WASHINGTON, DC – The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has reappointed U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) to serve as a member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group.  The Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group works to promote better understanding between Canadian and American officials on shared issues of concern.

“On a wide range of issues, including trade, tourism, natural resources, the Great Lakes and law enforcement cooperation, the United States and Canada have common interests that affect Northern Michigan directly and deeply,” Stupak said.  “I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as a member of this group.  I look forward to working with my colleagues here in Congress, as well as my colleagues in the Canadian Parliament, to carry on a long-standing tradition of cooperation and accomplishment between our two nations.”

Congressman Stupak was first appointed to serve as a member of the Interparliamentary Group in 2007.  One recent resolution from the group encouraged the governments of the United States and Canada to develop a North American Energy Framework focused on enhanced cooperation in existing projects and a joint investment in alternative energy sources and technology.  Another resolution made recommendations on ways to further improve the health of the Great Lakes, encouraging cooperation between the U.S. and Canadian governments.

Last week, Congressman Stupak met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and discussed a number of shared issues between Michigan and Canada, including the Soo Locks and the Detroit River International Crossing project.

The aim of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is to find areas of agreement in the respective national policies of Canada and the United States, initiate dialogue in cases where there is disagreement, encourage the exchange of information, and promote a greater understanding of the issues.  The group was first established in 1959.

Stupak is also co-chairman of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, a bipartisan working group of members of Congress who advocate on issues affecting states that share a border with Canada. The Northern Border Caucus highlights policy concerns and issues affecting the economic, cultural, and political partnership between the United States and Canada. 

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