Premier Promotes Regional Collaboration at Meeting of Atlantic Premiers

Premier Darrell Dexter will promote regional collaboration on a number of issues, primarily energy, at the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting Friday, Nov. 20, in Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Energy is a crucial area of focus for all jurisdictions, not just the Atlantic Provinces," said Premier Dexter. "It is vitally important for the Atlantic Premiers to recognize that we are stronger as a region. This collaboration will help us all move closer to meeting our environmental and economic goals."

The meeting will be the 17th session of the council. The group is expected to discuss a number of issues, including energy co-operation, climate change and Canada's economic relationship with the United States. The premiers will also be updated on the Atlantic Gateway and the Large-Scale Hydro Forum, held recently in St. John's.

Premier Dexter noted that the Atlantic region is an important source of renewable energy resources for Canada, eastern North America and the rest of the world. For that reason, the premier said he would like to see the group collaborate specifically on issues relating to energy development and transmission.

"The government's goal is to make Nova Scotia a better place to live, work and raise a family," said Premier Dexter. "But the fact is that the interests of Nova Scotia, like those of all the Atlantic Provinces, are best served when we work together as a region."

The Council of Atlantic Premiers was created in May 2000 to strengthen the economic competitiveness of the region, improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of public services to Atlantic Canadians and promote the Atlantic region's interests on national issues.