A Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation (MoU) was inked by Alaskan Governor Bill Walker and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark late last month, signifying a renewed union between the U.S. state and its neighbor.
The document stands for a firm commitment by both parties and governments to continue working together and alongside each other in a number of key marine areas, including:
- Establishing a bilateral working group on the protection of transboundary waters;
- Sharing best practices on workforce development and training;
- Advancing marine transportation reliability and safety;
- Reinforcing emergency management mutual aid response through the existing Pacific Northwest Emergency Management Arrangement;
- Fostering continued growth of existing and increased transportation links;
- Continuing joint visitor industry promotion;
- And exploring other areas for cooperative action, including natural resource development, fisheries, ocean acidification, border management, trade and investment, and climate change adaptation.
“As our next door neighbor, Canada plays a significant role in many Alaska industries, including trade, transportation, and tourism. This MOU underscores that connection, and I thank British Columbia Premier Clark for her support and cooperation in advancing this important relationship,” said Governor Walker to Sit News. “As we work to improve our state’s economy, it is important that we actively reach out and foster good relationships with our trading partners and neighbors with whom we share so much in common.”
Protection of transboundary waters by way of a bilateral working group would not have possible had it not been for Alaska Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, who will captain the Alaskan side of the group. Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Energy and Mines will take over for the BC side.
“Establishing this bilateral working group encourages tribes, First Nations, and other stakeholders to join the important conversation around our transboundary waters,” Governor Walker said. “I commend Lt. Governor Mallott for his persistence and dedication to this critical issue. State of Alaska departments have enjoyed frequent exchange and contact with their BC counterparts, and now we can expand on that relationship.”
“We have listened to Alaskans’ concerns about protecting waters in our transboundary rivers, and have already begun conversations in Alaska on a Statement of Cooperation specific to this working group’s future role,” concluded Lt. Governor Mallott. “Our next steps include sharing our ideas in a draft SOC with British Columbia officials so they can continue the conversation in Canada with their stakeholders.”
This comes as the first time since 2005 that Alaska and BC have entered into a MoU agreement.
