Nova Scotia to Host Next Council of Atlantic Premiers Meeting

Premier Rodney MacDonald has invited his Atlantic counterparts to Nova Scotia for the next meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers.

The council wrapped up its 13th meeting today, Dec. 6, in St. John's, N.L., hosted by Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, with discussions on ways to improve and develop the region's economy.

The Atlantic premiers are committed to promoting the long-term economic competitiveness of the region, and pledge to work together on key competitiveness issues and opportunities. They also see a key role for the federal government.

"By partnering with the federal government and co-ordinating economic development activities in the Atlantic region, our initiatives can have a stronger impact," said Premier MacDonald. "The Atlantic Gateway is just one example of the type of project that will benefit the entire Atlantic region, not to mention all of Canada.

"I appreciate the support of my fellow premiers on this important project."

For immigration, the premiers are asking the federal government to work with them to increase settlement funding and services, and joint promotion of the region. All four premiers want to see more immigrants settle in Atlantic Canada.

"We want Nova Scotia to be a place that attracts, welcomes and retains immigrants," said Premier MacDonald.

The premiers also discussed fiscal imbalance. All stressed the need for the federal government to solve the issue, and provide concrete information to the provinces before provincial budget preparations.

The premiers also turned their attention to how they can encourage economic growth. They have asked their ministers of economic development to consult with stakeholders to streamline rules and regulations for small- and medium-sized enterprises

The four Atlantic premiers committed to a regional trade mission to Alberta in the new year, to better assess opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies to work with Alberta companies, and to do it from here.

Atlantic ministers of energy will work together to identify areas for regional collaboration.

Discussions also focused on Building on Progress: Atlantic Action Plan 2005-08, which was adopted in June 2005. Progress included: measures to integrate electronic health communication systems; savings from joint procurement agreements that include a $1.7- million savings for the joint purchase of school buses; renewal of the Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership; and exclusion of Atlantic softwood lumber products from all trade-limiting U.S. border measures in the new Softwood Lumber Agreement.

This was the first Council of the Atlantic Premiers meeting for Premier MacDonald. All four Atlantic premiers attended the meeting. Nova Scotia will host the next CAP meeting in 2007.