New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers concluded their 30th meeting on Saturday in Newport, Rhode Island, reporting important progress on a number of issues of regional relevance.
The Governors and Premiers heard from a number of expert speakers, including Dr. Franck Berthe from the Atlantic Veterinary College and Mark MacDonald, President and CEO of Northumberland Ferries Ltd., and discussed and approved four resolutions encompassing issues such as oceans management, energy, security and trade.
"As our economies continue to evolve and overlap, it is increasingly important that we work together to achieve real results for our citizens," said Prince Edward Island Premier and conference co-chair, Pat Binns.
Governors and Premiers continue to provide cooperative leadership that focuses on regional opportunities and regional challenges. Past measurable achievements include reductions in acid rain and mercury emissions, as well as commitments to freer trade within the region.
The 30th Conference established objectives for enhanced oceans management, the development of a regional plan to maximize the benefits of the Security and Prosperity Partnership and a collective commitment to increasing sources of renewable energy.
Premier Binns indicated that the most important result of the Conference was a joint resolution calling on the United States Government to delay the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI will require all Canadian citizens to have a passport to enter the United States by January 1, 2008.
"As I have said on many previous occasions, if fully implemented, this measure will have an adverse impact on our tourism industry and the free movement of goods and people," said the Premier. "As Premiers, we were able to convince our US counterparts that the WHTI, as currently outlined, will also negatively impact US trade, US tourism, and the daily lives of citizens in US border communities."
Going forward, Premiers and Governors see urgency in this matter and will be actively encouraging all governments to pursue collaborative actions at the local, regional and national levels to minimize the impact that the WHTI will have on travelers, communities, tourism and industries.
Premier Pat Binns announced that the 31st New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference will convene June 25-26, 2007 at Brudenell River, Prince Edward Island. Brudenell hosted the very first New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference in 1973.