Alberta Premier Jason Kenney speaks to the Canadian Club of Ottawa, Monday December 9, 2019 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld ORG XMIT: ajw105
Premier Jason Kenney is off to Montreal and Washington, D.C., to push for pipelines and promote investment in Alberta.
The Monday through Sunday trip is designed to build on “government’s work to drive investment, expand Alberta exports and get pipelines built,” said a Sunday government press release.
“Alberta’s economic future depends on new private sector investment. That’s why I have put a priority on meeting with key investors to tell them about the tremendous opportunities that exist in Alberta, and the policies that are making us one of the most competitive places for job creation in North America. That’s what I will be doing in Montreal,” the premier said in the release.
“We also have critical issues at play with our largest trading partner, the United States. That’s why I will be travelling to Washington, D.C., to meet with state governors and key congressional and administration officials. I will be discussing the future of NAFTA and the construction of pipelines, like Line 3 and Keystone XL, while in the U.S. capital.”
While in Montreal, Kenney is slated to speak to a roundtable of business leaders, and will meet with Canadian CEOs. He will also be available to media there to “underscore how all Canadians benefit from a thriving energy sector, and why Alberta is a preferred source of energy in both environmental and social terms.”
Then, during his time in Washington, the premier is scheduled to attend meetings hosted by the National Governors Association. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Quebec Premier François Legault and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are also to attend. Kenney’s agenda also includes holding bilateral meetings with governors of U.S. states with “strong ties to the Alberta economy,” and with members of the House of Representatives, the senate, and the administration.
Kenney and Moe are to deliver a joint presentation to the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute. Kenney is to meet with the United States Chamber of Commerce, the American Petroleum Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, and the School of Advanced International Studies.
Three political staff will accompany the premier for a total estimated cost of $32,000, says the news release.
