Heitkamp Heads To Canada To Strengthen Energy Ties With Neighbors

Press Release

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today departed on a three-day trip to Alberta, Canada to see firsthand the province's energy development and meet with top Canadian officials to discuss North Dakota's energy production. Heitkamp will tout her state's all-of-the-above energy approach, and talk about ways America and Canada can work together to develop North American energy security and independence.

"The U.S., and North Dakota in particular, have a special relationship with Canada and this trip will allow me to help strengthen those ties," said Heitkamp. "Working together, Canada and states like North Dakota will help us become North American energy independent. It will be helpful to see their energy production firsthand and discuss the progress Canada and North Dakota have made in developing their natural resources. As I'm continuing to push for approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline, this trip should also reinforce what an asset the project would be to North Dakota and the U.S."

Heitkamp's Canadian agenda includes:

- A reception in her honor hosted by Cal Dallas, Minister, Office of International and Intergovernmental Relations, Government of Alberta. The event will be attended by Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the U.S.
- Meeting and tour with TransCanada Pipeline officials
- Visit to oil sands mining operations
- Meeting with Alberta Premier Alison Redford to discuss the importance of the U.S.-Canada energy relationship

Heitkamp will reiterate her support for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Since taking office, Heitkamp has pushed the Administration to approve the permit to allow for the pipeline's construction. Heitkamp supports the project because it will create North Dakota jobs, drive down costs of fuel for small businesses and North Dakota families, and alleviate truck traffic on North Dakota roads. Moreover, she believes the project is important for national security because doing business with our friendly neighbor will help to hedge against sudden disruptions to our nation's oil supply due to conflicts in unstable parts of the world. Additionally, it is preferable to do business with countries like Canada that have similar interests to the U.S.

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