WESTERN PREMIERS’ CONFERENCE (WPC) TO FOCUS ON SUSTAINING GROWTH

Canada's Western Premiers will gather in Prince Albert next week to talk about the opportunities and challenges associated with sustaining growth in the West.

The 2008 Western Premiers' Conference (WPC) will be hosted by Saskatchewan May 28-30, and attended by Premiers and officials from Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut. The Chair of the Western Governors' Association, Governor Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming, and the United States Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, will join Premiers for part of the conference.

Before the Conference, the Premiers have the opportunity to meet with successful Aboriginal business people and the local First Nations and Métis leadership the afternoon of May 28.

"The WPC is an opportunity for Western Premiers to discuss our common interests and shared goals, such as sustaining economic growth," Premier Brad Wall said. "I'm looking forward to discussing emerging opportunities and challenges across the West, and what we can do together to continue to grow the West for the benefit of all our residents."

Topics of discussion by the Premiers are expected to include sustaining growth in the West and rural and remote communities. Premiers will discuss a number of elements of economic growth including labour markets, competitiveness and environmental sustainability. Premiers will also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural and remote communities across the West.

On May 29, Premiers will be joined for part of the day by Governor Freudenthal, chair of the Western Governors' Association, and Ambassador Wilkins to discuss matters pertaining to the Canada-US relationship such as the border and energy security and supply.

More information on the 2008 Western Premiers' Conference and a media accreditation form can be found by visiting www.wpc.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Johnson
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4829
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-5350

Tyler McMurchy
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Email: tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-7051