas and insights are exchanged with a view to shaping public policy. Additional information on the CSG can be found at: www.csg.org

The Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group aims to find points of convergence in respective national policies, to initiate dialogue on points of divergence, to encourage the exchange of information and to promote better understanding among legislators on shared issues of concern. Additional information on the Group can be found at http://www.parl.gc.ca/iia/Association.aspx?Lang=E&DCId=4&DTId=6&P=overview&ORGId=1383.