August 6, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier Tobin outlines priorities for 1999 Premiers' Conference

Premier Brian Tobin will be in Quebec City from August 9 to 11 to attend the 1999 Annual Premiers' Conference. At the conference, premiers will discuss issues related to fiscal balance and reform, jobs and economic growth, and sustainable social programs, under the theme of "competitiveness."

"In recent days there have been calls by some premiers to use the federal surplus to reduce taxes. While I agree that tax cuts are necessary, I firmly believe that reinvestments in health care and education should be the top priority, and I believe other premiers will support me on this point," Tobin said. "I will also be speaking against those who may argue for greater tax point transfers given the negative impact this would have on small provinces."

Premier Tobin's priorities for the jobs and growth discussions at the conference include asking premiers to call on the federal government to make a national transportation investment strategy a key component of next year's federal budget. "Secondary roads and new initiatives, like Phase III of the Trans-Labrador Highway, are essential to allowing for the economic development of rural communities in our province. Canada's major trading partners have all made significant commitments to upgrading their transportation systems, and we can't afford to fall behind. Federal funding remains crucial to ensuring we have a national highway system that is properly maintained and accessible without tolls."

In addition, Premier Tobin said he will place high priority on the need for a national shipbuilding policy. "A national shipbuilding policy will greatly enhance the competitiveness arising from developments at Marystown, Bull Arm, and St. John's. A competitive and stable shipbuilding industry would also attract and retain young, well-educated people -- a necessary component for a healthy and productive industry. We have to ensure the shipbuilding industry can compete on equal footing with competitors elsewhere in the world." He noted that Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly met with labour and industry shipbuilding stakeholders in St. John's on August 5, and that the province stands firmly behind their efforts to place a new national policy on the federal government's agenda.

Premiers will also discuss the status of work to renew Canada's social programs. "I'll be raising issues affecting post-secondary education with the other premiers," Premier Tobin said. "In particular, we're increasingly concerned about a recent Statistics Canada report that indicated student debt across the country is rising dramatically. It's something that needs to be addressed immediately to ensure education remains accessible for everyone." Premier Tobin will also address the need for increased federal government transfers for social programs, specifically health care.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.

1999 08 06         1:55 p.m.