Jay Hill Elected Vice-Chair of Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group
MP Says Position Will Help Promote Constituents’ Softwood, Beef Concerns

November 26, 2004

Ottawa – Jay Hill, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River, newly elected this week as a vice-chair for the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, said today that his new position will ensure U.S. legislators are better informed about the concerns held by Prince George-Peace River residents on U.S. trade policy.

“As a member of the Executive for the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, I can interact closely with U.S. legislators, increasing opportunities to voice my constituents’ opinions on the softwood lumber dispute, the U.S. ban on Canadian beef, and our riding’s support for the Canada-Alaska railway,” said Hill. “It’s a direct line of communication to Washington where decisions are being made about issues that have a tremendous impact upon the economy of Prince George-Peace River.”

The goal of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, founded in 1959, is to exchange information and promote better understanding between Canadian and U.S. parliamentarians on common problems and concerns, as well as differences, in the relations between the two countries. The Group normally meets on a formal basis annually, alternating between Canada and the U.S., with delegates from each country made up of Senators, Members of the House of Commons and the House of Representatives. One-day meetings are sometimes organized for particularly urgent issues and ongoing participation produces stronger bilateral personal relationships. Hill is one of 17 executive members, which includes 12 MPs and five senators.

“As I have found in my position as Chief Opposition Whip, being more involved in day-to-day parliamentary and inter-parliamentary business and negotiations ensures me direct access to decision-makers from all parties and all levels of government,” explained Hill. “This means that more and more legislators are aware of the issues important to Prince George-Peace River.”

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For more information, please contact:
Jay Hill, M.P. (613) 947-4524