The Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP)

Formally established on May 15, 2000, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Regional Cooperation, the purpose of the Council is to promote Atlantic Canadian interests on national issues through enhancing existing mechanisms for cooperation and communication.

The Council of Atlantic Premiers builds upon the relationship formed by the Council of Maritime Premiers, established in 1971 through an agreement between the Maritime Provinces and through The Council of Maritime Premiers Act.

The mandate of the Council of Atlantic Premiers follows the following objectives:

  1. The development of common Atlantic Canada positions for Annual Premiers’ Conference 
and First Ministers’ Conference 

  2. The development of common Atlantic Canada Positions on national issues 

  3. Joint promotion of the interests of Atlantic Canadians 

  4. Coordination of joint activity in areas of mutual agreement, not limited to trade promotion, federal-provincial fiscal arrangements, and economic and social cooperation 

  5. Coordination of joint analysis and review of economic and fiscal, social, cultural and environmental programs and policies which affect or concern the Atlantic provinces 

In pursuit of these objectives, the Premiers commit to the following principals:

Maximize economic opportunities for Atlantic Canadians 

Seek to provide public services to Atlantic Canadians comparable to those received by residents in other regions of Canada 

Enhance Atlantic Canada’s contribution to the Canadian economy and society 

Protect the linguistic and cultural rights of the people of Atlantic Canada 

Respect the principles of sustainable development  

Foster a strong and united Canada