Premier Catherine Callbeck leaves today for the Annual Premiers' Conference in Jasper, Alberta. Talks will focus on social policy reform and renewal, the economy and rebalancing the federal and provincial roles and responsibilities.
While at the conference Premier Callbeck will be expressing her support for a national child benefit program, a new infrastructure program for the province, and a renewed commitment for continued regional development to be shared among the provinces.
"We are going into this conference with a strong track record. Prince Edward Island has led the country in economic and job growth, the fiscal health of our province has been restored, and education and health remain priorities for this government," Callbeck said.
"I plan to ensure that my fellow premiers are aware of the progress that PEI has made in achieving greater self-reliance," said Callbeck. "That progress has been possible in part because other regions of Canada have invested in PEI. If Canada is to remain a united, prosperous country, we must continue to support and invest in each other. I will be urging my fellow premiers to maintain their commitment to the well-being of all partners in the Canadian federation."
Social policy discussions will again be a priority at the conference after last year's establishment of the Ministerial Council on Social Policy Reform and Renewal. The council's report at the First Ministers' Meeting last June, led to an agreement to further explore a new national integrated child benefit program.
"The proposal for an integrated child benefit program has significant potential to provide low-income children with stable and fair income support enhancing rather than discouraging parents' efforts to work and achieve self-reliance. I will be urging my colleagues to further pursue this program."
Premier Callbeck has recently visited communities across PEI to gain a first-hand knowledge of programs and services to children and families. "I am encouraged by what I have seen," says Premier Callbeck. "Our move to an integrated, regional health and community services system is helping communities and families take charge of their future, defining their own priorities and goals, and working in partnership with professionals to support and strengthen families.
"I believe that we need to increase our emphasis in this area. We must focus on our children. I have asked health and education officials to develop a Child Action Plan and I will urge my successor to make it a priority," says Premier Callbeck.
During discussions on the economy, Premier Callbeck plans to express her support for a new Infrastructure Program discussed at the First Ministers' Meeting in June. The first round of the program, launched in 1994, led to almost $36 million of investment in PEI's communities, shared equally between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
"The first round of the Infrastructure Program has met some pressing needs in communities across PEI, while creating hundreds of jobs for Islanders," noted Premier Callbeck. "The need for the program is clear when we consider that funding requests totalled over $170 million, almost five times the program budget. A second round would create jobs for several more years while building the basis for long-term prosperity and growth."
Premiers will also discuss the rebalancing of roles and responsibilities within the Canadian federation. The federal government's creation of the Canada Health and Social Transfer in 1995 saw a reduction of federal funding for health and social programs, coupled with fewer restrictions on the provinces use of those funds. At the recent First Ministers' Meeting, the federal government offered to withdraw from or reduce its involvement in a number of social, economic, and regulatory fields.
"Greater provincial involvement in areas like labour market services and environmental management allows for better, more cost-effective services to Islanders," says Premier Callbeck. "Clarifying roles and responsibilities should lead to better government. I have emphasized, however, that any shifts to PEI must be accompanied by the resources to do the job, and I will be seeking the support of my fellow premiers for this position."
The conference begins Wednesday, August 21, concluding Friday afternoon August 23.
For more information contact: Myrtle Jenkins Smith, Premiers' Office, (902) 368-4400 phone, (902) 369-4416 fax.