News Release

SAINT ANDREWS (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant will be joined by his counterparts from across the country in Saint Andrews this week for meetings of the Council of the Federation.

“It is an honour to welcome my colleagues, Canada’s premiers, to Saint Andrews, one of Canada’s most scenic communities,” said Gallant, who assumes the chair of the council during the summer meeting. “These meetings allow us to work together to grow the economy, strengthen educational opportunities, and improve health care delivery for all Canadians.”

The council comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. Their meetings will be held Wednesday through Friday at the Algonquin Resort.

On Thursday, their discussions will focus on economic growth and trade, including Canada-United States relations. Legalization of cannabis will also be discussed, with a focus on implementation and enforcement.

“To create future job growth in Canada, we need to work together to improve internal trade in our country, to strengthen trade with the United States, and to diversify our export markets,” said Gallant.

Friday’s discussion will focus on issues related to health, including improved access to health care and continued collaboration to address the abuse of opioids.

“All provinces and territories are facing health-care challenges. Moving forward, therefore, we can work together in finding common solutions on how to improve health-care services for all Canadians,” said Gallant.

Prior to their meetings in Saint Andrews, the premiers will visit Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche, where they will meet with leaders of national Indigenous organizations. They will discuss topics such as Indigenous children in care and economic partnerships.