Wright joins colleague for Alaska trip to attend economic forum

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 27, 2026.

MLA Justin Wright and Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright, are currently in Juneau, Alaska to attend the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region’s 2026 Capital visits (PNWER).

The two MLAs took part in a variety of meetings with U.S. legislators and officials that began Monday and will continue throughout today before they both travel back to the province tomorrow.

In these meetings the pair will discuss agricultural trade, energy collaboration, economic corridor development and transportation.

“Energy security is a priority for legislators across the Pacific Northwest,” said Wright. “Alberta offers a reliable supply, strong environmental performance and world-leading innovation. Partnering with Alaska lets us advance shared economic and energy goals that strengthen the region as a whole.”

“I look forward to engaging with Alaska’s state leaders to strengthen practical partnerships,” said Rowswell. “These relationships contribute directly to the economic wellbeing of both Alberta and of states across the Pacific Northwest.”

The PNWER is a non-partisan organization focused on the economic wellbeing of its 10 member jurisdictions – Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan as well as both the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

The province says in 2024 its bilateral trade with Alaska alone totalled more than $775 million, with the majority related to energy and machinery, as well as aircraft and aircraft parts.

All travel expenses will be posted on the province’s Travel and Expense disclose page.