The delegations of the Eastern Canadian provinces and the New England States were pleased to meet in Quebec City for the 44^th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference on September 24^th and 25^th, 2023.

Having met in person for the first time in five years, Eastern Canadian Premiers and New England Governors discussed shared priorities for the region, including the green economy, economic development, transition towards cleaner, more affordable, and renewable energy sources, and the development of critical and strategic minerals essential to decarbonization.

The Eastern Canadian Premiers and New England Governors noted how important the NEG-ECP Conference has been since its creation in 1973 as a forum of choice for regional leaders to facilitate discussion on common issues of interest and to promote shared cross-border priorities critical to their closely integrated economies.

The Eastern Canadian Premiers and New England Governors remain united in their commitment to further promote cross-border collaboration in search of common solutions to the real and shared challenges facing the region and committed to reconvene in 2024 in New England.

Quebec Premier François Legault, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster, and New Brunswick Minister of Economic Development and Small Business Greg Turner headlined the Eastern Canadian delegation, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Christopher Sununu, and Vermont Governor Phillip Scott led the New England delegations.

Key facts:

• The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers have been meeting to discuss regional issues for the last 50 years, since 1973

• The NEG-ECP relationship is unique and since its establishment it has created various reports, resolutions, and policies through its NEG-ECP Committee Structure

• The NEG-ECP Conference rotates its location between Eastern Canada and the New England region. Each jurisdiction has the opportunity to host.

• Traditionally, the topics of the conference vary between energy, environment, trade, and infrastructure. The theme of the conference is determined by the host jurisdiction.

To view PDF: NEG-ECP Press Release September 25, 2023 Quebec City EN

To view NEG-ECP Statement PDF: NEG-ECP Statement September 25, 2023 Quebec City EN

Today, the Council of Atlantic Premiers launched a new campaign calling on the federal government to rethink the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations and work with them to develop a plan to address the disproportionate impacts on Atlantic Canadians.

Starting in July, due to changing federal regulations, Atlantic Canadians will face increases in the cost of gasoline, diesel and other everyday goods. In addition to the carbon tax, the federal government is imposing new Clean Fuel Regulations that will disproportionately increase costs for Atlantic Canadians. Independent regulators in the region have indicated these Clean Fuel Regulations could cost between 4 and 8 cents per litre, and adjustments will be seen at the pumps by July 7, 2023.  To be clear, this increase is in addition to the increases expected on July 1, 2023, due to the increasing Carbon Tax.

Atlantic Premiers are all committed to continuing their work to fight climate change – but feel people in their region should only be asked to play an equal part, and an independent report from the Parliamentary Budget officer indicates they will be forced to pay more than Canadians in other parts of the country.

Clean Fuel Regulations, unlike the partial rebates the federal government intends to provide for the increased Carbon Tax, will not be offset. Atlantic Premiers have a responsibility to make sure Atlantic Canadians recognize these are two separate federal government policies, each of which comes with an increased cost implication for consumers.

Premiers are now asking residents of Atlantic Canada to speak up and ask their MPs to reconsider implementing the Clean Fuel Regulations.  Residents can visit www.fightthefedhike.ca to send a letter to their MPs and learn more about the expected impact of this new tax on Atlantic Canadians.

The Council’s new campaign, entitled Fight the Federal Gas Hike, launched online today and will run for the month of July.

For more information, please visit: www.fightthefedhike.ca

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 Quotes:

“The federal Clean Fuel Regulations unfairly affect Atlantic Canadians because of a variety of factors including our limited fuel sources, a lack of major transit systems, our system of trucking in required goods, and residents with less financial flexibility to bear additional costs or make different choices.  We need to take immediate action to postpone the effects of these rising costs to give us time to find a balance between moving to net-zero emissions, while also ensuring the people of Atlantic Canada can continue to put food on the table.”

– Hon. Dennis King, Chair of Atlantic Premiers Council and Premier of Prince Edward Island

“Atlantic Canadians are committed to playing an equal part in the fight against climate change, and we are making great strides. As Premiers we have a responsibility to serve the people of our provinces, and it is clear from the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report that the federal government’s Clean Fuel Regulations disproportionately burden Atlantic Canadians – forcing families and seniors on fixed incomes in our region to pay more than their counterparts across Canada. Once again, we ask the federal government to reconsider its policies that increase costs for Atlantic Canadians.”

