MANITOBA, Canada — State Rep. Dan Kelley of Newton traveled to Manitoba, Canada, for a Legislative Exchange trip last December.
The trip was supported by a grant to the Midwestern Legislative Conference from the Government of Canada. During the visit, the MLC delegation met with government ministers responsible for the areas of energy, health, finance, agriculture, and children and youth.
“Having the opportunity to discuss trade, energy, agriculture and education with the Canadian Assembly was an exciting opportunity for me to gain an understanding of effective legislation in many different areas of the Canadian government, as well as get ideas for how to represent my district more effectively,” Kelley said.
Daryl Reid, the Speaker of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, hosted the group and allowed them the opportunity to meet with members of all three parties represented in the Legislative Assembly.
Canada is the largest trading partner for every state in the Midwest. For Iowa, two-way trade had a value of $7.4 billion, according to the economic data available from 2011. Iowa is a net exporter to Canada as the state exported $4.1 billion to Canada, while importing $3.3 billion.