Premier Jason Kenney has appointed former Member of Parliament and business executive James Rajotte to lead Alberta’s office in Washington, effective May 1.
Rajotte’s primary responsibility will be to bring Alberta’s voice to policy makers at both the national and state levels, as we explore North American energy security and deal collaboratively with threats to our 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,” states Kenney. “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. James Rajotte will fill that role perfectly. 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. 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, 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.
The senior representative reports to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.
“I am honoured to have been chosen by Premier Kenney to take on this important assignment during these challenging times. 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.,” says Rajotte.
Since 2004, Alberta’s presence in Washington has advanced Alberta’s shared economic objectives with U.S. decision makers. 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.
