Legislation Will Update Regional Co-operation Laws

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Legislation Will Update Regional Co-operation Laws

Legislation introduced today, April 15, by Premier John Hamm will update existing regional co-operation laws.

The proposed Council of Atlantic Premiers Act will officially enshrine into law the Council of Atlantic Premiers, an organization established by the four Atlantic Canadian provinces in 2000. The current law only applies to the former Council of Maritime Premiers established in 1971 by the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

"This is a measure that will update our laws to reflect the reality of the last four years with the Council of Atlantic Premiers," said Premier Hamm. "It's important for Atlantic Canada to speak with one voice on the issues that matter to our taxpayers -- health care, fiscal arrangements and growing the economy."

The premier noted that through the Council of Atlantic Premiers action plan on regional co-operation signed in the fall of 2001, significant progress has been reached on harmonizing trucking regulations, skills development, literacy and joint health initiatives. The four Atlantic premiers have also worked together to help consumers deal with the rising cost of automobile insurance and in February 2004 established the Atlantic Canada Action Team to increase the local consumption of beef and other food products.

"The Council of Atlantic Premiers has been an important forum for the four Atlantic provinces to work together to improve the quality of life for our citizens," said the premier.

Nova Scotia is the first Atlantic province to start updating its regional co-operation laws to reflect the Council of Atlantic Premiers.