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.