Meeting of Maritime Premiers Concludes

The following are the releases issued today at a meeting of Council of Maritime Premiers held in Charlottetown, P.E.I. The meeting was attended by Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm, Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord.

National Premiers' Conference -- Fiscal Matters

Maritime premiers will be working toward a common national position on federal-provincial fiscal matters at the National Premiers' Conference scheduled for Feb. 3.

Meeting today in Charlottetown, premiers John Hamm, Pat Binns and Bernard Lord agreed on common positions regarding Canada Health and Social Transfer funding and the Equalization Program.

Reiterating previous messages of Maritime/Atlantic premiers and finance ministers, the premiers again called on the federal government in its upcoming budget to meet the priorities of Canadians by fully restoring the Canada Health and Social Transfer funding to the 1994-95 level by 2000-01. This would result in about $4 billion more per year for social programs such as health and education. The premiers also called for the introduction of an appropriate escalator for the cash transfer in order to secure adequate, growing funding that will sustain provincial social programs to meet the needs of Canadians.

All three premiers agreed that a stronger Equalization Program is essential.

"Stronger equalization will ensure that the Maritime provinces will be able to provide our citizens with social programs comparable to those in other provinces at tax rates that do not destroy our competitiveness and ability to grow economically."

The premiers called upon the federal government to eliminate the cap on the Equalization Program and to move to a 10-province standard and more comprehensive revenue coverage. Placing a cap on the program represents a direct threat on the ability of the program to function as required by the Canadian Constitution to compensate poorer provinces for inadequate revenue resources.

The premiers also discussed the farm income crisis, a topic which is on the agenda of the national premiers' meeting in February. Atlantic premiers expressed concern for farmers facing crisis and are hopeful that program and funding arrangements will soon be concluded.

Enhancing Regional Co-operation

To meet the challenges of the new millennium, Maritime premiers agreed on a process to identify new opportunities and set clear priorities for future regional co-operation. The goals of the Maritime premiers' regional agenda include: a stronger regional voice at the national level; enhanced economic growth through co- operation; and improved and more cost-effective delivery of public services.

Maritime premiers intend to formulate their new agenda over the next six months.

"We want to get on with the business of improved service delivery to the public in a responsible and fiscally prudent manner, and we believe that there are many opportunities to do this at a regional level," said Premier Hamm.

Team Atlantic Trade Mission

The premiers announced that they will be leading a trade mission to southern New England states in May 2000.

This mission into southern New England will be the second of its type. In April 1999, the four Atlantic Canadian premiers, along with ten company representatives from each province, visited the four northern New England states. Atlantic companies met with more than 300 companies in New England and generated immediate sales of $2.2 million, and sales anticipated in the short-term in excess of $28 million. Information gathered from companies which participated in that mission clearly show that the organization and format was extremely useful for firms seeking to enter the New England market.

"New England is a key trading partner for Atlantic Canada, and we must support our business sector in their endeavour to build on existing partnerships and form new alliances to open new markets into the United States," said Premier Binns.

Commencing in Boston, Mass., business meetings will be held in Southern Massachusetts; Providence, R.I.; and Stamford, Conn., over the span of four days. Ten companies from all sectors in each Atlantic province will be recruited to participate in this mission.

During the mission, governments will also be taking advantage of networking opportunities to pursue investment objectives.

Previous communications with Premier Brian Tobin confirmed Newfoundland and Labrador's intent to participate in this second trade mission to New England.

Atlantic Lotto

Atlantic premiers today announced that a new profit-sharing arrangement for Atlantic Lotto has been agreed.

"This new formula is fair and equitable to all four provinces, and I am pleased to confirm Nova Scotia's support of this regional corporation," said Premier Hamm.

"I am pleased that our joint efforts have resulted in securing Atlantic Lotto's future," stated Premier Lord.

"This is a clear signal that regional co-operation works," said Premier Binns, "I look forward to identifying other opportunities for regional co-operation."

Premier Tobin, who was unable to attend today's meeting due to inclement weather, also indicated his support for this arrangement.

"This is a sound basis for our future collaborative efforts," he said.

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