Premier Focused on Skilled Workforce, Competitiveness for National Meeting

Premier Stephen McNeil is joining his counterparts from across the country to address issues affecting competitiveness at the annual meeting of Canada's premiers today, Aug. 26, to Friday, Aug. 29, in Charlottetown.

"I'm looking forward to finding ways to work together to promote economic growth in all parts of the country," said Premier McNeil. "More than ever, Canada's premiers need to be innovative in the way we manage the economy. We are focused on helping Canadians get the skills and training they need to connect with new jobs and opportunities no matter where they live in Canada."

While the formal agenda includes trade competitiveness, challenges related to aging, maintaining a viable skilled workforce, and fiscal arrangements with the federal government, the premier is also scheduled to meet with a number of premiers one-on-one to explore common concerns, including energy transmission, inter-provincial and international trade, infrastructure development and climate change.

"I value the opportunity to connect directly with my colleagues from the other provinces and territories to share ideas and identify ways that we can work together to make progress possible on the important issues we face," said Premier McNeil.

Nova Scotia wants to be a net contributor to the federation, and the premier remains committed to a model for the country that would have provinces meaningfully consulted on major federal initiatives that impact their jurisdiction.

"Increased collaboration between governments is critical. All governments have the same goal to strengthen our economy and make government work better for our citizens," said Premier McNeil.

The premiers will also meet with representatives of national aboriginal organizations to continue to strengthen the relationship with Aboriginal Canadians and explore ways to work together to improve the economic and social well-being of their communities.

As Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Premier McNeil will reiterate his support for a national inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women and girls as Nova Scotia prepares to co-host the 4th National Aboriginal Women's Summit in October at Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton.

A news conference will be held Friday, Aug. 29 to discuss the meeting.

More information about the annual premiers' conference is available at www.canadaspremiers.ca .