Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
03/31/2025 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Fisheries Task Force Report | |
| SB130 | |
| SB135 | |
| HJR11 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 11 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 130 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 135 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HJR 11-RECOGNIZING ALASKA/CANADA RELATIONSHIP
4:32:37 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 11(RES) am Recognizing and honoring the
relationship between Canada and Alaska.
4:32:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK KOPP, District 10, Alaska State
Legislature, Junea, Alaska, said HJR 11 presents a unified voice
of restoration and reconciliation among allies, at a time when
trade restrictions have challenged that relationship. He
emphasized that this is not related to partisan and/or
ideological questions. Rather, HJR 11 addresses the historical
and present-day ties between Alaska and Canada. He briefly
discussed the historical Alaska-Canada relationship and
emphasized the importance of that relationship for Alaska's
access to the Lower 48. He acknowledged the important
relationship indigenous communities have with the land in both
Alaska and Canada. He recalled that Alaska and Canada worked
together during World War II to build the Alaska-Canada Highway.
He emphasized the importance of the highway for both Alaska and
Canada. He discussed the important connection between Alaskan
and Canadian communities and highlighted shared sporting events.
He listed the many industries that utilize the Alaska-Canada
Highway as well as industries that rely on ports in both
countries.
4:35:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP said HJR 11 highlights the importance of the
trade partnership between Alaska and Canada. He noted that
Alaska exports $596 million to Canada and imports $753 million
annually from Canada. He emphasized that Alaska depends on its
connection to Canada for connection to critical supply chains
and offered examples, including food and fisheries. He said
Alaska's oil and mining industries are tied to Canadian
investments. He pointed out that more than 23,000 Alaskan jobs
are connected to Canadian trade and over 47 Canadian-owned
businesses operate within Alaska.
4:36:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP highlighted the historic role the Alaska-
Canada relationship plays in defense and security. He pointed
out that Alaska is home to North American Aerospace Defense
Command (NORAD) and highlighted Canada's role in protecting
North America's airspace after the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001. He said Alaska and Canada depend on border
access during wildfire season. He emphasized that both countries
are sensitive to the impact of weather shutdowns, and pointed
out that shared roads ensure that fuel and other critical
supplies reach communities in need. He stated that Alaska and
Canada are mutual guardians of the Arctic, ensuring responsible
development and maintaining community resilience. He opined that
both Alaskans and Canadians understand the importance of strong
communities for both the arctic region and the nation. He
concluded by highlighting the importance of relationships,
neighbors, and partnerships during times of global uncertainty.
He opined that maintaining a positive relationship with Canada
reaches beyond simple policy and reflects the Alaskan spirit.
4:38:38 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL noted that the committee would consider the
explanation of changes at an upcoming hearing to allow time for
invited and public testimony.
4:38:54 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL announced invited testimony on HJR 11.
4:39:14 PM
RANJ PILLAI, Premier of Yukon Territory, Canada, Whitehorse,
Yukon Territory, Canada, introduced himself and briefly
discussed the impact of upcoming tariffs imposed by the United
States on Canada, and recent constructive conversations between
President Trump and Prime Minister Carney. Those conversations
included an agreement to begin negotiations related to a new
economic and security relationship between the US and Canada. He
shared that the prime minister has held meetings with premiers
to discuss the impacts of the upcoming tariffs and a potential
response.
PREMIER PILLAI said the Yukon has also been considering its
economic and security relationship with the US. He stated that
Alaskans and Yukoners share similar challenges and common goals.
Those goals include improving the lives of citizens and
promoting responsible economic development. However, he stated
that Canadians feel their economy and national sovereignty are
now at risk. He referenced the length of the Alaska-Canada
border. He highlighted the long history of cross-border trade in
the Northern region, from indigenous trade routes to the
construction of the Alaska-Canada Highway. He emphasized the
important role the Alaska-Canada Highway plays in the economies
of both Alaska and Yukon.
4:41:38 PM
PREMIER PILLAI posited that impeding the cross-border movement
of people and goods is a detriment to both Alaskans and
Yukoners. He said Alaskans and Yukoners support each other
through difficult times and shared examples. He highlighted the
Northwest Wildland Fire Protection Agreement (Northwest Compact)
and the Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime
Search and Rescue in the Arctic (Arctic Search and Rescue
Agreement). He pointed out that the Yukon International Airport
is an important transit point for the United States Airforce, as
well as an emergency refueling and landing location. In
addition, many sporting events rely on participants from both
Alaska and Yukon.
4:42:55 PM
PREMIER PILLAI pointed out that many businesses in both Alaska
and Yukon depend on cross-border tourism. He emphasized the
negative impact of tariffs. He argued that tariffs, along with
threats to Canada's economic and national sovereignty, have
created chaos, challenges, and disruptions for people and
businesses in both Canada and the US. He stated that tariffs are
ultimately passed on to citizens in both countries. He
highlighted the importance of the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement
(USMCA).
4:43:35
PREMIER PILLAI referenced HJR 11 and affirmed that a continued
alliance between Alaska and Canada would positively impact the
lives of citizens in both countries well into the future. He
urged members to stand up for Alaskan jobs, workers, and
businesses that rely on Canadian trade. He stated that both
Alaska and Yukon must continue to stand up for their citizens
and economies. He stated that Canada would continue to protect
its citizens and communities, standing up for its sovereignty
and building up its defense capacity as an arctic nation. He
asserted that Canada will never be the 51st state. He concluded
by emphasizing that Canada's response to tariffs, and its
efforts to protect its economy and sovereignty, are not a
reflection of Canada's feelings toward Americans. He expressed
positive feelings and support for Americans and a desire to
continue working together.
4:44:53 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL concurred with Premier Pillai's testimony and
expressed her support for Canada.
