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MLC Midwest-Canada Relations Committee

The MLC Midwest-Canada Relations Committee was created in 1991 by the Midwestern Legislative Conference.

The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and customs and border integration of the states and provinces were among the topics discussed at the most recent Midwest-Canada Relations Committee meeting. The committee met during the Midwestern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting in July, 2008.

The committee works to represent the state and provincial viewpoint on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and other policies and programs that affect the U.S. – Canada relationship. Through meetings with officials in Washington, and with resolutions and public comments, the committee tries to ensure that the perspective of state and provincial legislators is presented to Congress and the Administration.

The committee has three subcommittees that focus on aspects of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, an accord that was signed by the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States in March 2005. In addition to seeking state and provincial solutions to some of the policies covered under the partnership agreement, the subcommittees are looking for specific opportunities for states and provinces to help shape and frame the federal-level discussions about the partnership.

The three subcommittees are:

  • Subcommittee on Security
  • Subcommittee on Economic Prosperity
  • Subcommittee on Environment and Health

Legislators from each of the 11 Midwestern states are appointed by their respective legislative leaders to serve on the committee. Provincial legislators from the provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan also serve on the committee. The committee provides a forum for dialogue between state and provincial legislators on matters of common interest and concern, allows them to exchange information and formulate solutions to common challenges.

The committee also organizes and sponsors two to four legislative exchanges between state and provincial legislators each year. These exchanges provide an opportunity for legislators from both sides of the border to spend several days observing the legislative process and to meet legislative leaders and other officials.



For more information, contact:
Ilene K. Grossman


last updated: June 16, 2009


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