British Columbia and Washington meet on climate action, high tech, jobs

Total Canada-Washington trade valued at $25.6CDN billion

B.C. Premier John Horgan and Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee resolved to strengthen the partnership between British Columbia and Washington state, and act jointly to fight climate change, grow the tech sector and create good jobs across the region, according to a B.C. government press release.

“Gov. Inslee and I are excited about working together to deliver strong, sustainable economic development that works for people on both sides of the border,” said Horgan.

Inslee and Horgan met privately, where they discussed trade, climate change and stronger transportation links between the regions.

High priorities included making cross-border travel more efficient with a Vancouver-Seattle seaplane service and a Vancouver-Seattle-Portland high-speed rail service, and support for the Cascadia Innovation Corridor that brings together governments with the tech sector to increase linkages and collaboration between Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle.

“Through initiatives like the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, we’re building stronger bonds between B.C. and Washington state, including better transportation links and the expansion of innovative industries like the job-creating tech sector,” said Horgan of the Nov. 21 meeting.

Total Canada-Washington goods trade is valued at approximately C$25.6 billion.

Inslee and Horgan discussed steps to create more opportunities for growth and good-paying jobs throughout the region and the importance of mutually beneficial trade between jurisdictions and, specifically, their support for a modernized and progressive trade partnership.

The leaders agreed challenges such as the softwood lumber dispute should not stand in the way of gains to be made from co-operation.

Horgan and Inslee also discussed work with other West Coast partners to fight climate change and secure a shared healthy ocean through initiatives like the Pacific Coast Collaborative.

“Washington state and British Columbia share an important history and our people all share an innovative spirit,” Inslee said. “This region is stronger when we face challenges and opportunities together.”

“Our government is making B.C. a leader in climate action. We’re working with climate leaders around the world to cut carbon pollution, while making life more affordable for people and creating good jobs. We have a true partner in Gov. Inslee in the fight against climate change,” said Horgan.

Inslee’s visit marks the first official bilateral meeting hosted by Horgan since taking office in July 2017.

“Today, I am here with the hope that together we will usher in a new era – one that moves past polluting fossil fuels and embraces a clean-energy future,” Inslee said. “There is no doubt in my mind that clean-energy technologies open doors to economic prosperity. And they are also key to our strategy to not just mitigate, but defeat climate change. This is one of the greatest challenges of our time.”

Horgan and Inslee expressed confidence that the Government of Canada will allow the Vancouver-Seattle seaplane service project to proceed. The results of a feasibility study for the high-speed rail project is expected next month.