Highlights from the PNWER Winter Meeting

Highlights from the 2017 Economic Leadership Forum in Victoria B.C.

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's 2017 Economic Leadership Forum was held this past week in Victoria, B.C. Delegates from across the Pacific Northwest participated in 3 days of dialogue and problem-solving.

More than 150 state and provincial legislators and business leaders from the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada convened at the Economic Leadership Forum, Nov. 5-7 in Victoria to discuss regional economic issues, support international trade and build cross-border cooperation.

The 3-day event opened with the Legislative Leadership Academy, which gave participants a first hand-view of the differences between the Canadian and U.S. systems of government. Read more to learn about the Economic Leadership Forum.

See below for pictures and a recap from all 3 days.

Click here to view the presentations from the meeting.

Full meeting program is available here.

Curious about the differences between the U.S. and Canada? Click here for Legislative Academy Manual.

Meeting Highlights

View from the Speaker's Chair

A panel discussion between The Honourable Darryl Plecas, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (right) and Senator Arnie Roblan (left) , former co-Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, gave participants insight into the role of the Speaker in both countries. Former BC Minister of Environment Barry Penner (middle) moderated the insightful session.

Keynote from Consul General Brandon Lee

Brandon Lee, Consul General of Seattle, joined PNWER for his first meeting with the delegates at the Economic Leadership Forum. Lee provided an inspiring keynote about the importance of NAFTA for the region and the Canadian federal government's view on issues that PNWER is addressing.

NAFTA: To Be or Not to Be?

Dan Ujczo, Canada-U.S. Law Specialist, Dickenson Wright, presented an engaging talk on the current state of negotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Ujczo identified key issues in the negotiation process, possible timeline of events, and several scenarios of how NAFTA is expected to shake out.

PNWER released its NAFTA Resolution calling for the Modernization of the agreement. Please see below for the full resolution.

Monday Night in the B.C. Parliament Rotunda

Newly appointed PNWER lead delegate from British Columbia, MLA Rick Glumac welcomed delegates from across the Pacific Northwest to Victoria. The Monday night reception, held in the B.C. Parliament Building Rotunda, was attended by 21 B.C. Ministers and MLAs.

PNWER Resolution on Modernized NAFTA

*Click image to view full Resolution on Modernized NAFTA

Recap of Plenary Sessions

Speaker presentations are available here.

Tourism

Tuesday morning was highlighted by several presentations on the economic impact of Tourism to the Pacific Northwest. Delegates heard from key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges facing the regional tourism sector. Tourism accounts for about $62 billion USD in the PNWER region.

Transportation

The discussions focused on transportation solutions, including a presentation from Charles Knutson, Washington Office of the Governor, on ultra high speed rail, and presentations on tech solutions to facilitate border crossings and automated connected electric share (ACES) vehicles. Preclearance was discussed with a focus on Harbour to Harbour Seaplane service, Cruise Terminals and Airports. PNWER has been a leader in promoting legislation and innovative pilot projects that are materializing into full scale programs for the benefit of the region.

Resilient Infrastructure

Delegates were given an update on the PWNER Roadmap to Ultra-Low Energy, Resilient Buildings, from Andrew Pape-Salmon and key lessons learned from the Alberta fires and Calgary floods from Christine Arthurs, Director of Resilience & Infrastructure Calgary (pictured). Delegates also learned from David McGown about the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the role of IBC in disasters.

Innovation

Kate Moran of Ocean Network Canada (right) gave a sobering presentation on our oceans. Moran highlighted the Network's use of science, and technology in ocean floor sensors for early detection of earthquakes and changes to environment.

Ross Drake of Pyrus Medical showcased their technology that uses AR/VR to improve the safety and success of medical procedures.

Other Highlights

PNWER President Sen. Arnie Roblan, OR welcomed delegates to Victoria

The Tuesday luncheon featured a dialogue on data privacy between B.C. Commissioner of Information & Privacy Drew McArthur (left) and Washington State Chief Privacy Officer Alex Alben

PNWER Vice President, MLA Graham Sucha from Alberta gave a presentation on Daylight Savings Time at the Monday luncheon

PNWER Vice President, Minister Larry Doke at the PNWER Welcome Reception with Gary Sam of the Lekwungen Nation providing the First Nation Blessing

Waterfront Boat Tour of Victoria's Working Harbour

The Victoria Harbour Tour passed under the Johnson Street draw bridge

PNWER Vice Presidents MLA Graham Sucha and Rep. Gael Tarleton, WA enjoying the Policy Tour and learning about the many industries dependent on the Harbour.

Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps kicked off the tour by speaking to delegates about the progress of the new sewage treatment plant being built in Victoria. The Harbour Tour also included a tour of the Point Hope Shipyard (pictured above)

Thank you, Victoria!

PNWER Vice President Rep. Mike Cuffe, MT learning about the inner workings of Victoria Harbour

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