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The following is being distributed at the request of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers:

Federal Regional Development Programs

At their meeting in St. John's today, the Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia discussed the future of regional development and ACOA. "We stated our commitment to work with the federal government to strengthen ACOA, for the benefit of Atlantic Canada," stated Premier Tobin.

Premiers agreed that ACOA's future direction should provide the flexibility to build on provincial economic strategies and priorities. "We must also emphasize that national economic policy must be more sensitive to regional interests and concerns," stated Premier Binns.

Premiers also emphasized that the federal government's commitment to regional development must be reflected in all areas of federal spending if regional disparities are to be effectively addressed.

Premiers expect to meet with the new government as soon as possible to emphasize the regional development needs of Atlantic Canada.

For further information please contact:

• Kim Thomson
  Information Officer
  Conference of Atlantic Premiers
  P.O. Box 2044
  Halifax, NS B3J 2Z1
  Tel: 902-424-7590