Alberta legislators and PNWER delegates meet Montana lawmakers to discuss cross‑border energy, trade and collaboration

A delegation from the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) and Alberta’s legislative delegation addressed the Appropriations Committee during the Department of Transportation review, briefly outlining cross‑border economic and energy ties and inviting Montana lawmakers to regional exchanges.

Matt Morrison, executive director of PNWER, introduced members from Alberta’s legislature; Shane Getson (Member of the Legislative Assembly) and Garth Roswell each spoke about shared infrastructure and energy interests between Alberta and Montana. Getson described historical economic links north‑south and mentioned interest in working with Montana lawmakers on energy and border‑security matters; he also noted Alberta has focused on security buffers and NATO commitments at the provincial level.

PNWER’s presence in Helena was presented as part of ongoing regional collaboration across U.S. states and Canadian provinces and territories. Senator Keough (committee member) described the benefits Montana has received from PNWER activity in the past — including aquatic invasive species funding and educational exchanges such as Lehigh training — and encouraged committee members to meet delegates during the session. The delegation confirmed they would be available through Thursday and invited members to a meeting Wednesday at 3 p.m. with both house and senate natural resources committees.

The committee recorded the remarks for the hearing; no formal committee action followed the delegation’s presentation.