Released on January 29, 2015
Premier Wall to Be Active Participant at Tomorrow’s Meeting of Canada’s Premiers.Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall will be participating via phone as Canada’s Premiers meet in Ottawa to discuss issues like the economy and interprovincial trade.
“This is consistent with our past practice when it comes to winter meetings of the Council of the Federation and Western Premiers' Meetings,” Wall said. “And it has proven to be highly effective.”
Premier Wall attended Council of the Federation meetings in Toronto in 2013 and Halifax in 2012 by phone. He also attended the Western Premiers’ Conference in Iqaluit by phone in July 2014, and he hosted the New West Partnership meeting as a teleconference in March 2014 with Premiers Redford and Clark.
He has been advocating to his peers that more meetings should and could be done by telephone.
The decision to participate by phone is also consistent with the government’s recent announcement concerning discretionary travel and the need to control costs.
Items on tomorrow’s agenda include a discussion on the Canadian economy, labour mobility and interprovincial trade. There will also be an update from the Health Care Innovation Working Group.
"While the falling oil price is creating some significant challenges for provincial revenues, Saskatchewan's economy is lot more diversified than it was just a few years ago and is well positioned to get through the downturn in the oil sector," Wall said. "Our government is working to keep Saskatchewan's economy growing and creating new jobs so I look forward to discussing this shared objective with the other Premiers."
“As well, this will be the last time Premier Ghiz participates in a Premiers' Meeting,” Wall said.
“We co-chaired the health care working group when it was first established, and I’d like to congratulate him for his leadership on this file, and all the work he has done to advocate for the needs of his constituents.”
“His wisdom and insight will be missed.”