 – Hon. Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Nova Scotians are concerned about the clean fuel regulations. Combined with the carbon tax this will increase the cost of everything – fuel, food, clothing and more. We agree that we need to address climate change but adding more taxes at a time when inflation is high and affordability a concern is just not the right way to do it, especially when many don’t have access to other transit options. We are asking the federal government once again to work with us and not raise the price of everything for Atlantic Canadians.”

 – Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia

“We are committed to finding a balanced approach that addresses climate change while ensuring affordability – but innovation and improved technology are what will get us there, not more taxes. The impact of these additional costs extends beyond the pumps and heating our homes – they affect our grocery bills and the daily necessities we rely on. While the federal carbon tax aims to encourage reduced driving and increased use of public transit, it fails to recognize that many Atlantic Canadians reside in rural communities without access to alternatives. We already really face disproportionate impacts because of our reliance on heating oil, unlike other provinces in Canada.”

– Hon. Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick

Background:

• Atlantic Premiers are requesting an immediate meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau over Clean Fuel Regulations

• Atlantic Premiers Call for Delay of Implementation of Federal Clean Fuel Regulation

• PBO estimates the impact of the Clean Fuel Regulations on households

• Government of Canada – Clean Fuel Regulations

• Government of Canada – Renewable Fuels Regulations

• Government of Canada Fuel Charge Rates – Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act

Additional Resources:

• English Website: fightthefedhike.ca

• French Website: luttezcontrelahausse.ca

To view PDF: CAP Clean Fuel Standards EN- June 30, 2023

Atlantic Premiers are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to improve technical safety, the flow of goods and services, and the mobility of tradespeople within Atlantic Canada.

During their June 12, 2023 meeting in Mill River, Prince Edward Island, Premiers reiterated their commitment to work towards enabling regulated technical tradespeople to work throughout the region as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes aligning the requirements for training, certification, and licensing, and expediting registration processes for skilled tradespeople, including fuel technicians, power engineers, and elevator mechanics, among others.

The agreement, which will come into effect on July 1, 2023 commits Atlantic Provinces to collaborate in:

• Seeking opportunities for regulatory alignment for all areas of technical safety across the region;

• Working toward harmonization or mutual recognition of safety standards, where appropriate, to remove barriers to operating between provinces;

• Building on current efforts to establish timelines to review, assess, and provide a response to completed applications submitted by certified technical safety tradespeople from another province or territory to facilitate labour mobility and support industry; and,

• Coordinating and sharing information on related issues, opportunities and challenges.

In signing the agreement, Premiers recognize that maintaining a high standard of technical safety and ensuring public interest remain the focus of the regulatory process. The legislative authority of each Atlantic Province over technical safety will be respected and the unique needs and circumstances of local stakeholders will continue to be recognized. Regulatory bodies and professional associations will continue to hold these professionals to a high standard of technical safety in the province in which they work.

Quotes:

Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers

“As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, I am pleased to announce the signing of the Agreement to Improve Technical Safety, Interjurisdictional Commerce, and the Mobility of Certified Tradespeople in Atlantic Canada. This is a significant step towards improving labour mobility for technical trades in our region and another example of our commitment to reducing red-tape and supporting workers.”

Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia

“This agreement will make it easier for skilled workers in technical safety trades to work throughout Atlantic Canada. It will help us attract and retain the workers we need to grow our economy while reducing barriers to labour mobility and maintaining high standards of technical safety.”

Hon. Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick

“We have taken an important step toward improving labour mobility within Atlantic Canada. For too long, certified tradespeople have faced barriers in moving within the region. This agreement will benefit workers and employers, and support continued economic growth across Atlantic Canada.”

Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Breaking down barriers that make it easier to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador is integral to our sustained economic and community growth. With unmatched potential on the horizon in such sectors as mining and renewable energy, as well as our investments in provincial infrastructure, addressing inter-provincial barriers for trades people will allow us to meet growing market demand.”

