Released on July 24, 2006
Premier Lorne Calvert will make the case for a fair approach to equalization reform when he meets with other Premiers at the Council of the Federation summer meeting in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 26th-28th."Fixing equalization is about prosperity and building strong communities to ensure that young people have a future right here in Saskatchewan," Calvert said.
The premiers will be discussing key issues for the future of the country, including fiscal imbalance, post-secondary education and skills training and infrastructure.
"These issues are important to Canadians and need to be resolved in ways that work in the long-term in all parts of the country," Calvert said.
Premiers will also have a discussion on global challenges to traditional resource industries, such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries. These industries have been subject to tremendous environmental and trade challenges. Premier Calvert will also seek his colleague's support for the development of a Canadian strategy on biofuels, which should be of significant benefit to agricultural producers.
The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government. The meeting will wrap up on Friday July 28th with a news conference.
Prior to the Council of the Federation meeting, the premiers will meet with national Aboriginal leaders on July 25th in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, to discuss how to close the gap in socio-economic outcomes between Aboriginal people and other Canadians.
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| Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349 Email: jbranch@ec.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306) 539-3994 |