Released on August 9, 2005
Premier Calvert is meeting with his colleagues and national Aboriginal leaders in Calgary today, and will travel to Banff on Wednesday to attend the meeting of the Council of the Federation (COF) on August 10-12th."I think it is important that Premiers and national Aboriginal leaders continue to build strong relationships," Calvert said. "The challenges facing Canada's Aboriginal peoples are varied and complex. The First Ministers' Meeting with the National Aboriginal leaders planned for this fall is an opportunity to move us forward in addressing these challenges."
The agenda for the COF meeting will include a range of issues including: energy; transportation and infrastructure; trade; skills training and post-secondary education and the prevention and treatment of drug addictions, such as problems associated with crystal meth.
"This meeting is an opportunity for all Premiers to send the same very strong message that was sent when I chaired the meeting of western ministers on crystal meth in June," Calvert said. "That message was that Ottawa needs to take immediate action to toughen penalties for people producing and trafficking crystal meth and that we have to act together now to ensure that we put a stop to the spread of crystal meth."
Premier Calvert recently announced "Project Hope," a three year plan to prevent and treat substance abuse, including crystal meth. "I will be sharing a copy of Saskatchewan's action plan on substance abuse with my colleagues. It is important that we coordinate strategies and learn from one another on how best to prevent and treat substance abuse."
Other key issues of importance to Saskatchewan people that will be discussed are international trade and skills training and post-secondary education.
"On trade, it is very important that Premiers emphasize the need for an effective and timely conclusion to the current WTO negotiations. These negotiations offer the best prospect for addressing unfair and trade distorting practices; practices that are hurting Saskatchewan farmers and businesses," Calvert said.
"I am also aware of the importance of post-secondary education and skills training to the future of our young people and our economy. Premiers have an opportunity in Banff to begin developing a national plan on skills training and post-secondary education."
Calvert also said that having the COF in Alberta this year is an excellent opportunity for all premiers to help that province celebrate its 100th birthday.
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