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To view PDF: CAP Communique Tech Safety MOU EN June 28, 2023

To view the Technical Safety MOU: Atlantic Technical Safety Agreement in Principle- EN June 28, 2023

On Wednesday, the Council of Atlantic Premiers had a follow-up meeting with the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the Government of Canada, regarding the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations which will have a disproportionate impact on Atlantic Canadians by increasing their costs for fuel and other essential goods and services. 

Atlantic Premiers reiterated their commitment to climate change and pointed to various programs and policy initiatives they have implemented and reminded Minister Guilbeault that the four provinces have been willing partners with the federal government to reduce carbon emissions. Unfairly burdening Atlantic Canadians with increased costs on July 1^st is not an effective way to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

After weeks of waiting for information from Minister Guilbeault about options to reduce the impact of implementing the Clean Fuel Regulations, the Minister presented no new information or possible solutions to mitigate impact. Minister Guilbeault continues to state that the numbers his department has are different from those released by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office, but refuses to share that information with the four Atlantic provinces, despite repeated requests.  

Minister Guilbeault has previously confirmed to Atlantic Premiers that during the development of the regulations it was identified that the Clean Fuel Regulations would have a disproportionate impact on Atlantic Canadians, but it was decided to move forward regardless. The Atlantic Premiers voiced concerns that in a federation, ignoring the disproportionate impact these regulations have on some jurisdictions is both unfair and offensive to Atlantic Canadians.  

When Atlantic Premiers requested an immediate pause on these regulations Minister Guilbeault indicated that would require a conversation with the Prime Minister. Premiers are now requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau to ask him to pause the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations until further analysis can be completed on the disproportionate impact these regulation changes will have on Atlantic Canadians. Premiers are seeking action so that proper mitigation efforts can be put in place to prevent increases at a time when cost of living for residents in this region continues to increase. 

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To view PDF: Clean Fuel Regulations PressRelease_EN_June 23, 2023

To view the Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau: Clean Fuel Regulations Letter to PM EN June 23, 2023

Atlantic Premiers are working to improve health care, address labour shortages and strengthen the region’s economy through collaboration and focusing on what can be accomplished by working together to meet the needs of Atlantic Canada.

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island was joined by Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premiers reiterated their commitment to support Nova Scotians as they continue to address the impacts of devastating wildfires.

Recognizing the importance of mitigating the impacts of climate change, the Atlantic Provinces have taken considerable action to advance the green transition. Premiers call on the federal government to clarify the economic impacts of the Clean Fuel Regulations, taking into account the unique characteristics of the region, including supply constraints and the regulatory environment.

Federal measures taking effect on July 1, 2023, will significantly increase prices for gasoline and diesel and create additional inflationary pressures on families, and more vulnerable people.  The Parliamentary Budget Officer has found that these federal policies disproportionately impact Atlantic Canadians. Premiers urge the federal government to re-examine its policies to ensure that Atlantic Canadians do not bear a heavier cost burden than other Canadians.

Premiers discussed the region’s long-term electricity needs and the need for firm, reliable power for the region’s growing energy needs.  Premiers reiterated their commitment to protecting ratepayers to the greatest extent possible while managing the energy transition.

Atlantic Canada is well positioned to be an energy powerhouse in the years ahead with new energy resources and export opportunities being developed. An effective provincial-federal partnership focused on economic growth and affordable energy costs is required.

Through increased collaboration under the Atlantic Health Accord, Premiers remain dedicated to improving health care. Since coming into effect on May 1, 87 physicians have opted into the Atlantic Physician Registry, enabling them to work seamlessly throughout the region.  The Registry marks the first multi-jurisdiction licencing model in Canada.

Premiers are committed to building on this success, and have agreed to explore, together with health partners, expanding the Atlantic Registry concept to cover more health professions, reducing administrative burden, improving information and data sharing, and establishing an Atlantic Working Group on International Recruitment. Through these actions, Premiers aim to continue building innovative health systems and improving care for Atlantic Canadians. Premiers look forward to further discussions on health innovation and human resources when they join their colleagues at the Council of the Federation meeting in Winnipeg next month.

