Talkin' Trade Again

By Elaine Macdonald

Once again, Washington is getting our side of the softwood lumber story.  This time,  its part of the message being carried by Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, John van Dongen.

He is in meetings today with U.S. officials to talk about B.C's stake in the  development of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER)

“British Columbia is a key part of an increasingly interconnected regional economy, and it’s critical that we work with our PNWER partners to advance our shared objectives in Washington,” van Dongen said. “While British Columbia’s interests will always be paramount, it is clear that a strong regional partnership is fundamental to our economic future. Many of the decisions impacting that relationship on the U.S. side are made at the federal level, so it’s important that we ensure British Columbia’s voice is heard.” 

In addition to the softwood lumber issue, key topics  to be discussed include:
the possibility of the proposed Alaska Railway project, border security impacts on businesses, agricultural trade and opening up remaining restrictions to cattle exports due to BSE, and regional energy issues. 

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