NLIS 3 December 7, 2004 (Executive Council) Council of the Federation celebrates one-year anniversary The Council of the Federation marks its first anniversary this week. Over the past 12 months, premiers have worked hard to build a more constructive and cooperative federal system that better serves the needs of Canadians. Working together, premiers have been able to focus their efforts on projects where there is a common purpose and to take actions that benefit all Canadians. In recent months, premiers have tackled issues that matter to Canadians, such as health care, the economy, trade, Canada-U.S. relations, environmental assessment and literacy. "As a new institution in Canada, the council has had noticeable success in its first year. We�ve significantly increased dialogue and collaboration within the federation, and we�ve made real progress on health care, the number one priority of Canadians. We have also taken great strides on important economic issues such as internal trade," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, chair of the Council of the Federation. Looking ahead, the council will continue to make progress on its workplan including on the issue of fiscal imbalance. Premiers will also continue to exercise leadership on other issues of importance to Canadians. "Ultimately, all our efforts are aimed at improving the services Canadians receive from their governments," said Premier McGuinty. The Council of the Federation is a new institution composed of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government. To learn more, visit www.councilofthefederation.ca. For more information: BACKGROUNDER Health Care
Economic and fiscal issues
Reaching out to Canadians
Premiers first agreed to the concept of a council in July 2003, and signed the founding agreement on December 5, 2003 in Charlottetown. Premiers created the council as a way for provinces and territories to play a leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian federation and building a more constructive and cooperative federal system. The objective of the council is to address issues of importance to Canadians by:
2004 12 07 4:50 p.m. |
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