4:45:18 PM
SENATOR HUGHES noted Premier Pillai's testimony that President
Trump and Prime Minister Carney have begun negotiations and
asked when the next meeting would occur.
4:45:36 PM
PREMIER PILLAI clarified that negotiations have not begun. He
explained that federal elections are underway in Canada and
negotiations would likely begin once elections have concluded on
April 28, 2025. He surmised that Canada would issue a
significant response to the tariffs in the coming days.
4:46:49 PM
MATT MORRISON, Executive Director, Pacific NorthWest Economic
Region (PNWER), Seattle, Washington, said Alaska has been a
founding member of PNWER since 1991. He gave a brief overview of
PNWER. He opined that the relationship between Canada and Alaska
is significant and urged support for HJR 11. He briefly
discussed the formation of the PNWER Arctic Caucus, which meets
annually in Washington D.C. to discuss the importance of the
arctic. He noted that HJR 11 includes mention of the Shakwak
Road and opined that this is important. He said it is important
to ensure passage along the Alaska-Canada highway is not reduced
or restricted. He stated that PNWER supported securing the
Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and
Equity (RAISE) grant for Shakwak Road. PNWER does not want
Shakwak Road to lose that funding. He emphasized the importance
of maintaining the security of all shared transportation routes
(land, sea, and air).
4:49:22
MR. MORRISO shared a quote from President Kennedy to illustrate
the importance of cross-border alliances. He said all past
presidents of PNWER have issued a joint statement supporting the
Alaska-Canada relationship, which he will provide to the
committee. He reiterated that Alaska is an important member of
PNWER and expressed appreciation for HJR 11. He emphasized the
importance of the Alaska-Canada alliance and opined that it
extends beyond culture to encompass friendship, family, and
relationships that tie communities together.
4:51:12 PM
SENATOR HUGHES referred to an article from the Yukon News dated
March 27, 2025, which stated the RAISE funding for Shakwak Road
has been paused. She asked if this is correct.
4:51:31 PM
MR. MORRISON expressed uncertainty. He suggested that a pause
does not indicate the funding will be withdrawn.
4:52:08 PM
JOHN RODDA, Vice President, Arctic Winter Games International
Committee, Anchorage, Alaska, emphasized the value of sports and
cultural exchange between Alaska and Canada. He highlighted the
Arctic Winter Games as a foundation for cross-border youth
engagement, cooperation, and cultural celebration. He offered a
brief historical overview of the Arctic Winter Games. He posited
that the 50-year duration of the games is evidence of the
enduring partnership between Alaska, Yukon, and Northwest
Territories. He gave a brief overview of the Arctic Winter Games
competition, which has evolved to include 7 permanent partners
and is now the premier circumpolar event for northern youth. He
emphasized that, through the games, participants forge lasting
relationships and foster understanding that extends across
borders. He noted that Alaska has hosted the Arctic Winter games
several times and the next event will be held in Whitehorse,
Yukon in 2026. He emphasized the importance of sports in
Alaska's long-standing relationship with Canada.
4:55:45 PM
SARAH FRAMPTON, Executive Director, Arctic Winter Games Team
Alaska (AWGTA), Fairbanks, Alaska, expressed support for HJR 11
and stated that Alaska's relationship with Canada extends beyond
geography to neighborly support and friendship. She briefly
discussed the ways in which Alaskan and Canadian history,
values, and daily lives are interconnected. She pointed out that
Alaskans and Canadians face similar challenges and offered
examples to illustrate instances of cross-border cooperation.
MS. FRAMPTON emphasized that the Alaska-Canada relationship
supports a variety of youth sporting events, such as the Arctic
Winter Games. She stated that the next Arctic Winter Games event
will be held in Whitehorse, Yukon. She explained that Team
Alaska will send 355 youth athletes, coaches, and staff to
represent Alaska during that event. She briefly discussed the
Arctic Winter Games, which celebrate shared culture, northern
identity, and the unifying power of sports. She stated that the
positive impact on youth is lifelong and offered examples. She
briefly discussed the benefits of the games, which honor
indigenous traditions and highlight cultural diversity while
instilling values of sportsmanship, leadership, and pride.
4:57:40
MS. FRAMPTON emphasized that the strength of the Arctic Winter
Games - and the positive impact the event has on those who
participate - is dependent on the strong relationship Alaska has
with its northern neighbors. She highlighted Alaska's
relationship with Canada and expressed confidence that Yukon
will welcome Team Alaska's athletes as both competitors and
friends. She opined that the sense of belonging, shared
heritage, and mutual respect deserves to be honored and
protected. She noted that the Arctic Winter Games unite regions
across the circumpolar north. She stated that, while the
athletes come from different cultures, they meet on the playing
field as equals, friends, and future leaders. She briefly
discussed how HJR 11 recognizes that friendship and acknowledges
that Alaska and Canada are partners, collaborators, and northern
citizens working toward a common future. She opined that HJR
shows that Alaska is dedicated to investing in future
generations by supporting these life-changing, cross-cultural
opportunities.
4:59:11 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL concluded invited testimony on HJR 11.
4:59:15 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL opened public testimony on HJR 11.
4:59:31 PM
MIKE COONS, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to HJR 11. He expressed support for HJR 11, page 2,
lines 5-8. He said that President Trump would impose reciprocal
tariffs on Canada. He briefly discussed a previous version of
HJR 11. He said the president has the authority to impose
tariffs. He briefly discussed the various ways the United States
(US) has addressed Canadian tariffs and the relationship between
Canada and the US. He said he would welcome a resolution in
support of President Trump and his negotiations with Canada.
5:01:25 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL closed public testimony on HJR 11.
5:01:58 PM
CHAIR GIESSEL held HJR 11 in committee.