New England Governors- Eastern Canadian Premiers conference a success

Building strong and effective relationships was a hallmark of the 29th Annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference (NEG-ECP), held today in St. John�s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Conference Chair Premier Danny Williams (Newfoundland and Labrador), and Co-Chair Governor Donald L. Carcieri (Rhode Island), declared the NEG-ECP a tremendous success, yielding several positive and innovative initiatives that will benefit all jurisdictions.

Premiers and Governors strengthened their commitment to and understanding of key issues such as current trade relations, security and the environment. Two of the main agenda items focused on developing an ocean strategy and discussing energy issues.

�Given our province�s historic attachment to ocean industries and our tremendous energy potential, Newfoundland and Labrador is a very appropriate venue to discuss these important issues,� added Premier Williams. �Governors and premiers recognize the need for a more cohesive, comprehensive and inclusive policy approach to oceans management, and our discussions were beneficial in this regard. Energy supply and demand continues be at the forefront of public debate both within local and global contexts. Discussing these issues with our neighboring colleagues will serve only to improve our understanding of issues and allow us to move forward with sound and effective policies and plans.�

�We have worked in the spirit of cooperation on some of the most pressing issues that face our respective states and provinces,� Governor Carcieri said. �Our regional approach on ocean policy, energy issues, environment, trade and security is an effective way to influence national and international policies on these issues.�

There were a total of six resolutions adopted by Premiers and Governors at the NEG-ECP. The resolutions are reflective of the significant progress made at the conference. The resolutions include:

Oceans  (View Resolution)
Premiers and Governors resolved to form an Oceans Working Committee to foster cooperation and collaboration. This committee will facilitate the exchange of information, cooperate on marine research and development initiatives, exchange relevant studies and reports, and will jointly address environmental and management issues.

Energy  (View Resolution)
A resolution was supported to take a cooperative approach to energy issues such as coordinating and facilitating regional strategies for supply, conservation and efficiency. The resolution also discusses strategies for dealing with means to responding to regional needs, conservation and efficiency initiatives and monitoring programs.

Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America  (View Resolution)
Premiers and Governors will inform the Governments of Canada and the United States of their support of the objectives of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. They will also inform their respective federal governments of the importance of involving states and provinces in the process. This resolution also resulted in mandating the Standing Committee on Trade Cooperation to draft an action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation between members of the NEG-ECP in this regard.

Environment  (View Resolution)
This resolution will see increased cooperation on issues relating to the environment including work on issues such air quality and climate change.

Hurricane Katrina  (View Resolution)
The Premiers and Governors expressed their deep concern and heartfelt prayers for the residents of the states of Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi and pledged to provide necessary relief and recovery assistance wherever possible.

Honouring the Life and Service of former Executive Director of the New England Governors and Co-Secretary of the NEG-ECP, Mr. William Gildea  (View Resolution)
The final resolution recognized the outstanding contributions of Mr. William Gildea who dedicated more than thirty years of his life to fostering a strong relationship between the New England States and the Eastern Canadian Provinces. He passed away April 8, 2005 at the age of 83.

In addition to Premiers and Governors, US Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency David Wilkins and the Canadian Ambassador to the US, His Excellency Mr. Frank McKenna were both in attendance for the conference. Premier Williams and Governor Carcieri agreed that it was beneficial to personally engage both of these gentlemen on many key issues of importance to the New England states and Eastern Canadian provinces.

�It was a pleasure and an honour to host this year�s conference,� said Premier Williams. �I would like to recognize the efforts of the many organizers, volunteers and the local companies who made this conference a success. I look forward to next year's NEG-ECP in Rhode Island and the opportunity to build on the successes of this year.�

�On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, I look forward to welcoming the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to our state for next year�s conference,� Governor Carcieri said. �The conference will allow us to continue our work and provide an opportunity to show off our beautiful state.�

Media contacts:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500

Jeff Neal, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor, Rhode Island, (401) 222-8290

2005 08 29                      5:20 p.m.