Common Front on Children, Agriculture

Canada's provincial and territorial leaders have formed a common front on several other issues at this year's annual premiers' conference in Victoria, Premier John Hamm reported today.

In addition to addressing Nova Scotia's priorities of health care, transportation and energy, premiers unanimously adopted positions related to children and agriculture.

"Protecting our young people and supporting our farmers are certainly welcome measures to many Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm, who actively participated in discussions by premiers regarding early childhood development. "I am pleased all premiers were able to co-operate on these important initiatives."

At the conclusion of the conference, premiers announced their support for:

• the federal government aggressively pursuing the elimination of international agricultural subsidies;

• a more detailed report, within 60 days, of steps that might be taken to support farmers in the years ahead;

• increased interprovincial/territorial co-operation on child protection measures;

• the development of a national sex offender registry for provinces which wish to implement such measures;

• amending the federal Criminal Code to make Internet luring a criminal offence, as well as promoting best practices by provinces, territories and the federal government to prevent Internet luring;

• a co-ordinated response to protect children involved in prostitution;

• ensuring all provinces pass reciprocal family maintenance enforcement legislation by next year's annual premiers' conference, as is currently the case in Nova Scotia.

Premiers also called on Ottawa to honour its commitment at last September's First Ministers' Meeting to establish a mechanism to resolve disputes under the Canada Health Act.