Conference to Focus on Stronger Ties

PREMIER'S OFFICE- Conference to Focus on Stronger Ties

Nova Scotia's capital will play host to this year's gathering of state and provincial leaders from across eastern Canada and New England. Premier John Hamm today announced the 25th Annual Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers will be held from July 16 to July 18 in Halifax.

The conference theme, Building Northeast Networks, reflects the need for neighbouring jurisdictions to capitalize on the many natural and historic links, said Premier Hamm.

"When the eastern Canadian provinces and the New England states work together to pursue common economic and social interests, all citizens benefit," added the premier, who will co-chair the conference with Massachusetts governor Paul Cellucci. "Several promising areas of mutual co-operation which will be on the agenda include transportation infrastructure, trade and environmental protection."

In addition to Premier Hamm and Governor Cellucci, other conference delegates include: Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns; Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard; New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord; Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Brian Tobin; Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond; Vermont Governor Howard Dean, M.D.; Maine Governor Angus King, Jr.; Connecticut Governor John Rowland; and New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen

This is the third time Nova Scotia has hosted the conference.