Premier Christy Clark will take part in the Western Governors' Association 2011 Annual Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with a focus on energy security, resource management, and the economy.

"The western United States is our neighbour, friend and partner in the global economy. I am looking forward to meeting with my regional American counterparts so we can find ways to strengthen our Western economies to create jobs, secure our border and promote regional trade and competitiveness," said Premier Clark.

"The United States is British Columbia's largest trading partner. Working in partnership on Western focused issues is crucial to creating more opportunities for British Columbia families and communities. Together, we can look at initiatives that will benefit western North America."

Premiers of Western Provinces are invited to participate in the Western Governors' Association proceedings with governors, and western provinces often join together with western states in initiatives that are agreed at WGA meetings. As agreed at the recent Western Premiers' Conference in Yellowknife, Premier Clark will be conveying the messages of Western Premiers to their US counterparts at the meeting of the Western Governors' Association.

Established in 1984 through the merger of two Governors' organizations, the Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of Governors from 19 Western states, two Pacific-flag territories and one Commonwealth. The Association was formed to provide strong multi-state leadership in an era of critical change in the economy and demography of the West.

This year's conference, June 28 - July 1, 2011, will include discussions around reducing energy demand by improving energy efficiency, developing electrical transmission for the future of the West, and improving the health of forests in the West.

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640