Meeting of Atlantic Energy Premiers

COUNCIL OF ATLANTIC PREMIERS--Meeting of Atlantic Energy Ministers

Atlantic energy ministers took an important first step in the establishment of an Atlantic Energy Ministers' Forum when they met Tuesday, May 21, in Charlottetown. Their meeting was hosted by Michael Currie, Prince Edward Island's minister of development and technology, and held in conjunction with the national Joint Meeting of Ministers of Energy and Environment.

"The meeting with my colleagues from our neighbouring provinces last night provided an excellent opportunity to consider our shared challenges and opportunities," said Mr. Currie. "The energy sector is of vital importance to the prosperity of the Atlantic Canadian region, and by working together we will be able to capitalize on the full benefits of the region's energy strengths."

The development of an integrated approach, especially for federal-provincial discussions and discussions with the United States, is a priority for the Atlantic ministers.

Atlantic premiers identified the establishment of the Atlantic Energy Ministers' Forum as a priority action area in their report Working Together for Atlantic Canada: An Action Plan for Regional Cooperation, which was released in November 2001.

Through the forum, the four provinces will have an opportunity to work together to promote the development of new energy resources, ensure the security of energy supplies, develop policies that benefit the region, encourage the development of new forms or energy and enhance business development in Atlantic Canada.

The forum will provide an ongoing opportunity for provinces to identify where they should focus their collective efforts to ensure that the energy sector in Atlantic Canada continues to grow for the benefit of all Atlantic Canadians.