Premier Takes Nova Scotians' Priorities to National Meetings
Premier John Hamm is going to western Canada this week to showcase the strengths of the Atlantic region and to promote Nova Scotia priorities like improved transportation, better education, and stronger relationships with Canada's First Nations.
Premier Hamm leaves Tuesday, Nov. 22, for two days in Calgary where he will join premiers from the three other Atlantic provinces to showcase the region's strengths as a place to live, work and raise a family. The premiers will meet with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Herald editorial board, and key members of the petroleum industry and business community.
"Nova Scotians have a great success story to tell," Premier Hamm said today, Nov. 21. "We want to make sure that people in Alberta know that we have a well-educated workforce, a modern culture of innovation, a thriving economy, and an extraordinary way of life."
On Thursday, Nov. 24, in Kelowna, B.C., the premier will take part in the Council of the Federation meeting with the leaders of the other provinces and territories. Premier Hamm will be speaking about the need for a national transportation strategy and will also push for a greater national focus on post-secondary education and skills training.
The premier met last week with representatives of the Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations to hear their priorities for post-secondary education.
The First Ministers' Meeting on Aboriginal Issues will run Thursday afternoon and Friday, Nov. 25, in Kelowna. Premier Hamm will be accompanied to that meeting by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Baker, Chief Lawrence Paul of Millbrook First Nation and Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation. Premier Hamm has also met with chiefs and representatives of the 13 Mi'kmaq bands in Nova Scotia to ensure their concerns are taken to Kelowna.
"This is a real opportunity for our governments to build bridges with our aboriginal communities," said the premier. "We must move forward on the priorities of aboriginal communities -- critical issues like education, health, housing, economic development and future relationships.
"Here in Nova Scotia, with Mi'kmaq leaders like chiefs Lawrence Paul and Terrance Paul, we believe we are on the right track -- building a better relationship with our First Nations' communities, a relationship marked by trust, respect and growing prosperity."