Premier Takes Accord Fight to Senate

Premier Rodney MacDonald is taking his fight to protect Nova Scotia's offshore accord to the Senate.

He is scheduled to make a presentation today, June 19, at 3 p.m. Atlantic time. Finance Minister Michael Baker will also present.

"My message to the Senate will be clear," the premier said. "The budget legislation puts the integrity of any and all signed agreements, as well as the future of federal-provincial relations, at risk right across the country.

"I will respectfully ask the Senate to delay the legislation until the federal government honours Nova Scotia's offshore accord, and restores the trust and respect that must exist between levels of government in the kind of constructive federalism that Canadians expect and cherish."

Nova Scotia's accord, signed by both levels of government in 2005, protects the province's right to 100 per cent of its offshore revenues. Clause 4 guarantees revenue protection under any equalization program.

The federal budget ignores the provisions, only protecting Nova Scotia's offshore revenue rights if the province gives up the equalization payments available to other provinces.

Mr. Baker will propose legislative amendments that would allow the federal budget to proceed, while protecting the offshore accord.

"With the amendments I am proposing, the federal government has options that would protect the offshore accord, and allow its budget to move forward with minor changes and without undue delay."

Premier MacDonald said he will continue to fight for Nova Scotia.

"The federal government must restore the principle and every penny guaranteed to Nova Scotia under the 2005 offshore accord," the premier said.