WESTERN ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP TO TOP THE AGENDA AT UPCOMING JOINT CABINET MEETING

Continuing discussions on a Western Economic Partnership will be at the top of the agenda when Premier Brad Wall meets with his counterparts from Alberta and British Columbia in Calgary, September 11.

"At our inaugural meeting in Vancouver back in March, the three western provinces agreed to begin discussions on a new Western Economic Partnership that will reduce barriers to investment and growth and see our provinces working more co-operatively as we seek to strengthen and diversify our export-dependent economies," Wall said. "Since that meeting, there's been a lot of good work done to accomplish this, and I look forward to making more progress on Friday."

At the March meeting in Vancouver, Premiers Wall, Stelmach and Campbell agreed that the three specific components of a Western Economic Partnership would be internal trade, innovation and international marketing. The partnership would show continuing commitment on the part of Canada's western-most provinces to removing internal trade barriers and fostering interprovincial collaboration.

In the area of innovation, the three provinces would commit to working together on identifying areas for collaboration and avoiding duplication. The Western Economic Partnership could also provide the three provinces with an opportunity for more efficient joint marketing and investment attraction.

Joining Premier Wall at the Calgary meeting will be Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd, Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff, Environment Minister Nancy Heppner and Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert.

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For more information, contact:

Leanne Persicke
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1321
Email: leanne.persicke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7083