Annual NEG-ECP conference postponed

Premier Danny Williams today announced that the New England Governors�-Eastern Canadian Premiers� Conference that was scheduled to take place on August 22 and 23 in St. John�s has been postponed.

"We have postponed the conference until next year because of scheduling difficulties being experienced by several of the New England governors," Premier Williams said. The Premier noted that the governors� schedules are impacted by the unexpected resignation by one governor, gubernatorial elections for two others, the national and presidential elections, and the Republican National Convention that begins in New York on August 30.

"I appreciate the scheduling difficulties of my American colleagues, and though it is unfortunate to have to postpone this conference, it is important to have as much participation as possible to ensure a successful and productive event," added the Premier. "I am pleased that my colleagues have agreed to give our province the opportunity to host the conference next year, and I look forward to hosting that event in 2005," the Premier said.

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

2004 08 09                                         2:55 p.m.