Alaska and Canada share more than 1,500 miles of border.
We share economic and political resources, cooperating on international security, aerospace, trade, tourism, emergency services, infrastructure, public safety, energy development, the Arctic and more.
Our relationship does not end at political and economic means. Many of our border communities have been intertwined for decades, while our Native tribes have relationships spanning thousands of years.
There are currently events beyond our control that impact our relationship with our neighboring nation. Instead of drafting resolutions, which are mere statements, I am reaching out to our neighbor to re-establish the Alaska-Canada Legislative Liaison that was active many years ago. Regardless of our national governments, we should take our destiny into our own hands.
The goal of resurrecting this would be to utilize our elected officials with boots-on-the-ground knowledge to discuss topics that most affect our border communities, states and nations. From there, we could draft legislation, put forth policy proposals and develop our shared economic and political resources, cultural ties and communities.
For reasons unclear, this legislature-to-legislature relationship was allowed to wither. It’s time to bring it back.
To date, I have personally contacted and discussed the proposal with three Canadian officials, including members of two different political parties. The interest is strong in moving forward.
Establishing and building face-to-face relationships is more effective than emails or statements on paper. It is easier to collaborate and build ideas when we are working together in the same room. It is also harder to throw spears when you have established a personal rapport, understand the humanity of the person you are engaging with, and have even shouldered burdens together.
Together, Alaska and Canada have shared triumphs and struggles. Occasionally, new issues arise. Aren’t we better served if we know we can call our friends to the east and work through problems with people we know?
One thing is certain — all problems are more easily tackled when we approach them as a team.
Instead of spending our limited time in the legislative session on resolutions directed to our neighbors, we can seize this moment and take action that may tangibly improve the lives of both Alaskans and Canadians.
Sen. Mike Shower is a member of the Alaska Senate representing the Mat-Su, and serves as Senate minority leader. He lives in Wasilla.
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