Council of Federation Meetings a Success

Premier Darrell Dexter and other members of the Council of Federation (CoF) are in Washington advancing their provinces' interests, during a series of important meetings and appointments with key U.S. business and government leaders.

"Our countries are tied to one another geographically, socially and economically, so we must co-operate closely for the benefit of all our citizens," said Premier Dexter. "Sharing policy approaches and understanding the constraints and opportunities we all face are key to the future success of Nova Scotia and, indeed, all provinces."

Premier Dexter and his colleagues met with the Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson and head of the White House Economic Council Larry Summers, two of President Barack Obama's key advisors on environmental and economic policy.

For the first time, a meeting between premiers and governors took place to discuss issues of mutual importance, including energy supply and demand. Seven Canadian premiers and over 20 U.S. governors participated in the historic meeting.

"This meeting was a great opportunity for me to discuss with my Canadian and U.S. colleagues Nova Scotia's tremendous renewable energy resources, including tidal and wind power," said Premier Dexter. "I look forward to continue working with my U.S. colleagues on the social, environmental, and economic issues that we all face."

Premier Dexter also advanced Nova Scotia's interests in a meeting with Jon Wellinghoff, chairman of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and sought greater regional co-operation in bilateral discussions with Maine Governor John Balducci, and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

Atlantic Canadian premiers are also scheduled to meet the New England governor in preparation for the upcoming annual meeting of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

Further meetings with top U.S. congressional and government leaders are scheduled for today, Feb. 21, and Monday, Feb. 22.