Atlantic Premiers met virtually with the Honourable Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, to discuss immigration and labour force challenges. Premiers noted that expediting the processing of immigrants for key sectors is important and  noted the steps already taken by Minister Fraser to address the issue. The Premiers and Minister Fraser committed to ongoing discussions, and they look forward to meeting again next month at the Atlantic Growth Strategy meeting in New Brunswick. Atlantic Premiers were pleased with Minister Fraser’s support for continued improvements to the various immigration streams, including a commitment to be flexible, and the willingness he expressed to continue to work with Atlantic Premiers.

Atlantic Premiers also met virtually with the Premiers of Canada’s northern territories: Premier Caroline Cochrane, Northwest Territories; Premier Ranj Pillai, Yukon; and Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut. They discussed shared priorities and ways to address common challenges, including health care human resources and the unique funding needs of small jurisdictions. Premiers from Atlantic Canada and the North agreed to explore further opportunities for collaboration.

Premiers agree on the need for a new federal infrastructure program to address the impacts of climate change and build infrastructure that supports economic growth. Federal programs must provide adequate and predictable funding while also being flexible enough to allow Provinces to use the funding in accordance with their unique infrastructure priorities.

The Chignecto Isthmus between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is a vital corridor at risk due to rising sea levels. Premiers reiterated that the federal government has a constitutional responsibility to maintain links between provinces and fully fund this project.

Premiers reinforced their commitment to improving access to affordable housing and reducing homelessness. They encouraged the federal government to accelerate program delivery and increase flexible funding for existing provincial programming to meet the region’s unique needs.

Premiers also urged the federal government to renew Labour Market Transfer Agreements as an important tool supporting workers and employers with training and retraining opportunities that are key to expanding jobs and growth in Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic Canada is acting to reduce barriers to trade and labour mobility within the Atlantic region. Premiers have agreed to work toward an Agreement to Improve Technical Safety, Interjurisdictional Commerce, and the Mobility of Certified Tradespeople in Atlantic Canada. This Agreement would commit to working towards enabling regulated technical tradespeople to work throughout the region as efficiently and effectively as possible.

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To view PDF:CAP 37-C Communique- June 12 2023

Atlantic Premiers call on the federal government to delay implementation of new Clean Fuel Regulations until a plan can be developed to address the disproportionate impact of the regulations on Atlantic Canadians.

The Council of Atlantic Premiers met virtually yesterday with the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Steven Guilbeault, to discuss these issues.

As the July 1 implementation date of the federal Clean Fuel Regulations approaches, Atlantic Premiers remain concerned about the detrimental and disproportionate impact they will have on Atlantic Canadians. Together with the carbon tax increase also scheduled for July 1, an increase in the cost of gasoline and diesel is anticipated. These increases will further add to inflationary pressures that will increase the costs of other goods imported to the region.

The Atlantic provinces have been working collaboratively with the federal government to invest in innovative clean technologies to accelerate the development of renewable energy, reduce emissions, and ensure a supply of clean and affordable energy products for Atlantic Canadians.

Premiers noted that Atlantic Canada has been a leader in climate action, and is prepared to work in partnership with the federal government to attain shared objectives of greenhouse gas emission reductions without adding to the inflationary pressures already facing Atlantic Canadians.

Premiers are concerned by the uncertainty the new regulations may create and were disappointed that the federal minister has not provided clarity on the impact the Regulations on fuel prices and fuel supplies, despite acknowledging there will be a disproportionate impact to Atlantic Canadians.

Atlantic Premiers are encouraged by the minister’s commitment to work with them to address concerns expressed by producers and consumers in the region. They look forward to positive results being confirmed within the next two weeks by the federal government to ensure these measures do not place an unfair burden on Atlantic Canadians.

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To view in PDF: CAP communique Clean Fuel Regulations- May 25

The Atlantic Physician Registry will launch today, May 1, in the four Atlantic provinces. National Physicians’ Day is celebrated in Canada on May 1.

Atlantic Physicians will now be able to practice in any other Atlantic province by opting in to the Atlantic Physician Registry.

This new Atlantic Registry delivers on a commitment made by Atlantic Premiers and Registrars from the four Atlantic Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons to make it easier for physicians to move around Atlantic Canada, supporting efforts to improve healthcare services for Atlantic Canadians.

The colleges have agreed on an annual fee of $500 for physicians on the Atlantic Registry. Physicians on the register would no longer be subject to locum or temporary licence fees.

