July 24, 2003

Premier Gary Doer met with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today to discuss a number of issues including trade, BSE, water, energy, security and tourism.

It was Doer’s first meeting with the new Minnesota governor, who was elected last November and took office in January following Jesse Ventura’s decision not to seek re-election.

"Manitoba and Minnesota have an important working relationship," Doer said, noting trade between the two jurisdictions totals nearly $2.5 billion annually. "I also wanted to take the opportunity to discuss such vital issues as BSE and bring the governor up-to-date on our continuing efforts to re-open the U.S. border to Canadian beef."

The premiers agreed at the recent Annual Premiers Conference in P.E.I. to use every opportunity with U.S. officials to emphasize the importance of opening the U.S. border. At the July 16 – 17 Legislators’ Forum in South Dakota, a resolution was passed calling on the federal governments of Canada and the U.S. to agree to "establish normal trade on basis of sound science, science-based risk assessments, and recommendations provided by animal health and food safety officials."

Manitoba and Minnesota enjoy a long and important relationship. On water issues, the two jurisdictions share common positions on the need to protect and improve water quality, on opposition to the Devils Lake outlet project in North Dakota, and on working together to enhance flood protection in the Red River Valley.

Manitoba and Minnesota are also significant tourism partners, with the two continuing to be among each other’s largest sources for cross-border tourists.

Other items on the agenda for today’s meeting were border security, co-operation on tourism and trade including biotechnology, and promoting hydro and alternative energy.

- 30 -