Conference Builds On Success

The ties between eastern Canada and New England were further strengthened today, Aug. 29, by a number of innovative regional initiatives, said Premier John Hamm.

Premier Hamm said this year's Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers focused on trade relations, the environment, security, and energy issues.

"Nova Scotians know how important these relationships are in building our prosperity," said the premier. "When we co-operate on major issues like protecting our environment and increasing investment and trade, everyone benefits."

The premiers and governors adopted several resolutions at the conference. They included:

• A resolution to form an oceans working committee to help ensure co-operation on marine research, development initiatives, and environmental and management issues;

• A resolution to take a co-operative approach to energy issues, sharing strategies for supply, conservation, and efficiency;

• A resolution calling for increased co-operation on environmental issues like air quality, acid rain and climate change.

The premiers and governors also spoke about the cross-border trade dispute over softwood lumber with the U.S. ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, and Canada's ambassador to the U.S., Frank McKenna.

"It was encouraging to see a shared desire on both sides to find a reasonable resolution on the softwood lumber impasse," said Premier Hamm.

"Regardless of our province or state, we all agreed on the importance of supporting and strengthening the North American Free Trade Agreement that has done so much for our region," said the premier.

This year's conference was held in St. John's, N.L.; next year's conference is scheduled for Newport, R.I.