Conference Focused on Energy, Security, Jobs and the Environment

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Conference Focused on Energy, Security, Jobs and the Environment

Important steps were taken to protect the priorities of Nova Scotians at this year's conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, Premier John Hamm said today.

"From working to ensure that we don't suffer from power blackouts, to improving the trade links we need for more jobs and growth, the major issues for Nova Scotia's future were discussed at this year's conference," said the premier.

The 28th conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers concluded today, Sept. 9, in Groton, Conn. Among the resolutions adopted were:

• the Northeast International Committee on Energy will work with
  the Canada-U.S. Joint Task Force, investigating the Aug. 14
  power outage, to identify additional measures to safeguard the
  power supply in Eastern Canada and New England;

• public security officials from the states and the provinces
  will work more closely on sharing best practices and
  information on security, organized crime, terrorism and
  protecting critical infrastructure, culminating in a Northeast
  Homeland Security Conference in Quebec City next year;

• encouraging the International Northeast Biotechnology Corridor
  to seek funding from the private and public sectors to help
  expand the region's life sciences sector - a key part of Nova
  Scotia's economic growth strategy, Opportunities for
  Prosperity;

• directing the conference's Trade and Globalization Committee
  to take further action in a number of key areas, such as
  reducing transportation regulations and convening a Border
  Security and Open Trade Conference in 2004 in New Brunswick;

• continuing to implement the measures agreed to in the 2001
  Climate Change Action Plan and encouraging both the Canadian
  and United States' national governments to follow the lead of
  Eastern Canada premiers and New England governors;

• urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider
  the regulatory revisions which impact on the 1990 Canada/U.S.
  Clean Air Agreement.

Ross McCurdy of InnovaCorp delivered a presentation on Nova Scotia's growing life sciences sector. Colin MacDonald of Clearwater spoke about the need to change proposed new Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulations which would hamper Nova Scotia's fish exports to the United States.

"This was a real team effort on behalf of the people of Nova Scotia," said Premier Hamm. "Our province's economy depends on the success of our relationship with New England."

The premier also used the conference as an opportunity to discuss with Maine Governor John Baldacci securing pre-clearance rights for the Halifax International Airport.