Released on June 1, 2015
Canada’s Western Premiers met today by teleconference to discuss shared priorities. At the top of the agenda was the economy.Premiers noted the fiscal challenges all jurisdictions are facing due to fluctuating commodity prices and other pressures. Despite these challenges, the fundamentals for continued economic growth in the West remain strong.
Western Canada has been the major engine of growth for the Canadian economy. The west is home to the goods and services the world needs and wants. To ensure the west, and Canada, fully benefit from this reality, enhanced access to new and existing markets is essential.
To this end, Premiers called for free trade agreements to secure meaningful access to markets in Asia such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Although the United States continues to be Canada’s largest and most significant trading partner, some current American policies run counter to the spirit of this relationship by impeding trade between the two countries. Premiers emphasized their governments’ strong support for federal efforts to encourage the United States to act on the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling to bring an end to country-of-origin labeling (COOL), and to take further actions to address protectionist measures like “Buy American” provisions in US legislation. Western Premiers directed that correspondence supporting the repeal of COOL legislation be sent to appropriate US decision-makers.
Canada’s international trade success also hinges on a safe, reliable and effective transportation system to quickly and efficiently get goods to market. Premiers called for more federal investment in ports and transportation corridors. They discussed the Canada Transportation Act review and the need for more transparency and better information-sharing across the transportation system.
Within Canada, reducing barriers to trade and labour mobility remains a priority for Premiers. Western Premiers are committed to an ambitious, modernized internal trade agreement that will ensure the free flow of people, goods and services across Canada.
Recognizing the need for trained workers to support economic growth, Premiers endorsed work underway to allow apprentices to more seamlessly move between provinces and territories while completing their training.
In addition to the economy, Premiers discussed the following priorities:
- addressing climate change and sharing information on provincial and territorial approaches;
- calling for increased federal disaster mitigation funding and the federal government to reconsider recent changes that reduce federal funding for disaster assistance;
- reducing the number of Aboriginal children in child welfare systems and improving outcomes for Aboriginal children in care; and
- ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.
For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927