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NLIS 4
March 15, 2001
(Executive Council)

 

The following statement was issued today by Premier Roger Grimes. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to update my honourable colleagues on my meeting yesterday with the Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Jean Chr�tien.

I am pleased to report, Mr. Speaker, that my meeting with the Prime Minister was a positive one. The Prime Minister demonstrated a clear understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing Newfoundland and Labrador. He agreed, Mr. Speaker, that we will work together, where possible, to achieve real and meaningful results for the people of this province.

The Prime Minister and I discussed the state of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery, and I expressed the strong opposition of this government to further allocations of shrimp to new interests in other provinces. I clearly indicated to the Prime Minister that the principle of adjacency must apply in the management of our fisheries resources. It was agreed that the federal and provincial Ministers of Fisheries should discuss this matter at the earliest opportunity.

The Prime Minister and I discussed the serious plight of substance abuse faced by the Innu children of Labrador. He indicated his continued support for our collective efforts to address this serious problem. Health and Community Services Minister Julie Bettney will continue to cooperate and consult with her federal counterpart, Minister Allan Rock, in addressing this important matter.

We discussed the provincial name change, and agreed to ask federal and provincial Intergovernmental Affairs Ministers to work together to expedite the necessary processes.

The Prime Minister and I discussed a number of other important matters, including the divestiture of ports and harbours from federal to provincial jurisdiction; equalization; "clawbacks" on resource revenues; and the disposition of the federal government�s 8.5 per cent share of the Canadian Hibernia Holding Corporation. We have agreed to work toward a realignment that would be advantageous for both our governments.

The Prime Minister recently met with President Bush, and it is clear from that meeting that North American Energy Policy is an area of prime importance. The energy sector is one in which this province is poised to play an increasingly important role. There is substantial interest in the development of the Lower Churchill Power Project, and in offshore natural gas development - both for local conversion to electricity and for export. I was pleased to learn that the Prime Minister recognizes that both of these components could form a part of the North American Energy Policy.

Productive relationships are built on trust and understanding. I accept the Prime Minister�s commitment to, and interest in, addressing the needs of this province. This government will work with the Government of Canada, and indeed the other provincial governments where appropriate, in advancing our interests. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister as he addresses the priorities we discussed in our meeting.

This was an introductory meeting, one which generated necessary follow-up activity in several key areas. As we pursue these issues, my Cabinet colleagues and I will report to the House of Assembly on developments as they occur.

2001 03 15                                              1:50 p.m.


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