FREDERICTON (CNB) – Premier David Alward will advance New Brunswick's interests in discussions with fellow premiers in Vancouver at the 2011 meeting of the Council of the Federation.

The status of federal transfers, bolstering trade and the economy and increasing citizen engagement will be some of the topics to be discussed at the meeting, to be held July 20 to 22.

Alward said he will work to ensure New Brunswickers can continue to achieve social and economic progress within an even stronger federation.

He stressed that transfers are a defining characteristic of Canadian federalism and help assure that all Canadians can continue to receive the vital health and social programs they need.

The premier said it is important that provinces and territories work collaboratively with the federal government to ensure that transfer arrangements are renewed on a stable and sustainable basis.

"Canada's network of federal transfers assures Canadians that, no matter where they live, they will have access to comparable standards of public services at comparable rates of taxation," Alward said. "This is a feature of our federation whose value has stood the test of time. The Atlantic premiers will be clearly articulating this view as we agreed at our recent meeting in Sussex."

The premier said that strengthening the Canadian economy will be an important part of the deliberations. The premiers will discuss ways to enhance trade with key international markets, including the United States, the European Union, the Asia-Pacific region and the emerging markets of Central and South America.

"As Canada's most export-driven province, New Brunswick is always looking for new ways to work with its partners to explore beneficial trade opportunities," Alward said. "Canada is emerging from a recession, and it is important that we work together to ensure we stay on the path of economic progress."

The premier also spoke about the role that citizen engagement plays for provincial governments and how New Brunswick is involving residents in decision-making.

"In New Brunswick, we are reaching out to our citizens to make better decisions, and the response from New Brunswickers has been outstanding," Alward said. "I am pleased to have an opportunity to share our experiences with my colleagues and discuss ways we can promote better public dialogue."

Alward is attending his first meeting of the council as New Brunswick's premier.

"I am looking forward to attending my first meeting of the council," he said. "There are a number of new faces around the table – including this year's chair, Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia – and I am sure we will have positive discussions."

The council 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.

More information about the meeting is online.

LINK:

●    Council of the Federation: www.councilofthefederation.ca


15-07-11