PREMIER ROMANOW ANNOUNCES OBJECTIVES FOR MEETING WITH WESTERN GOVERNORS

Released on June 11, 1999

Premier Roy Romanow today announced his objectives for his upcoming

meeting between the western premiers and governors of western US

states.



"In discussions I led with North Dakota Governor Schafer, at the

recent Western Premiers' Conference, it was agreed that there was much

to be gained by both sides through closer and more formalized

relationships," Romanow said. "To that end, all of the western

premiers will be attending the western governors meeting."



The meeting being held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming will bring the

premiers together with 12 of their American counterparts to discuss a

range of issues and strengthen the expanding channels of

communications and trade between the western provinces and states.



This will be the first time that the four western premiers have

attended the Western Governors' Association Annual General Meeting,

and follows on the heels of the most recent Western Premiers'

Conference, held in Drumheller, Alberta where the premiers hosted

North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer.



Premier Romanow plans to focus on two major issues of importance

to Saskatchewan and western Canada. The first is finding ways to

constructively resolve cross-border trade irritants. The second

is to enhance Saskatchewan's north-south trading relationships.



"As you know, the United States is our largest export trading

partner," Romanow said. "Last year just over $5.4 billion worth

of Saskatchewan goods were traded to the United States. If we

focus on eliminating barriers to expanded trade, we can benefit

the entire region and increase Saskatchewan's export potential.



"Recent constructive steps by U.S. governors, especially North

Dakota Governor Schafer's recent action to veto restrictive trade

Bill 1335 have gone a long way to creating an environment for

constructive dialogue on trade matters.



"You may recall that I wrote Governor Schafer on this matter on

April 9, 1999. That, along with face-to-face meetings and good

work by several of my ministers has had, and will continue to

have, a positive effect on our relations.



"One of the key issues I intend to raise with the western

Governors is the on-going co-ordination of road improvements. I

also intend to call on them to work toward a unified code of

trucking regulations.



"I will be exploring, both with my provincial counterparts and

the western governors, the potential of taking a Team

Saskatchewan' comprised of business, university and NGO

representatives to future western governors meetings, so that

they may benefit directly from newly forged relationships and

partnerships."



Other issues to be discussed include plans for a meeting of

agriculture industry representatives from Saskatchewan and North

Dakota to facilitate a producer-level discussion on agriculture

trade issues; continuing the work started by Intergovernmental

and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Berny Wiens on developing border

councils with the neighbouring states of North Dakota and

Montana; and US interest in assisting in the development of the

proposed Greenhouse Gas Technology Centre at the University of

Regina.



Premier Romanow will leave for Jackson Hole Sunday afternoon and

will take part in the final news conference on Tuesday, June 15,

1999.



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For more information, contact:



Anna Arneson

Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0850