Energy Efficiency, Cross Border Issues on Meeting Agenda

Nova Scotia will focus on issues that will help the government build a closer working relationship with the New England States such as energy efficiency and enhancing border security, at a Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, said Premier Rodney MacDonald.

"This is an ideal opportunity to discuss these common issues which are not unique to one province or state," said Premier MacDonald.

The New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers are meeting today, Sept.15 and Tuesday, Sept. 16 in Bar Harbor, Me.

The premier said the number one issue facing Canadians and Americans is the high cost of gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel and electricity.

"We are seeing the effects that fuel prices are having on both the U.S. and Canadian economies, be it in travel or food prices," said the premier. "This winter, home heating costs threaten to cause many problems for ordinary people in Eastern Canada and across the border. We need to work together to identify common solutions."

The premier also said the meeting provides the opportunity to continue discussions about enhancing border security.

"The economic stability and viability of Eastern Canada and the New England states must be protected," said Premier MacDonald. "Our economic security is dependent upon a smooth and efficient flow of goods and people across the border."

More than $1 billion worth of goods cross the Canada-U.S. border each day.

"Approaching both of these issues together with our neighbouring provinces and states will reinforce the legitimacy of our goals in these areas," said the premier.

The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers was established in 1973 in recognition of the special regional interests that exist among the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces. Its members are the premiers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec, and the governors of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.