NLIS
5
June 17, 2005
(Executive Council)
 

Premier pleased Bill C-43 passed in House of Commons

June 16, 2005 marked another historic day for Newfoundland and Labrador says Premier Danny Williams. Last evening in Ottawa, Bill C-43 received third reading and was passed in the House of Commons, months after the new Atlantic Accord agreement was officially signed in St. John's on February 14, 2005.

"I cannot express how pleased I was to watch as the legislation passed in the Commons last evening," said Premier Williams. "Our government has worked extremely hard to secure the Atlantic Accord commitment from the federal government and yesterday was another step towards our goal of prosperity and self-reliance. This is a momentous and proud time for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

In June of 2004, Premier Williams received a commitment from Prime Minister Paul Martin that Newfoundland and Labrador would become the principle beneficiary of its offshore resources. Intense discussion between the two levels of government followed before an agreement was reached in January of 2005.

"I would like to thank Minister of Finance, Loyola Sullivan and our officials for the diligence they showed during our discussions with the federal government," said Premier Williams. "We faced exhaustive talks and would not rest until we got a deal that saw this province become meaningful beneficiaries of our offshore resources. The result was a deal that will see at least $2.6 billion dollars of revenue for our province. This is a significant achievement that our government is very proud to have accomplished with the help and support of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This money will enable our government to start spreading the wealth of the lucrative oil and gas industry around the province, and to build and diversify our rural economies. More importantly, this new deal on the Atlantic Accord has restored a sense of pride and hope in this province, and that is something that money cannot buy."

Bill C-43 now enters the Senate in Ottawa where it is expected to be passed quickly and become law.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500.
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 06 17                                     3:05 p.m.


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