The following is being distributed at the request of the Council of Atlantic Premiers:

Atlantic Premiers adopt Premier Grimes� proposal

Premier Roger Grimes says he is pleased the Council of Atlantic Premiers have reached a consensus on a proposal he put forward on improving federal-provincial relations.

At the Council of Atlantic Premiers� meeting today in Prince Edward Island, Premier Grimes put forward a Code of Conduct which outlines a set of principles of cooperation to strengthen and renew the Canadian federation.

"As a result of the cross country discussions I have had with premiers in recent weeks, I proposed a new Code of Conduct that will ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of government relationships within Canada," said Premier Grimes. "There is already a broad consensus among premiers that action needs to be taken to improve the dismal state of federal-provincial relations, and the time to take that action is now."

The Atlantic Premiers have agreed to bring their proposal to all Premiers at the Annual Premiers Conference on July 9-11.

"The circumstances surrounding the closure of the Gander weather office, the divestiture of Port Harmon in Stephenville and the closure of the cod fishery in our province this spring demonstrated the need for a serious examination of the federal-provincial working relationship. Premiers have noted this as a concern during my discussions with them over the past number of weeks. I will continue to work on strengthening the Federation as I believe it is a method by which we can strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador. I am certain that my colleagues will join me as they look to represent the needs of the residents in their own jurisdictions," Premier Grimes said.

The Premier�s proposal for intergovernmental relationships in Canada is guided by four overarching principles:

• Notice: As the actions of one jurisdiction can have implications for others, all jurisdictions have an obligation to give one another advance notice prior to implementation of a major policy or program change that could substantially impact on other jurisdictions;
• Duty to Consult: The federal government has an obligation to meaningful prior consultation on major decisions which impact upon a province/territory (or provinces/territories). Provinces/Territories also have an obligation to consult with one another on major decisions which could have implications beyond their borders;
• Duty to Negotiate: The federal government has an obligation to commence negotiations with a province/territory (or provinces/territories) which brings forward a matter of significant concern; and,
• Dispute Avoidance and Resolution: All jurisdictions must work collaboratively and with reasonable flexibility to avoid and resolve intergovernmental disputes. If necessary, third party advice and mediation will be used to resolve disputes.

"Further to these principles of intergovernmental relations, my Atlantic colleagues and I are calling on the Prime Minister to commit to annual First Ministers Meetings," said Premier Grimes. "This way, first ministers would have a forum for executive direction on broad issues affecting the Federation, as well as a forum to discuss other relevant issues of the day." Premier Grimes indicated that standing items on the agenda should be health, trade, finance, justice and the economy.

Premier Grimes proposed that international trade and dispute resolution be among the first items of business covered by the first ministers. He stated that first ministers should negotiate an agreement allowing full participation by provinces in international negotiations which may have a direct effect on their areas of jurisdiction, particularly with respect to natural resources and trade. As well, a mechanism for dispute resolution should be put in place, first to avoid disputes and then to collaboratively engage parties in the event of a dispute.

"Our goal has been and will continue to be to ensure that the needs of the people we serve are fairly and adequately represented to the federal government, and that our needs are legitimately considered in decision making at the national level. This Code of Conduct and proposed first steps to renewal help move us toward that goal."

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960; 687-0302

2003 06 18                                       4:45 p.m.