Premier pleased with positive signals from federal government on Atlantic Accord

Premier Danny Williams is very pleased that the Prime Minister appears poised to address the province's request for improved benefits under the Atlantic Accord.

"I have had several positive meetings and conversations with the Prime Minister where I have laid out Newfoundland and Labrador's position on the Atlantic Accord and oil and gas revenues generally," said Premier Williams. "This province expects and deserves no less than 100 per cent of our offshore revenues, and I am confident that the Prime Minister has listened to my arguments, as has Minister Efford in his capacity as Minister of Natural Resources."

Minister Efford is in the province this week meeting with provincial officials on the Atlantic Accord. Premier Williams will be meeting with the minister on Friday to deliver a presentation for the federal government�s review and consideration.

"We have a very serious fiscal situation in this province and if we are to have any chance of addressing these fiscal challenges, the federal government must step up to the plate and allow us to reap the full benefits of these non-renewable resources immediately," added the Premier. "I committed to fostering a stronger, more productive partnership with the federal government and I have spent a considerable amount of time and effort into developing this relationship. I believe that our hard work is paying off. I am hopeful that with a continued spirit of cooperation, we will achieve the best deal from Ottawa for the people of the province."

Premier Williams has also raised this issue in meetings with several federal ministers including Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Health and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Joseph McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500.

2004 02 25                                        4:25 p.m.