Alberta to open trade offices in Seattle, Chicago, and Denver in 2022
Alberta is expanding its footprint in the U.S., with plans to open a trio of new trade offices in Chicago, Seattle and Denver in 2022.
The province made the announcement Thursday in a release, as well as a press conference featuring Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and InnovationDoug Schweitzer.
"It's important for Alberta to have a voice in the United States," Schweitzer said. "There's an opportunity here for Albertans to engage, make sure that our voices are heard in the United States with our largest trading partner.
"We want to make sure Alberta's voice is heard in the United States," he added, "on policy interests and economic interests that are relevant to our people."
Illinois, with $25.8 billion and Washington State, with $7.5 billion, are Alberta's largest trading partners in the U.S.
The trio of trade offices will be opened in Canadian consulates in each city, at no additional expense to Alberta taxpayers.
The Seattle and Chicago offices will open June 1, while the Denver trade office will open when an office comes available in Denver.
Alberta already has trade offices in Washington, D.C., and Mexico.
According to the province, the U.S. accounted for $77.5 billion, or 85 per cent of Alberta's overall exports in 2020.
"With increased risk of protectionism, it’s critical we continue to grow our presence in key markets in the United States to ensure we can bring more Alberta goods and services to our largest trading partner," said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. "This move is an opportunity to keep existing doors open, open new doors for Alberta businesses to expand their markets, as well strengthen supply chains."
"The economies of Alberta and the United States are increasingly interdependent as physical infrastructure, trade and investment flows grow across North America," said Edmonton Global CEO Malcolm Bruce. "The expansion of Alberta's U.S. trade office network will serve to enhance the strong ties we already have with our southern neighbours and ensure we are connecting into all of the strategic markets in the U.S. and Mexico that support our regional strengths."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.