MLA for Banff-Cochrane Cameron Westhead is working towards establishing relationships with legislators in the Midwestern United States.

The MLA has just returned from discussions at on agriculture, economic development, water policy and infrastructure at the Council of State Governments Midwestern Legislative Conference in Milwaukee, Wis.

Westhead says building these relationships with the U.S. Midwest is crucial to economic success, as the area is one of the most important export regions for Alberta, accounting for four of Alberta’s top seven export destinations.

"Some of the midwestern states are some of alberta's largest trading partners," he says. "It's about building relationships, people like to know that Alberta is interested in maintaining, and building those relationships with our trading partners. It's pretty important to show up and be represented at those tables, so that Alberta has a voice, and people know that Alberta is trying to grow our economy."

He explains the CSG Midwest Conference was an important opportunity to learn from experiences in other jurisdictions, and bring those ideas home.

"At the conference we talked about U.S.-Canada relations, and how we can mutually support each other in terms of trade, and trade policies. We also talked about the importance of water; having good drinking water, and abundant water, helps our economies to grow. There were also discussions about early childhood development, and the importance of supporting young children to have a good early start in life, to grow up healthy, to help our economy stay strong."

Westhead shares water policy is something he, and his constituents are passionate about.

He has planned a present members motion about water security and conservation for the fall sitting at the Legislature.