The meeting of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) was　productive and informative for the province, said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.　 The meeting was　hosted by Governor Deval Patrick in Lenox, Massachusetts, from July 11 to 12.

"Our province has a great affinity with the New England states and we appreciate the opportunity to share ideas and to learn from all of the jurisdictions represented in the NEG/ECP," said Premier Williams.　 "Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant energy player in North America and we welcome the chance to continue to share our story of success and also to inform others of the opportunities we have to share.　 These opportunities, including the development of the Lower Churchill, present both Canada and the United States with economic development and employment potential.　 Additionally, we have much to offer in the way of climate change progress by way of our renewable energy resources.　 I was particularly pleased to have a presentation by Jackie Janes, our government's Senior Advisor on Climate Change, which provided proactive and thought provoking dialogue on climate change as we move forward as a province and as a region."

Discussions during this year's conference included　regional approaches to promoting renewable energy, smart grid and emerging energy technologies, Canada-US relations, climate change and green jobs, as well as a number of other issues of regional importance.

NEG/ECP, established in 1973, represents 11 jurisdictions comprising the Eastern Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador; Nova Scotia; Prince Edward Island; New Brunswick; and Quebec, and the six New England states: Connecticut; Maine; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; Rhode Island; and Vermont.　 The NEG/ECP advances the interests of the region through co-operation and encourages collaboration with the private sector.

- 30 -

Media contacts: