Parliamentary Secretary Norm Letnick will continue to lay the groundwork for B.C.'s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's (PNWER) winter meeting this week in Banff.

The Pacific Northwest region stands to benefit from the economic activity and jobs that will be created through LNG production. As well, B.C.'s liquefied natural gas exports will contribute to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by helping other countries transition away from higher GHG producing fuels such as coal.

PNWER is recognized in Canada and the U.S. as North America's most influential cross-border governmental partnership. The highlight of these sessions will be an Economic Leadership Forum where state and provincial representatives come together to discuss a variety of cross-border issues.

Each year, there is a winter and summer PNWER meeting. The 2014 Summer Summit will be held in Whistler providing a unique opportunity to showcase the area and the province to private and public sector delegates.

Quote:

Norm Letnick, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier -

"I look forward to representing B.C. at this important meeting and will be promoting our liquefied natural gas strategy, skills training and other government priorities. PNWER events provide the opportunity to strengthen relationships with key government and business leaders in the region, and to increase awareness of each other's key issues and identify areas for collaboration. I will also encourage interest in and support for the Annual Summit that will be held in Whistler in July 2014."

Quick Facts:

• Founded in 1991, PNWER includes representatives from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington.
• PNWER is the only statutory, non-partisan, bi-national, public-private partnership in North America.
• PNWER provides the opportunity for legislators to understand the practical differences between state and provincial systems through its Legislative Leadership Academy.

Learn More:

For more information, visit: http://www.pnwer.org/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
250 356-5963