FIRST EVER SASKATCHEWAN/MANITOBA CABINET MEETING CONCLUDES WITH A PLEDGE TO IMPROVE INTERNAL TRADE

After a productive day of discussions, Saskatchewan and Manitoba ended their inaugural joint cabinet meeting today in Yorkton with a commitment to promote and improve cooperation and trade between the two provinces.

The two jurisdictions will work toward streamlining transportation regulations and co-ordinating highways enforcement and trucking inspections.

"Our two provinces have agreed that our respective Ministers of Highways and Transportation will convene a meeting of transportation stakeholders, to achieve efficiency and consistency in regulations and a better transportation business climate," Premier Brad Wall said.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan also committed today to pursue options to expand trade in electricity between the two provinces.

"Manitoba is looking at growing and improving its inter-provincial electrical transmission capacity," Premier Greg Selinger said. "I look forward to working with our neighbours to the west in pursuing opportunities that benefit everyone."

The two cabinets also discussed the critical importance of education in assuring Aboriginal people share in future prosperity. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are committed to joining with Aboriginal leaders, to highlight with the federal government, issues like equity for on-reserve students. The two governments will also share information on programs and approaches that have proven to be successful in this area.

Premiers Wall and Selinger also noted that protectionist measures in the United States are costing jobs on both sides of the border. Both provinces have acknowledged the need to focus attention on this important issue at the upcoming Council of the Federation mission in Washington and at other upcoming meetings.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan restated their position that their respective governments will not pursue harmonization of the PST and GST. Both cabinets noted that during their respective budget planning it will be important to balance fiscal prudence with long-term investment, to maintain Manitoba and Saskatchewan's current economic leadership.

Building on the success of today's meeting, Manitoba is looking forward to hosting the Saskatchewan Cabinet in Brandon, Manitoba in 2011. Premiers Selinger and Wall expect to discuss crime prevention and collaboration on the National Arts Centre's Prairie Scene, a two-week cultural celebration of prairie talent, set for Ottawa in the Spring of 2011.

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For more information, contact:

Ian Hanna
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2127
Cell: 306-530-3177