Released on September 3, 2008
Planning and Priorities Committees will Meet September 9 in Lloydminster
Premiers Brad Wall and Ed Stelmach have set September 9 as the date for the first joint meeting of the Cabinet Planning and Priorities Committees for Alberta and Saskatchewan.
"Our government promised to be an active participant in a New West, and engage in joint cabinet meetings where provinces work together on ways to expand economic opportunity and improve the security of Saskatchewan people," Wall said.
"Twenty-four agreements have been signed because of similar meetings between Alberta and British Columbia - increasing purchasing power for things like medical equipment and prescription drugs," Wall said. "That's the kind of common-sense co-operation our new government of Saskatchewan is seeking with its neighbours."
Stelmach also believes much can be gained by working together. "This meeting is long overdue, but comes at a time when Alberta and Saskatchewan are the engines driving the Canadian economy," said Stelmach. "By working together we are helping to ensure continued success for our provinces."
Stelmach notes the meeting will be an opportunity to further explore energy and environmental co-operation. "Saskatchewan and Alberta are Canada's energy provinces, but with that status comes a profound responsibility to be leaders at addressing climate change," he added. "I am confident that by unleashing the power of technology and sharing best practices, Alberta and Saskatchewan will continue to fuel Canada's energy needs in an environmentally responsible way."
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For more information, contact:
Ian Hanna
Office of the Premier
Saskatchewan
Cell: 306-530-3177
Tom Olsen
Office of the Premier
Alberta
Cell: 780-422-4905