During his mission, the Premier will discuss the importance of working with the province’s largest trading partner, Alberta’s record of responsible resource development, the province’s efforts to advance cleaner technologies for oil and gas production, and North America’s energy economy.

“Our government is focused on getting more Alberta oil to market, while at the same time finding new sales and investment opportunities for all Alberta goods and services – from agriculture and forestry to manufacturing and technology. I am looking forward to sharing Alberta’s continued good work on clean energy innovation and our plan for prudent fiscal management during challenging economic times.”

While in the U.S., the Premier will meet with American legislators, Administration officials, and representatives from the banking, energy and environmental policy sectors. He also has speaking engagements at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Foreign Policy Association.

Minister Olson will be in Washington, D.C., to continue to advocate for changes to the U.S. government’s mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (COOL) requirements on imported meat such as beef and pork. While the World Trade Organization ruled last October that COOL is a violation of U.S. trade obligations, the decision is currently under appeal.

Minister Olson will meet with representatives of agriculture producers, food processors and industry associations opposed to COOL, as well as members of the U.S. Congress.

International missions provide valuable opportunities to build on trade and investment relationships, which means more revenue to support the programs and services Albertans rely on.

Backgrounder

Travel itineraries

Itinerary for Premier Prentice*

Date	Event
Saturday, Jan 31	Travel to Washington, D.C.
Sunday, Feb 1	Attend function hosted by Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the U.S.
Monday, Feb 2	Meet with international financial institutions
	Meet with U.S. Administration officials
	Meet with U.S. State Department officials
	Attend Canadian American Business Council reception
	Meet with members of Congress
Tuesday, Feb 3	Meet with members of Congress
	Attend Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony for First Special Service Force, also known as the Devil’s Brigade (Albertans to be recognized)
	Attend reception at the Canadian embassy
Wednesday, Feb 4	Meet with members of Congress
	Keynote address at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
	Travel to Trenton, New Jersey
Thursday, Feb 5	Meet with Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey
	Travel to New York City, New York
	Meet with private equity firm officials
	Meet with investors and energy economists
Friday, Feb 6	Meet with financial sector representatives
	Keynote address to the Foreign Policy Association
Saturday, Feb 7	Private time at own expense
Sunday, Feb 8	Travel to Calgary, Alberta

Itinerary for Minister Olson*

Tuesday, Feb 3	Travel to Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, Feb 4	Meet with agriculture and food processing industry representatives
	Meet with members of Congress
Thursday, Feb 5	Meet with members of Congress
	Meet with agriculture industry representatives
	Travel to Edmonton, Alberta

The estimated cost for Premier Prentice and three members of his staff is approximately $23,000.*

The estimated cost for Minister Olson and one member of his staff is approximately $5,200.*

*Subject to change.