SASKATOON — Saskatoon is hosting legislators from across the Midwest and central Canada this weekend as the city hosts the 2025 annual meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC).
The four-day event, running to July 30 at TCU Place, brings together lawmakers from 11 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces for discussions on cross-border collaboration, policy innovation and regional development.
Led by Saskatchewan’s Minister Lori Carr, this year’s conference focuses on strengthening Canada-U.S. ties and exploring shared challenges. Minister Carr, who serves as the 2025 MLC chair, says the gathering is “an opportunity to build partnerships that benefit our communities and constituents on both sides of the border.”
Keynote speakers include former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, who will address the importance of trade and diplomacy between the two nations. The conference also features sessions on immigration, budgeting, criminal justice, and the role of artificial intelligence in education.
Minister Carr’s Chair’s Initiative — North American Energy Security: Powering the Future — will be a central theme throughout the event, with site tours and expert panels exploring energy infrastructure and innovation.
The MLC is a nonpartisan association representing legislators from states including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Saskatchewan, with affiliate members from Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.
