Premier Pat Binns will be in Toronto today for a number of engagements, including a meeting with Ontario Premier Mike Harris. The two Premiers will discuss the impact of the United States border closure to Prince Edward Island potatoes and the Equalization Program.
"Ontario is a significant consumer of our potatoes and an ideal place to impress the importance of supporting Canadian goods. I would hope that, when there is a choice, the Ontario consumer would opt for our product over American imports," said the Premier.
The automotive sector in Ontario dominates exports to the United States and represents a vital part of that province's economy. There have been a number of parallels drawn between the car industry for Ontario and the potato industry in Prince Edward Island. The Premier will be emphasizing that point while in the Ontario capital.
At the Annual Premiers' Conference in Winnipeg last August, all Premiers and Territorial Leaders called on the federal government to strengthen the Equalization Program. The federal government can now afford to strengthen the Equalization Program and must do so by removing the cap on the program.
"Ontario has been good to support a strong Equalization Program. It is important that Premier Harris be kept abreast of developments inasmuch as Equalization underlines the commitment of Canadians, including the people of Ontario, to national sharing and ensures that with respect to public services, there are no second class Canadians," stated Premier Binns.