On the conclusion of the meeting of Governors and Premiers from the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Region, the Council of the Great Lakes Region would like to congratulate the eight Governors and two Premiers on committing to a new era of cooperation in encouraging economic growth while protecting the environment.
“This Region is one of the world’s one most important economic zones and bioregions. As a result, there are a growing list of common issues of interest, from modernizing infrastructure and the development of economic corridors, to the mobility of our skilled workers and climate change,” said Mark Fisher, President and CEO of the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR).
In its 2015 report, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region: North America’s Economic Engine, which was released at the first-ever Great Lakes Economic Forum hosted by CGLR in Chicago, Illinois, BMO Capital Markets concluded that is a major driver of the North American Economy, with economic output estimated at US$5.8 trillion in 2014, ranking it ahead of Germany, France, Brazil and the United Kingdom if the Region were a country. The Region is also responsible for 31% of the combined American and Canadian workforce and constitutes roughly 50% of total two-way trade between Canada and the United States.
“Governors and Premiers in the Region are obviously an important voice in responding to the Region’s many economic opportunities and environmental challenges, and we’re pleased they are committing to meet regularly, which hasn’t always been the case,” added Mark Fisher. “Through its regional policy research and events, such as the Great Lakes Economic Forum, CGLR stands ready to assist them in finding new policy solutions in tackling these issues.”
Established in 2013, the Council of the Great Lakes Region, or CGLR, is an independent non-profit corporation that was created to think strategically about the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Region as a bi-national economic region. It mobilizes business leaders, lawmakers, government executives and policy specialists, academia and advocates from NGOs in accelerating sustainable economic growth. The Council achieves this mandate by building innovative partnerships across the border and sectors, convening thought-provoking events that stimulate conversations and ideas, conducting insightful research, generating sensible policy solutions, and providing impartial advice to governments, legislatures and industry.
Media Contacts:
Mark Fisher
President and CEO
Council of the Great Lakes Region
(613) 668-2044
mark@councilgreatlakesregion.org
