Bill > HP1520

This joint resolution formally acknowledges the long-standing partnership between the Province of Québec and the State of Maine, highlighting their shared history and ongoing cooperation. It notes Québec's continuous presence in New England since 1970 to foster relations, the role of the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission in strengthening ties with neighboring Canadian provinces, and Maine and Québec's foundational membership in the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP). The NEG-ECP is an organization where leaders from these regions collaborate on shared interests like trade, energy, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure modernization, participating in an annual conference. The resolution also mentions their involvement in legislative associations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Council of State Governments, where representatives discuss mutual concerns. It recognizes historical commonalities, including economic, educational, familial, and cultural exchanges, and points to significant economic ties, with over $1 billion USD in trade in 2024, making Québec Maine's second-largest international trade partner. The resolution also acknowledges their shared 292-mile border with seven crossings and common priority commercial sectors like forestry, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and tourism. Ultimately, the resolution expresses best wishes for continued mutual prosperity and growth and mandates that authenticated copies be sent to the Premier of Québec, the National Assembly of Québec, and the Québec Government Office in Boston.

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?paper=HP1520&snum=132