Premiers and Governors Work Together to Address Common Goals and Challenges

As part of the Council of the Federation's mission to Washington, D.C., Canadian Premiers and United States Governors met on the weekend to discuss common goals and challenges and to compare innovative policy solutions related to trade, border security, energy and the environment. It was the first-ever joint meeting between the Council of the Federation and the National Governors Association. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Acting Premier and Minister of Natural Resources, attended on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Action is needed from all levels of government to address key issues that significantly impact all Canadians and Americans and to ensure the continued positive development of strong relationships among provinces, territories and states," said Acting Premier Dunderdale. "We value the dialogue and relationships established during these meetings. We look forward to future opportunities to work with the association further as we pursue similar solutions for enhanced economic growth that will help meet our goals for energy security and sustainability."

Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador were represented on the mission.

Premiers and Governors recognized that growing the economies of both countries is critical to building stronger workforces and improving the quality of life for citizens. They agreed to promote awareness and appreciation for the mutual benefits of the open two-way trade system and resist the imposition of market-distorting trade barriers between provinces, territories and states.

The meeting led to agreement among Premiers and Governors to explore the different ways, through bilateral or regional agreements or co-operative actions, to strengthen the U.S.-Canada economic relationship, ensure the integrity of Canada's borders and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our warehouse of renewable energy resources, including hydroelectricity and wind, gives us an important role as a future energy supplier and provides an opportunity to collaborate with the United States in the areas of climate change and energy," said Acting Premier Dunderdale. "A clean energy economy will not only provide us with significant economic and employment opportunities, but it will enable us to pursue innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and guarantee long-term energy security."

Following up on their meeting, the Premiers and Governors will write a joint letter to the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada, calling on their respective federal governments to support and promote policy innovation among provinces, territories and states. They will also reiterate the importance of collaboration on the development of national strategies that directly affect commerce, security, energy and environmental issues critical to all provinces, territories and states.

Acting Premier Dunderdale also had an opportunity to advance Newfoundland and Labrador's renewable energy potential during the Premiers' meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson. The mission also involved roundtable discussions with Premiers and influential think-tanks on border, trade, energy and environmental issues.

During the mission, Acting Premier Dunderdale also met with five New England Governors to provide an update on the Lower Churchill project. Initialing of the formal documents for the New Dawn Agreement occurred last week with the Innu Nation, which represents a major milestone for Newfoundland and Labrador in the development of the Lower Churchill.

The Lower Churchill is the most attractive, undeveloped hydroelectric project in North America. The proposed installations at Gull Island and Muskrat Falls have a combined capacity of over 3,000 megawatts and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 16 million tonnes. The majority of power produced from the Lower Churchill will be available for export to markets in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the Federal Government.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2010 02 22                                                       4:50 p.m.