NEW WEST GAINS STEAM AS SASKATCHEWAN AND ALBERTA FORGE CLOSER TIES

Premiers Sign Protocol of Co-operation at Joint Cabinet Meeting

Closer ties on energy, the environment, trade, education, health care and transportation are the result of the inaugural joint Saskatchewan-Alberta cabinet meeting, held September 9 in Canada's border city.

The Lloydminster meeting concluded with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach signing a protocol of co-operation committing their governments to working more closely together.

"Alberta and Saskatchewan are two pistons that are helping to drive the Canadian economy," said Stelmach. "We have a lot in common, including robust energy sectors, a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and an understanding that by forging stronger ties our provinces will be best positioned for continued success."

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said closer ties will help the New West prosper.

"Saskatchewan and Alberta will continue to take our own unique paths," Wall said. "Still, there are great opportunities to co-operate - to the benefit of our respective citizens, to the benefit of the New West and to the benefit of all Canadians."

The protocol is broken down into three distinct sections: better services for citizens, building more competitive economies, and delivering greater efficiency and value. Under those sections the provinces will work for greater co-operation on a variety of topics including energy, health, education, transportation and trade. Both Premiers stressed the importance of ensuring that a continued strong energy sector is complemented by meaningful and real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• The provinces have agreed to:
  explore joint opportunities to advance carbon capture and storage technology and development;
• work to improve internal trade and investment through regional or sector specific agreements; 
• take collaborative steps to reduce the achievement gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students;
• examine co-operative opportunities for health delivery benefits for residents in both provinces, and;
• ensure that both provincial and federal transportation regulations don't unnecessarily impede the competitiveness of industries in both provinces.

A Saskatchewan-Alberta steering committee, co-chaired by the provinces' Cabinet Secretaries, will ensure the intent of the Protocol is fulfilled and will recommend future agreements to the Premiers.

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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: 780-718-3034