News release

Premier to Discuss Quality Sustainable Health Care, Energy at Atlantic Premiers Meeting

Premier's Office

Atlantic Canada's premiers will gather next week in Pictou to discuss opportunities for co-operation that will improve the economy and lives of the people of the region.

Premier Darrell Dexter will host the 18th session of the 2010 Council of Atlantic Premiers, meeting Nov. 28-29.

"I have always said we are stronger if we work together," said Premier Dexter. "The Lower-Churchill announcement is a perfect example of how our provinces can help create significant economic benefits across the region."

The premiers will discuss further collaboration on energy issues, including the Atlantic Energy Gateway. Other agenda items include health care, federal transfer renewal and bulk purchasing to lower costs.

Premier Dexter will also use the meeting as an opportunity to pitch the idea of an Atlantic Canadian venture capital fund to his colleagues.

"As part of our jobsHere plan, we recognized the need to establish a venture capital fund so that IT, life sciences and clean-technology sectors will have the money they need to fund innovative projects in Atlantic Canada," said Premier Dexter.

"We all know that access to venture capital in our region is a problem, and I intend to open a dialogue with my colleagues to see if this is an area we can move forward together in the future."

This session of the Council of Atlantic Premiers will be the final session for Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams, who announced his retirement this week. It will also be the first session for New Brunswick Premier David Alward.

"This meeting will be bittersweet," said Premier Dexter. "While I look forward to welcoming a new partner in Premier Alward to the council, it will be sad to say goodbye to Premier Williams -- a great friend to Nova Scotia and, indeed, Atlantic Canada."

The Council of Atlantic Premiers was formalized by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2000 in which all four premiers expressed their common desire to co-operate for the benefit Atlantic Canada residents.