Yukon MLA Paolo Gallina was in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this week to attend the 2019 Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit in his capacity as the Yukon Representative for the PNWER Executive Committee.
Gallina participated in a panel discussion on transportation and infrastructure where he discussed the Alaska Highway as a critical transportation link for individuals and businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest region. At a meeting of the PNWER Executive Committee, Gallina put forward a motion requesting a letter of support from PNWER to the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting $25 million (USD) for the Shakwak portion of the Alaska Highway. The motion received unanimous approval from the Executive Committee.
Additionally, Gallina participated in a panel discussion focused on Climate Policy and Economic Growth, where he highlighted Yukon government’s support of Yukon First Nation led renewable solar and wind energy projects in rural communities. He also attended sessions on forestry and mining, and toured the Boundary Dam Power Station to learn about its carbon capture and storage technology.
This year’s Summit focused on policy issues impacting economic development in the region, including agriculture, technology and innovation, trade, resource development and included a panel on the Changing Dynamics of Indigenous Businesses.
This was an excellent opportunity to highlight our government’s work with Yukon First Nations to transition our remote communities to clean energy. It also allowed me to emphasize the importance of the Alaska Highway as an economic corridor, and garner support from all our regional partners to lobby the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding to support Alaska’s only land link to the continental United States. By sharing insights and best practices, and building strong partnerships, we can increase economic prosperity across the Pacific Northwest.
PNWER Executive Committee Yukon Representative MLA Paolo Gallina
Pacific Northwest Economic Region Foundation is a public-private organization whose members include the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington; the Western Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan; Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and private sector organizations.
Over 600 key business leaders, legislators and government leaders from the Pacific Northwest region attended the 2019 Annual Summit.
In 2018, Whitehorse hosted the PNWER Economic Leadership Forum, which focused on First Nations economic development and maximizing economic growth in the North.
Sunny Patch
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0362
sunny.patch@gov.yk.ca
Shona Mostyn
Communications, Economic Development
867-456-3913
shona.mostyn@gov.yk.ca