Today Premiers Darrell Dexter, Shawn Graham, Robert
Ghiz and Danny Williams re-affirmed their commitment to the creation of
a collaborative strategy for clean and renewable energy across the
region.
"We all share a vision of an integrated and
collaborative Atlantic Canadian energy system that supports the
development of our renewable and clean energy resources, and an enhanced
transmission system that links our four provinces to each other and to
the world," said
Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter. "Our colleagues in New England have
told us they see real advantages to working with us as a region, and we
have assured them that is how we plan to operate going forward."
"Our provinces share many of the same energy
challenges as well as many opportunities, and greater collaboration will
allow us to build a stronger, greener energy sector while growing our
economies," said New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham.
"Collectively our four provinces have a tremendous
array of proven energy resources awaiting development — enough to
satisfy our own markets and those beyond our respective borders crying
out for clean, reliable electricity," said Newfoundland and Labrador
Premier Danny Williams.
"Regional collaboration is an essential component of
PEI's Energy Strategy. It is only through working together that we can
achieve our goals of energy security, environmental sustainability and
economic development," said Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz.
The premiers are in Massachusetts for the Conference
of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, where energy
issues have been a major focus of discussions. Premier Ghiz was
represented at the meetings by Deputy Premier George Webster.
All four Atlantic Canadian provinces have been working
together on a range of energy issues through the Council of Atlantic
Premiers, and look forward to building on that work in conjunction with
the federal government through the Atlantic Energy Gateway Initiative.