Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, has been reappointed to a regional committee of legislators that will examine key trade and border security issues while pursuing opportunities for interstate and binational cooperation, policy-making and information sharing.
Goertzen was first appointed to the Midwest-Canada Relations Committee last year. It consists of leaders from 11 states and four Canadian provinces.
“I am glad to be able to serve another term on the committee and to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of local residents and Manitobans,” said Goertzen. “Our most important international relationship is with the United States and locally there are many people, whether farmers, businesses or people just visiting the U.S., that are impacted by that relationship.”
The committee will continue working to enhance the economic relationship between the Midwestern states and neighboring Canadian provinces and to support efforts to ensure a safe and well-functioning border. Canada is the largest trading partner for every state in the Midwest. Manitoba’s two-way trade with the 11 Midwestern states totaled nearly $10 billion in 2010.
Goertzen noted that issues such as the Keystone XL Pipeline and border security will be discussed at upcoming meetings noting that these issues are particularly key during the Presidential election year in the U.S.
Lawmakers from the following states are members of the MLC: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition, members of the legislative assemblies in four Canadian provinces – Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan – are MLC affiliates.
