Council Will Promote Region's Interests

The new Council of Atlantic Premiers will ensure issues of concern to Atlantic Canadians are high on the national agenda and the voice of Atlantic Canadians is loud and clear in national debates, Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm said today.

On Monday, Premier Hamm, Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin, New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns will sign a memorandum of understanding on Atlantic Canada co-operation and create the new Council of Atlantic Premiers.

"By speaking with a common voice, by uniting in a common approach, we will increase our influence and improve our results with Ottawa and the other provinces on issues of vital importance to Atlantic Canadians," Premier Hamm said.

The primary focus of the council will be to advance Atlantic Canada's interests in Ottawa and across the country. As well, through the council, the four provinces will develop common positions on issues of national concern; co-ordinate joint activity in areas such as trade, economic co-operation and federal-provincial fiscal arrangements; and co-ordinate analysis and review of economic, fiscal, social, cultural and environmental programs and policies that affect the region.

In addition to the obvious difference, the inclusion of Newfoundland, the Council of Atlantic Premiers differs from the Council of Maritime Premiers in focus and primary objectives. The 25-year-old Council of Maritime Premiers concentrates on areas where regional co-operation can improve delivery of services or contribute to economic growth. The Council of Atlantic Premiers will focus on national issues and ensure the Atlantic perspective is heard on those issues.

Premier Hamm noted that last year Atlantic premiers were instrumental in moving health care in general, and the dwindling federal contribution to health care specifically, to the top of the agenda in provincial-federal relations.

He said a collective approach from Atlantic Canada can also produce positive results on issues such as equalization and transportation, which are of greater significance in this region than in other parts of the country.

"Atlantic Canada is a vital, growing, essential part of this nation. Our future is as bright as any region of Canada. We want other Canadians, including those who live in the national capital region, to understand that, and to recognize that national policy impacts on us, too," said Premier Hamm.

The inaugural meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers is in Moncton on Monday, May 15.