HR0604 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0604 LRB104 17830 LAW 31264 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the 20th anniversary of the Province of Québec's adhesion as an affiliate member of the NCSL; and

WHEREAS, In the past decade, Québec has strengthened its interparliamentary relationships with the United States through its involvement in the Conference of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus; and

WHEREAS, Québec maintains close ties with the State of Illinois, notably through its involvement in these forums, and there is great importance attached by Québec and Illinois, as well as by the states, provinces, and cities involved in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Conference, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus, and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives, to issues relating to water, trade, and the environment; and

WHEREAS, The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence states and provinces collectively manage 20% of the world's surface fresh water and provide drinking water for over 40 million people, emphasizing the importance of their relationship and their particularly strategic position in terms of freshwater management and sustainability; and

WHEREAS, Together, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence states and provinces constitute an economic region equivalent to the world's 3rd largest economy; and

WHEREAS, Québec and Illinois both wish to increase tourism while promoting sustainable tourism in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region; and

WHEREAS, Québec selecting Illinois as the location to establish its Midwest office underscores the importance of Illinois for Québec's diplomatic and international outreach and the strength of their bilateral relationship; and

WHEREAS, Over the past five years, trade between Québec and Illinois has increased by more than 90%; and

WHEREAS, Québec is Illinois' 2nd largest investor among Canadian provinces and ranks as the 15th largest international destination for Illinois products; and

WHEREAS, Québec was the United States' principal partner in primary aluminum in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Québec proudly ranks as the 2nd importer of Illinois-made motor cars; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 75 Québec-owned companies currently operate in Illinois, directly creating local jobs, while more than 120 Illinois-based businesses maintain operations in Québec; and

WHEREAS, Both Québec and Illinois maintain expertise and leadership in agricultural technologies, life sciences, clean energy, and artificial intelligence; and

WHEREAS, The remarkable partnership between Québec and Illinois should be recognized appropriately during this special time; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the decades-long partnership between the Province of Québec and the State of Illinois, and we extend our best wishes for many more years of mutual prosperity and growth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Assembly of Québec as an expression of our esteem and respect.