Premier Dunderdale Advocates for Issues Important to
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at Atlantic Premiers Meeting

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, raised several issues of importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the 22nd session of the Council of Atlantic Premiers in White Point, Nova Scotia. The Premier spoke about open access to energy resources as well as suggested an Atlantic consultation to study the impacts of the proposed federal changes to Employment Insurance.

“As co-lead of the Canadian Energy Strategy, I had an opportunity over the past two days to speak to my Atlantic counterparts about the importance of open cross-territorial access to transmission and transportation of energy resources,” said Premier Dunderdale. “I impressed upon the Premiers that as we continue to develop a strategy for all Canadians, we need to focus on energy security. I believe that by focusing on common goals we can achieve great results, including a reliable, secure and stable energy source throughout Canada. Without an effective inter-provincial transmission and transportation system in Canada we may not be able to develop projects that will ultimately benefit all Canadians. I was pleased to start this conversation with my colleagues and their support is encouraging. We all want the benefits that could be achieved through open access to reliable and secure energy resources. Muskrat Falls is a concrete example how provinces, regions and Canada can benefit when we work towards common goals.”

Premier Dunderdale also spoke with her colleagues about proposed changes by the Federal Government to the Employment Insurance program and suggested a comprehensive Atlantic Canada study into the impacts of any changes to the program. Recent changes to Employment Insurance will have a major negative impact on seasonal industries in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout the Atlantic region.

“I think it is vital the Federal Government recognizes the devastating impact their changes to Employment Insurance could have on workers in the Atlantic provinces,” said Premier Dunderdale. “Seasonal workers are being directly targeted in these new definitions of ‘suitable employment’ and ‘reasonable job search.’ Seasonal workers will be required to travel up to one hour from their home to work for low wages. We can not stand by while our people are being punished for taking the only work available in their home towns. This is not a solution for Atlantic Canadians and through our consultation we will show the Federal Government their actions are hurting our provinces.”

Premier Dunderdale notes that other recent changes to federal skills funding, including changes to the Labour Market Agreement, will further impact individuals who are trying to enter the workforce.

The Premiers also discussed other areas of collaboration that will benefit the Atlantic provinces, including the labour market, apprenticeship and job training.

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2013 04 29             2:10 p.m.