Premier to represent province�s concerns at Annual Premiers� Conference

 Health care, equalization, foreign overfishing and post-secondary education continue to be key issues for Premier Roger Grimes heading into the 43rd Annual Premiers� Conference (APC) from July 31 to August 2 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"These remain important issues in this province," said Premier Grimes. "During the conference, I will express the province�s concerns and engage my colleagues in a meaningful dialogue around these matters. Collaboration and cooperation between provinces will be important as we move forward in our efforts to work with the federal government towards resolution of these issues."

The issue of health care will be a major component of the conference, in response to the increasing challenges that continue to impact the health care sector. "We have accomplished a great deal in improving the efficiency of our health care systems over the past few years," said Premier Grimes. "However, it is essential that the federal government provide its fair share of health care funding if provinces are to be able to deliver the care Canadians need and deserve."

Equalization continues to be an important issue for Newfoundland and Labrador. "It remains evident that the current equalization formula is not working for this province, and it�s an issue not only for government, but for the business and labour communities as well," said Premier Grimes. "The program must be restructured to meet its constitutional commitment to ensure that all provinces can offer appropriate services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation. I continue to support the stance that the equalization program needs to be reformed so that all citizens have fair and equitable access to the structures and services that ensure a high quality of life."

In terms of the fishery of this province, Premier Grimes says the conservation and protection of straddling stocks will be a component of the conference agenda. Alternative approaches must be explored to ensure that adequate resources in this area will be available to future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Continued violations of NAFO regulations threaten the health and preservation of important fish stocks.

Post-secondary education remains a crucial issue for this province and the country as a whole. To ensure individuals have the skills to compete in our new economy, this province has taken some of the most innovative approaches in all of Canada to increasing access to post-secondary education by lowering tuition and instituting a loan forgiveness program for provincial student loans for timely, successful completion of programs. The premier plans to share these innovative approaches with the other premiers and seek support from his colleagues in calling upon the federal government to develop a similar approach for loan forgiveness under the Canada Student Loan Program. As well, the premier will be reiterating the need for a significant reinvestment into post-secondary education.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to bring the views of this province to the attention of the other premiers, and seek a common ground for shared approaches. Through our collective efforts, we have a greater chance to improve the quality of life for all citizens," said Premier Grimes.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2002 07 31                                  3:40 p.m.