4.__Research assistance; publications.__The envoy shall assist the State and Maine businesses to develop and increase trade relations with Canada. The envoy shall perform market research and provide this research and trade leads and information to Maine businesses looking to locate their products and services for export.__The envoy shall publish reports, bulletins and other publications that promote the objectives of this chapter.

5.__Coordination.__The envoy shall coordinate trade-related activities such as trade shows, seminars and conferences related to Maine-made or Canadian-made products.

6.__Intermediary.__The envoy shall act as an intermediary between the State, Maine businesses and citizens and Canada for any problems that arise regarding trade issues.

7.__Examination of public records.__The envoy has the right of reasonable access to and examination of all state and local government records that are reasonably related to the duties of the envoy.

8.__Biennial report.__The envoy shall report biennially to the Governor and Legislature facts and recommendations related to the work and needs of the Office of the Maine-Canada Envoy.

9.__Rules.__The envoy may adopt rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.__Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in chapter 375, subchapter II-A.

Sec. 2. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2003.

SUMMARY

This bill creates the Office of the Maine-Canada Envoy. The envoy is appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate for a term of 4 years. The envoy has the following duties:

1. To act as the Maine representative for relations with Canada to ensure the coordination of state policy when dealing with Canada;

2. To perform research and provide assistance to State Government, businesses and citizens to increase trade with Canada;

3. To act as an intermediary between Maine businesses and citizens and Canada for trade; and

4. To administer the Office of the Maine-Canada Envoy.