The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the 32^nd Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) in Maine this week.

"This conference will provide opportunity for valuable discussion with my colleagues and serve to advance our collective interests and share information, particularly with respect to energy and innovation," said Premier Williams. "I look forward to this meeting in Maine and building upon the mutually beneficial relationship among the New England Governors and the Eastern Canadian Premiers."

This year�s discussion will focus on regional energy issues, as well as discussions of transportation, innovation, Canada-U.S. relations, and demographics. For each of the discussion areas, invited guests will introduce or present on the subject area, followed by an opportunity for Premiers and Governors to participate in a discussion. Some of the guests include U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins; the Canadian Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Wilson; and Ed Martin, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

"With the recent Hebron announcement, the Lower Churchill project, and our economy on the rise, there will be a lot to share with the other states and provinces during our meetings," added Premier Williams. "With an abundance of hydroelectric, wind and petroleum resources beyond provincial requirements, Newfoundland and Labrador is well positioned to be a strategic, long-term supplier of energy to meet its growing demands and those in eastern North America."

The NEG-ECP comprises the five eastern Canadian provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island; New Brunswick; and Quebec, and the six New England states: Connecticut; Maine; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; Rhode Island; and Vermont. All Premiers and Governors from these jurisdictions are slated to attend the conference, which takes place September 15-16 in Bar Harbour, Maine.

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