As a participant in the
program Parlette will take part in a working tour of Canada that
offers state leaders a unique opportunity to meet with political
counterparts, business leaders and cultural representatives, and
fosters firsthand knowledge of the deep and diverse nature of
the U.S.-Canada relationship.
The participants will begin their tour in the Canadian capital
of Ottawa, Ontario on June 21 and over the next nine days travel
to the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British
Columbia, including a stop in Vancouver, the site of the 2010
Winter Olympics, and a visit to the world’s second-largest oil
reserves at Fort McMurray, Alberta. Program elements will cover
a wide range of key bilateral issues, including border security,
national security and defense, energy and environment, trade
cooperation and promotion, and the 2010 Olympics.
“This experience will be
especially valuable because the
12th District includes a border with Canada,” said Parlette.
“I’m sure that developing good working relationships with these
Canadian officials and other state leaders will enhance my
ability to approach legislative issues from a more informed
perspective. I also look forward to providing my fellow
Washington legislators with firsthand knowledge as we work
together on issues that affect both our state and our Canadian
neighbors.”
Now in its fourth year, the Rising State Leaders program has
hosted 24 participants – primarily state legislators – from 21
U.S. states. State legislators participating in this year’s
program are from Nevada, North Carolina, Idaho, Kentucky, North
Dakota, Alabama, South Dakota and Washington.
Candidates for the Rising State Leaders program are nominated by
the Canadian Embassy and the Canadian Consulates General;
applications for the program are not accepted. Parlette was
nominated in 2008 but was unable to participate.
