Premiers, Governors Pledge to Transition to Green Economy

Eastern Canadian provinces and New England states have pledged to work together on regional initiatives to advance the green economy, Premier Darrell Dexter said.

The joint commitment was made today, Sept. 15, at the 33rd annual conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in Saint John, N.B.

"We all understand that our economies and our environment are directly linked," said Premier Dexter. "I am pleased that my colleagues are committed to working together with other governments and industry stakeholders to lead the transition towards a greener economy."

The conference heard from business leaders in the region such as Scott Travers, president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, on the opportunities in the green economy. Travers spoke about the Nova Scotia company's experience manufacturing paper products solely from recycled paper, as well as its work building the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy for tidal power.

In the area of Renewable Energy, the conference directed its Northeast International Committee on Energy to develop potential terms and conditions for the procurement of regional renewable power, and provide clarity to renewable energy producers.

The premiers and governors also asked the organization's Climate Change Steering Committee to develop a climate change initiative to be presented next year. They noted that provinces and states can play a leadership role in addressing the challenges of climate change.

Nova Scotia has committed to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, but recognizes it cannot do it alone.

"We need to collaborate with our regional partners to both reduce our greenhouse-gas emissions and better understand and adapt to the impacts of climate change," said Premier Dexter.

Collaboration and partnerships among the region's governments has served it well. For more than 10 years, provinces and states in the region have provided mutual assistance for the management of emergencies. The compact and supporting mechanisms are being pledged to assist the region in dealing with the H1N1 pandemic.

New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and Maine Governor John Baldacci co-chaired this year's conference, Greater Co-operation – Stronger Economies.

The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers was established in 1973 in recognition of the special regional interests among the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces.