Atlantic Premiers met virtually today to discuss shared successes in 2024 while establishing a plan and priorities for further progress in 2025.

 

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP), Premier Dr. Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador was joined by Premier Susan Holt of New Brunswick and Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island. Premiers extended their appreciation to Premier Furey, the outgoing Chair, for his leadership and collaborative approach in 2024. Premier Holt will assume the CAP Chair in January 2025.

 

Atlantic Premiers achieved significant progress on key issues this year, such as healthcare collaboration and immigration, and continue to remain strong advocates of affordability. In response to the housing crisis, Premiers implemented record levels of supports and investments. They also successfully urged the federal government to review the carbon tax on home heating fuel and to return undistributed federal carbon tax revenue to small and medium-sized businesses. Additionally, Regional Air Access remains a priority, and work is underway on the Atlantic Wildfire Centre, which will enhance the region’s resilience and preparedness for wildfire response. These efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of Atlantic Canadians and lay the groundwork for further progress in the future.

 

Premiers emphasized the importance of Atlantic Canada’s relationship with the United States and reaffirmed their commitment to a Team Canada approach in collaborating with our longtime ally and partner. They also noted the long and productive history of collaboration between the Atlantic provinces and the New England states on many shared priorities, including through the collaborative New England Governors – Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) forum. Newfoundland and Labrador, as Chair of the NEG-ECP, will host the group’s annual conference in 2025. New Brunswick will also host the annual Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces (SEUS–CP) conference in June 2025.

 

Newfoundland and Labrador has called for an urgent meeting of NEG-ECP premiers and governors to safeguard the robust and interconnected relationship the New England-Eastern Canadian region shares. Looking forward, Atlantic Premiers will continue to collaborate to advance shared priorities, including renewable resource development, immigration and population growth, the transition to a greener economy, energy, health care, food security, affordability and direct engagement with our valued trading partners in the United States.

 

 

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To view in PDF: CAP 38-C Communique December 9, 2024