By rdnewsNOW staff

U.S. Relations

New Alberta advocate appointed to Washington office

Apr 24, 2020 | 3:59 PM

The Alberta government has announced a new senior representative in Washington, D.C. to advance the province’s interests in the U.S. capital for the development of an integrated North American energy strategy.

Premier Jason Kenney has appointed former Member of Parliament and business executive James Rajotte to lead Alberta’s office in Washington, effective May 1.

Provincial officials say Rajotte’s primary responsibility will be to bring Alberta’s voice to policy makers at both the national and state levels, explore North American energy security, and deal collaboratively with threats to local markets from overseas.

“The crisis in our energy industry underscores the need for Alberta to have strong relations with policy makers and business leaders in the United States,” says Premier Jason Kenney, in a news release. “Alberta exports to the U.S. a total of more than $100 billion, nearly 90 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the world. It’s central that we have a strong voice to represent Alberta’s vital economic interests in Washington, D.C.”

Kenney says Rajotte will fill that role perfectly.

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“As chairman of the House of Commons Finance Committee during the global financial crisis, he has first-hand experience dealing with a crisis like the one we are in,” he continues. “Mr. Rajotte has deep and long-standing connections in the U.S. Congress and a tremendous understanding of the critical issues Alberta is facing.”

In addition to advancing the idea of a North American energy strategy, officials claim Rajotte will play a vital advocacy role in the post-COVID-19 recovery period, while seeking opportunities to facilitate investment, bilateral trade, and strengthening relations. It’s noted the senior representative reports to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.

“We must build stronger ties between Alberta and the U.S. following the pandemic,” adds Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. “Our economic and supply chain integration is broad and deep, crossing nearly every sector – most notably agriculture and energy – and generates employment for millions of workers on both sides of the border. James is the right person for that role.”

“I am honoured to have been chosen by Premier Kenney to take on this important assignment during these challenging times,” exclaims Rajotte. “More than ever, I see this as an opportunity to advance Alberta’s long-standing relationship with the U.S. to decision makers, both at the national and state level. I look forward to representing our province in Washington, D.C.”

Since 2004, Alberta’s presence in the U.S. capital is said to have advanced Alberta’s shared economic objectives with U.S. decision makers.

Officials say Alberta’s envoys to the U.S. have managed this important relationship from the Alberta Washington D.C. Office, which is co-located within the Canadian embassy.

Alberta’s senior representative will receive a biweekly salary of $9,634.85.