New England Governors, Eastern Canadian Premiers
Premier Darrell Dexter will host New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in Nova Scotia over the next two days to continue work to enhance trade relationships, maximize each region's energy potential, and address environmental challenges.
"Showcasing Nova Scotia as a progressive regional business centre and promoting the province's interest in addressing energy issues regarding transmission and renewables, are high on my list of conference objectives," said Premier Dexter.
Premier Dexter will co-chair the 35th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers with Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. Governor Shumlin is assuming co-chair responsibilities on behalf of Deval Patrick, Governor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who is unable to attend.
"The historic cultural and trade ties between New England and Eastern Canada connect our two regions on many levels, providing numerable opportunities to advance our mutual interests and respective goals," said Governor Shumlin. "During the conference in Nova Scotia, we will continue to build on this remarkable relationship."
The premiers, governors and more than 300 delegates scheduled to attend the conference, will hear from North America's subject experts on such topics as managing governments' fiscal realities, addressing border issues to improve the flow of products and services, and exploring short-sea shipping opportunities for the two regions.
Among the 16 speakers scheduled to present are Chris Sands, senior fellow, Hudson Institute; Kevin G. Lynch, vice-chair, BMO Financial Group; Perrin Beatty, president and CEO, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce; John Manley, president CEO, Canadian Council of Chief Executives; and Steve J. Rourke, vice-president, System Planning, ISO New England.
Emera president and CEO Chris Huskilson and Nalcor Energy president and CEO Ed Martin will update conference delegates on the Lower Churchill hydroelectric development project.
In addition to the presentations, premiers and governors will meet with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Gary Doer, and U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson to discuss Canada-US relations.
The conference takes place July 10-11th in Halifax. More information about the conference is located at www.gov.ns.ca/negecp .
The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers have been meeting to discuss issues of common concern since 1976.