Gregoire strengthens state ties with B.C.
Published 9:00 pm Friday, October 7, 2005
OLYMPIA – Gov. Christine Gregoire and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell agreed Friday to forge stronger ties between Washington state and its neighbor to the north.
Meeting in Vancouver, B.C., the leaders signed an agreement that focuses on closer business ties, cultural and educational exchanges, tourism, transportation links and environmental protection. The province agreed to include the state in its plans for staging the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“There are limitless opportunities for cooperation between the province and the state,” Gregoire said in a statement. “With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, I am particularly interested in opportunities for Washington state businesses.”
The governor has appointed U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., and former Rep. Sid Morrison, R-Wash., to head a state organizing committee. The state will offer help with housing, expedited border crossings and business and technical support, she said.
“We want to be the best neighbor possible for our friends in British Columbia,” Gregoire said. “That includes playing a vital role in the success of Vancouver as the host city to the 2010 Winter Olympics.”
Gregoire’s office quoted Campbell as praising Washington as a significant trading partner and a western neighbor, with a vision that “aligns well with our goals for B.C. I look forward to working more closely with her to further our mutual interests.”
Gregoire said she encouraged joint tourism marketing.
“We have learned that people in Europe and Asia are very interested in travel to the Northwest, and that we should strongly consider marketing Washington state and British Columbia as an excellent two-nation destination,” she said.
Gregoire’s office said the leaders also discussed drug enforcement, environmental issues and transportation.
The governor and the premier agreed to meet regularly to monitor progress and discuss new issues. The premier plans to visit Washington next. No date has been set.
