Alaska exported $222 million in minerals, seafood, and energy to Canada in 2005. Canada’s economic ties with Alaska go beyond exports and include significant investment by Canadian mining companies.

Canada invests and participates strongly in Alaska mining and exploration activities. For the third year in a row, Alaska exported over $100 million in zinc and lead ores.

Seafood exports were $67 million, midpoint between 2004’s $71 million and 2003’s $63 million. Refined energy exports increased to $15 million.

Governor Murkowski continued to improve economic development opportunities and Alaska/Canada relations through frequent communication with Canadian counterparts.

In April 2005, Governor Murkowski and Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie signed a memorandum of understanding to begin a feasibility study on a proposed Alaska-Canada Rail corridor connection. The study will be completed in 2006. Governor Murkowski and Premier Fentie traveled to Washington, DC in June 2005 to meet with federal agencies to advance the gas pipeline and extension of the railroad to the Lower 48 through Canada. They met with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, and the Department of Transportation. For more information, see http://alaskacanadarail.com/

In October 2005, the Governor met with Alberta Premier Ralph Klein, Premier Fentie, and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell in Vancouver, Canada to discuss energy projects. Governor Murkowski also took the opportunity of the meeting with the three premiers to discuss the rail link potential and the possibility of extending an energy intertie from Southeast Alaska to British Columbia. A memorandum of understanding between Alaska and British Columbia was also renewed in a separate meeting between the Governor and Premier Campbell.

Canadian Consul Karen Matthias has fostered close ties between Alaska and Canada since her appointment in 2004. The Consulate maintains an active schedule of meetings, presentations and events, and visits in communities around the state.

The Consulate of Canada in Alaska, established in 2004, celebrated the one-year mark with publication of “Canada’s Impact on Alaska.” The report can be found at www.anchorage.gc.ca

Excerpts from “Why Canada Matters to Alaska,” a report prepared for the Consulate of Canada by the McDowell Group, Inc. © 2005

Canada plays a significant role in Alaska’s economy – directly accounting for more than 2,600 jobs and $134 million in payroll annually.

Alaska and Canada also share rivers, mountain ranges, highways, history, industries, Native communities, and cultures, in addition to more than 1,500 miles of border. These geographic and historical connections contribute to the close integration of the Canadian and Alaska economies.