Premier Callbeck says the opening session of the Annual Premiers' Conference in Alberta contained useful discussions on both social and economic issues. The premiers began their work on Wednesday with a private meeting on the Sir Sandford Fleming Train en route to Jasper, and will conclude their conference on Friday afternoon.
"On the train, we discussed follow-up to the recent First Ministers' Meeting, and we affirmed our commitment to a joint federal-provincial process of social policy renewal," said Callbeck. "We agreed that Ontario's recent paper, which calls for social policy, programs, and funding to be turned over completely to provinces, would not be an item for discussion at the conference. I am pleased that premiers disagreed with the major findings of this report and agreed to support Ottawa's legitimate role in maintaining national social programs."
Thursday's opening session on economic growth focussed on job creation, with particular emphasis on the pressing problem of youth unemployment, and the priorities that should guide a new national infrastructure program.
"I am encouraged that premiers want to work closely with the federal government to develop a comprehensive youth employment strategy," noted Callbeck. "Governments must make every effort to ensure that their programs work together to provide our young people maximum access to jobs and opportunities."
Premier Callbeck also reaffirmed her support for a new national infrastructure program to be funded from within existing resources. "The first round led to investments of almost $36 million in much needed community infrastructure across PEI," observed Callbeck. " We agreed that the next round should be more flexible to differing provincial priorities, and to other partners in addition to municipalities. I also made clear my support for the current program's orientation towards regions of higher unemployment."
Premiers reviewed and endorsed a strategy to increase national R & D activity through increased innovative activity by the private sector. "We know that the research and development we do today creates the products and processes of tomorrow," said Premier Callbeck. "We have a strong and growing cluster of R & D facilities along Belvedere Avenue devoted to health and quality in the food chain. This is strengthening and reinforcing our existing industries in the agricultural, fishery and aquaculture sectors, while building for the new sectors of the future such as health care and biotechnology."
Premiers discussed tax issues and agreed that the provinces should work with the federal government to achieve a tax system that is fair, open, and with a reporting system consisting of less complicated forms and paper work.
Premiers closed their morning session with a discussion on energy flows. "The free flow of energy is a key factor in economic growth," said Premier Callbeck. "We must place priority on reducing barriers to the free flow of energy. I am pleased that we have agreed to conclude work on the energy chapter of the Agreement on Internal Trade, and to let decisions about natural gas pipelines be governed by market forces and due regulatory process."
"It was clear in our discussions during the past two days, that the economic fundamentals for growth are strong," concluded Callbeck. "Just this morning, interest rates have dropped again. I am confident that the progress we have made today on a number of issues will help to ensure strong and continued economic and job growth across the country."
For more information contact: Wendy MacDonald, Executive Council, Tel: (902) 368-4511.