[quote]The purpose was to bring together 51 members (one from each state, plus the District of Columbia)[/quote]

It seems like a weird combo, but I was reading this article on ebay about a full-time power-seller on ebay from each state going to washington to tell their story. Definitely interesting, might spark some new interest in the online community once Washington realizes the money that can be made online.
Article Here

So what does this have to do with Canadians? I found out where the 51 states idea came from for me... 50states+the district of columbia ;D
https://davnit.net/bnet/vL/phpbbs/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=7179;start=0