Ottawa Trip First Item on New Premier's Agenda

Once sworn-in as premier of Nova Scotia today, Feb. 24, Rodney MacDonald will be heading straight to Ottawa for an informal dinner meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, premiers and territorial leaders.

Premier MacDonald will bring to the table his priorities for Nova Scotia, including emphasizing the importance of ports and highways to the province and to Canada's future.

The premier has said that Nova Scotia's port, air and land networks are strategic national assets for Canada. He said this Atlantic gateway to North America is at the forefront of the province's strategy to build a healthier, more prosperous and more self-sufficient Nova Scotia.

"It's a tremendous opportunity to spend my first day on the job as premier in the company of the new prime minister along with my counterparts across the country. I intend to maximize this opportunity by bringing forward to those present the many issues as well as Nova Scotia advantages," Premier MacDonald said.

The new premier will be looking for a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Harper in the near future. He will focus on issues such as: Nova Scotia's infrastructure, including securing a new agreement to boost the province's portion of the national highway system, the health and post-secondary education/skills training systems and other social issues affecting Nova Scotians.

Premier MacDonald said financial arrangements that can support Nova Scotia's development are essential and that he will make full use of the province's new office in Ottawa to ensure that a strategic approach helps make that happen.