Premier Grimes pleased with agenda for change

At the conclusion of day one of the Annual Premiers� Conference in Charlottetown, Premier Grimes said he and his colleagues have reached agreement on a five point plan to bring forward a new era of federal/provincial/territorial relations.

"I am pleased that premiers agreed to create a new mechanism, a Council of the Federation, to guide work of provinces and territories in developing a more constructive, cooperative approach among provinces and territories and with the federal government," said the Premier.

"Based on a proposal put forward by Newfoundland and Labrador, premiers agreed to the establishment of Protocols of Conduct as one element of the five point plan. These protocols would set out the basic principles that guide the relationships between the federal government and the provincial/territorial governments in Canada." The Protocols of Conduct call for provinces, territories and the federal government to adopt the best practices of federalism. "Canadians expect the federal government to consult with provinces and territories on issues that affect them, and not act unilaterally."

Fifteen months ago, Premier Grimes identified the need for a renewed federation, and a better model for federal/provincial/territorial relationships. The Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening our Place in Canada, released last week, called for new way of doing business and a revitalization of the federation.

The Premier sees today�s outcome as a foundation for true renewal of the federal/provincial/territorial partnership. "I am optimistic that there will be positive change in the view of the federal government towards Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of the country. As leaders, we have put forward a solid plan to revitalize the Canadian Federation and build a new era of constructive and cooperative federalism for Canadians." The plan will be based on strength through diversity, dialogue and cooperative approaches to common challenges and opportunities.

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

2003 07 10                                       5:45 p.m.