Executive Council
May 17, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs:

Premier Highlights Recent Council of Atlantic Premiers Meeting

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to speak about the recent Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting which took place on May 16 in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

The main agenda topics discussed included strengthening the region’s economy, improving health care, enhancing energy cooperation and addressing climate change.

Mr. Speaker, our dialogue around strengthening the economy focused on population growth and workforce development as well as reducing red tape and barriers to business in the region to support economic growth. Premiers also discussed working together to expand access to high speed internet, particularly in rural areas.

It is important to highlight that with respect to climate change, Atlantic Canada is leading the nation in mitigating the impacts of climate change and our efforts will assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, health care was also top of mind with a focus on patient-centered care and improved health outcomes. Premiers discussed federal health funding allocations and the need to consider cost drivers such as demographics and prevalence of chronic disease in future enhancements to health care transfers.

I am also pleased to highlight that the Atlantic Provinces are moving forward with joint procurement of anesthesia and ultrasound equipment. The estimated savings are approximately $6.1 million over the next three years, with more savings to be realized in coming years as governments work together to identify further joint purchasing opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, I was glad to participate in the productive meeting and to put forward the interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

2016 05 17                             1:55 p.m.