Alberta Trade Mission Scales Capitol Hill
The largest trade delegation in Alberta history visited Washington in mid-January, with public policy events on Capitol Hill and a business session at the historic Mayflower Hotel
The evening of January 16 featured a reception honouring Premier Stelmach hosted by Canadian Ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson as well as the introduction of Gary Mar as Alberta’s new Washington envoy. The attendees were met outside the embassy by a group of protestors, some dressed in polar bear suits, who demanded an end to the development of Alberta’s oilsands. One AEG delegate surmised that perhaps “the Saudis put them up to it.”
Economic Strength through Diversification
Thursday’s formal session focused on increasing bilateral trade in agriculture, alternative energy and transportation infrastructure issues.
Key presentations during the business sessions included those from Alberta native David Manning, Senior Vice President of Keyspan Corporation, former president of CAPP and advisor to Senator Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
Chris Moakley, CEO of Meridian Investments, described how Canadian investors could profit from U.S. tax laws at a time of historic strength in the Canadian dollar by investing in alternative energy production in the U.S. and selling the accruing tax credits to American companies.
Calgary Mayor David Bronconnier outlined his plans for continuing Calgary’s economic development by making the city even more attractive for business investment and its residents.
All Politics are Local
The trip was important not only for AEG members seeking new business relationships, but also for Premier Stelmach, who presented to Washington’s legislative leaders his policy agenda on the key issues that drive Alberta’s economy – like energy, agriculture and an ever-expanding knowledge-based economy. To maintain the trip’s momentum, Stelmach dispatched a delegation of government officials in mid-February to debunk myths surrounding oilsands development and to describe how the government intends to protect Alberta’s resource economy in the face of increasing opposition from politically powerful groups within the United States.
As the revered Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Tip O’Neill once said, “All politics are local.” Premier Stelmach understood that lesson well and made sure that he laid the groundwork for fruitful relations with the United States by engaging Washington on home ground. Even with the always-connected nature of modern business, there is just no substitute for personal engagement.
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