July 15, 2010 hosts energy, economy, environment discussions Pacific NorthWest Economic Region members gather in

Calgary... More than 500 delegates from the U.S. and western Canada will discuss shared policy issues around energy, economy and the environment at the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s (PNWER) 20th Annual Summer Summit July 16-20 in Calgary.

“Challenges like environmental stewardship and developing a secure energy future are shared responsibilities,” said Premier . “Working collaboratively within PNWER to address these issues creates a more competitive and successful northwest region. Alberta will have even more opportunities to take a leadership role within our region when Minister assumes the presidency of PNWER for 2010/11." Set against the exciting backdrop of the Calgary Stampede, the summit brings together legislators, business leaders and policy experts from Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Washington and Yukon. Topics of discussion include renewable energy, economic development, environment, border security, disaster resilience, sustainable development, mental health and addictions, water policy and livestock health. “Alberta is a strong supporter of regional cooperation, making it the perfect location to host PNWER’s Summer Summit,” said International and Intergovernmental Relations Minister Iris Evans. “Along with many of my Cabinet colleagues, I look forward to sharing Alberta’s clean energy story with our American and provincial counterparts.” While at the summit, delegates will also have the opportunity to take in local attractions including the Calgary Stampede, a tour of the Canada Olympic Park, the Royal Tyrell Museum and Banff/Lake Louise. Other highlights from the Summit agenda include speeches from Premier Stelmach, Alaska State Senator Lesil McGuire, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson and Evans. During the summit, Mel Knight, Minister of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development will be sworn in as the next president of PNWER. Energy Minister and Environment Minister will each lead a policy working group during the event. PNWER is a public-private partnership dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving the world-class natural environment in the Pacific Northwest. For more information about PNWER or to see the full summit schedule, visit www.pnwer.org/2010annualsummit. www.pnwer.org/2010annualsummit. The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity. -30- Backgrounder: Summit highlights Media inquiries may be directed to: Mike Deising Communications International and Intergovernmental Relations 780-901-8785 July 15, 2010

PNWER Summer Summit highlights* Friday, July 16 Registration Saturday July 17 Energy Minister Ron Liepert co-chairs energy policy session Sunday, July 18 Health care working group - mental health and addictions in the workplace Monday, July 19 U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson speaks at breakfast Liepert co-chairs energy policy session Premier Stelmach speaks at luncheon Mel Knight sworn in as 2010/2011 president of PNWER at the president’s banquet Tuesday, July 20 Environment Minister Rob Renner co-chairs environment policy session Iris Evans, Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, speaks at the final luncheon Wednesday, July 21 Policy tours * Note: Itinerary subject to change. To see the full Summit schedule, visit www.pnwer.org/2010annualsummit. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Mike Deising Communications International and Intergovernmental Relations 780-422-2524 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | International and Intergovernmental Relations Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page |

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