Executive Council
March 4, 2016

Collaborating with First Ministers

Focus of First Ministers� Meeting; Economy and Climate Change

First Ministers met in Vancouver on Thursday, March 3, to discuss the economy and climate change and to forge a path ahead for federal, provincial and territorial governments to move to a low carbon economy.

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, chaired the Council of the Federation Winter meeting. Premier Ball also participated in a meeting the Prime Minister called with Indigenous leaders and First Ministers. Both meetings were held on March 2.

�There is an important link between the economy, jobs and clean growth which reduces our carbon footprint. The transition to lower carbon can stimulate economic progress and create jobs in the short term and for future generations. Important progress was made at the First Ministers� meeting and the Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change establishes a plan to help Canada achieve its climate change commitments.�
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

First Ministers also discussed the economy and the Federal Government�s commitments to new and flexible investments in infrastructure, skills development and a shared commitment to enhance trade.

�The goals of creating a lower carbon footprint and strengthening our economy do not need to be mutually exclusive. The global shift toward a low carbon future presents many opportunities for Canada and indeed Newfoundland and Labrador given our abundant clean energy resources and emerging green economy.�
- Premier Ball

First Ministers will make decisions on a strategy to reduce Canada�s greenhouse gas emissions this fall.

QUICK FACTS

• First Ministers met in Vancouver on Thursday, March 3, to discuss the economy and climate change.
• Other items discussed included the Federal Government�s commitments to new and flexible investments in infrastructure, skills development and a shared commitment to enhance trade.
• First Ministers will make decisions on a strategy to reduce Canada�s greenhouse gas emissions this fall.
• The Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change can be found at: www.scics.gc.ca/english/Conferences.asp?a=viewdocument&id=2401

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Media contacts:

Nancy O�Connor Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-689-1825 nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca

Erin Curran Communications Specialist Office of the Premier 709-725-9231 erincurran@gov.nl.ca

2016 03 04                             11:50 a.m.