CALVERT SEEKS ACTION ON AGRICULTURE AND CO-OPERATION ON ADDICTIONS AT WESTERN PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

Finding ways to help western Canada's agricultural producers and western co-operation in tackling the problem of addictions, including the use and trafficking of crystal meth are Premier Lorne Calvert's top priorities heading into this week's Western Premiers' Conference in Lloydminster.

"By working collectively as provinces and with the federal government, we need to bring as much pressure to bear as possible to re-open the U.S. border to shipments of live Canadian cattle," Calvert said.

Calvert also hopes to forge a common front with other western premiers to address concerns over the 60:40 cost-sharing formula for national agricultural programs. "The federal government needs to work collaboratively with provinces and territories to make these programs more affordable, which will maximize the assistance we can collectively provide to agricultural producers," Calvert added.

In the area of international trade, western premiers are united in the view that the federal government must push for the best possible WTO Agreement for Canada's export-orientated agricultural sector.

Until real gains are achieved in levelling the international playing field, the federal government must provide compensation to the sectors which are hurt by international subsidies and the unfair trade practices of other countries."

While in Lloydminster, Calvert will also be seeking the support of Western Premiers to forcefully lobby Ottawa for legislative changes that would allow judges to hand out much stiffer sentences for those producing and trafficking in crystal meth.

"Beyond stiffer sentences, we also need to lobby the federal government to broaden the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to include products used in the production of crystal meth," the Premier said.

Calvert will also ask his colleagues to convene a special meeting of health and justice ministers to share information and develop strategies on education, treatment, prevention, policing for illegal substances and crystal meth.

Other topics up for discussion at the Western Premiers' Conference include energy, trade, transportation, post secondary education and skills shortages.

"The selection of Lloydminster as the site of this year's conference was perfect," Calvert said. "The border city allows both Alberta and Saskatchewan the opportunity to showcase their centennial pride."

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