ECONOMIC GROWTH WALL’S PRIORITY AT PREMIERS’ MEETING

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said the need to sustain economic growth will be a key priority at the winter meeting of the Council of the Federation in Vancouver, British Columbia. The meetings are set for January 28 and 29.

"I'll be continuing with many of the themes I brought forward at the meeting in Ottawa earlier this month," Wall said. "The focus of economic growth in Canada is shifting to the New West and as a region we can work toward the economic benefit of all Canadians."

Wall said the provinces should also be working together on how Canada can best position itself to provide answers to important questions about continental energy security.

"With its rich diversity of energy sources - oil, natural gas and uranium - Saskatchewan is uniquely situated to work with its partners in the New West and other provinces to become an energy powerhouse for all of North America," Wall said. "We have in abundance, the energy sources that the world needs and we must raise the profile of Canada as a secure and reliable, environmentally-conscious energy exporter."

During the Council of Federation meeting, the Premiers are expected specifically to discuss progress on internal trade, climate change and federal, provincial and territorial relations.

Emphasizing the importance of trade to Saskatchewan's resource economy, Wall said he welcomes the opportunity to work with his fellow Premiers to make concrete progress in the current round of negotiations to strengthen Canada's Agreement on Internal Trade.

Wall noted in particular the need to finalize a meaningful dispute resolution mechanism and to ensure that provinces and territories are on track to meet the commitment to ensure full labour mobility of all regulated occupations in Canada by April 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0906
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7068