NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 26, 2005

For more information contact:                             

Brian Hatfield, (360) 786-7745
hatfield_br@leg.wa.gov
or Antonio Sanchez, (360) 786-7786
sanchez_an@leg.wa.gov

Lt. Governor Plans International, “Capital-to-Capital” Visit

OLYMPIA -- The Legislative Committee on Economic Development and International Relations (LCEDIR), chaired by Lt. Governor Brad Owen, will conduct its next interim meeting in Victoria, B.C., on Sept. 8 and 9. 

The Washington state delegation will meet with their northern colleagues to discuss a variety of issues, including trade relations, energy, homeland security and the 2010 Olympics.

This venue marks the first time the LCEDIR, created by state law to ensure Washington maintains comprehensive, progressive and consistent economic development and trade policies, has conducted a meeting outside of the continental United States.  The committee includes 12 legislators and the lieutenant governor.  An equal number of Democrats and Republicans from the state's House of Representatives and Senate balances representation. 

Their work in Victoria begins on Thursday, Sept. 8, with a tour of the University of Victoria’s Clean Energy Center, where cutting edge, hydrogen power research is taking place.  They will then be the official guests of The Honorable Iona Campagnolo, the lieutenant governor of British Columbia.  A historic, public meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, in the Douglas Fir Room of British Columbia’s Parliament Building.

“As we promote Washington businesses and products all over the globe, we don’t want to forget our next door neighbors,” Lt. Governor Owen said.  He pointed to the potential passport requirement for travel to Canada as one of the specific issues the LCEDIR hopes to address. 

 “We must begin the discussion on how best to balance our homeland security concerns with the need to preserve the free flow of trade and tourism dollars between our two countries,” added Owen.  In addition to border issues, the Committee will hear presentations from the British Columbia Ministries of Energy, the Environment and Economic Development.  Significant time will be set aside to discuss business opportunities on both sides of the border generated by the 2010 Winter Olympic Games taking place in Vancouver and Whistler.

In addition to Victoria, the LCEDIR is planning an October meeting in Vancouver, Washington focusing on cultural and eco-tourism.  

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