Premiers thank the Registrars for their ongoing partnership in launching the register, an example of the benefits of regional cooperation. Advancing the Atlantic Physician Registry demonstrates Premiers’ commitment to improve healthcare delivery for Atlantic Canadians.

In December 2021, Atlantic Premiers signed an Atlantic Healthcare Accord of Guiding Principles to enhance collaboration in delivering healthcare services to Atlantic Canadians.   Under the accord, Premiers committed to sharing best practices and lessons learned as new programs are implemented and scopes of practice for health care professionals are expanded, as well as sharing the innovative approaches their provinces are pursuing to improve health care delivery for their residents.

Quotes:

“The Atlantic Physicians Registry will eliminate barriers for physicians to work seamlessly throughout the Atlantic region and assist all four provinces in providing better access to care, closer to home. As a region, we will continue to work collaboratively with our Atlantic counterparts and beyond to improve access to care, grow our healthcare workforce, and find new and innovative ways to ensure our residents have access to high-quality healthcare services, when they need it.” – Hon. Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers

“We’re all focused on fixing healthcare so that our citizens can access quality care when and where they need it. This is another step that advances our shared goal of transforming healthcare through innovation and regional collaboration.” – Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia

“Improving access to medical care is a key goal of New Brunswick’s Health Plan. The Atlantic Physician Registry will remove barriers to the movement of physicians within our region, enabling better access to care. I want to thank the region’s Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons for working with us to achieve this goal.” – Hon. Blaine Higgs, Premier of New Brunswick

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, our plan to improve the health care system includes innovative solutions and close collaboration with stakeholders. I am proud that our region has come together so quickly on this shared priority, working with the licensing bodies, to create the Atlantic Physician Registry to help create tangible change for physicians and residents across our region.” – Hon. Andrew Furey

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To view in PDF: CAP communique physician register May 1, 2023 EN

Atlantic Premiers met today to discuss important regional and national issues, chart a course for regional collaboration in 2023, and celebrate the opening of the Canada Winter Games.

As the new Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island was joined by Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia, and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister presented his government’s proposal for increasing health care funding to provinces and territories, which Canada’s Premiers have agreed to accept. While the proposal does not address the long-term sustainability challenge facing health care in Canada, Premiers noted the benefits of bilateral agreements that provide flexibility and recognize the unique demographic and geographical challenges facing the Atlantic region in delivering health care services. The bilateral funding will assist provinces in accelerating progress on their priorities such as access to primary care, reducing surgery backlogs, recruiting and retaining health care workers, and improving mental health and addictions care.

Atlantic Premiers also discussed opportunities to continue regional health collaboration, including sharing best practices and lessons learned as new programs are implemented and scopes of practice for health care professionals are expanded, as well as sharing the innovative approaches their provinces are pursuing to improve health care delivery for their residents.

Through the Atlantic Health Accord, Premiers are working closely with the Registrars of the Atlantic colleges of physicians and surgeons to improve physician mobility within the region as a first step toward broader health care workforce mobility improvement and multi-jurisdictional licensing. Premiers anticipate the Atlantic Physician Register will be in place by May 1, 2023.

Labour shortages are being felt nation-wide by communities and economies. Immigration and the retention of international students who come to Atlantic Canada to further their education are critical to the continued growth of the region. Atlantic Canada is a prime destination for those looking to move to or within Canada and has proven itself to be an ideal location to pilot new immigration programs. Provincial-federal cooperation will be key to finding solutions to the labour challenges facing Canadian industries.

Premiers look forward to meeting with the federal minister of immigration to discuss streamlining processing by reducing duplication, expanding the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot to the rest of the region, and adding temporary and permanent resident streams and pathways for health care professionals, targeted projects, and seasonal industries.

Given the importance of enhancing training programs in meeting the demand for new skilled workers across the region, Premiers called on the federal government to renew Labour Market Training Agreements to enable provinces to continue improving job training opportunities for Atlantic Canadians.

Premiers discussed access to affordable housing for Atlantic Canadians and how to support those experiencing homelessness. They agreed to improve access to affordable housing and reduce homelessness in the region.

Regional air travel is a critical transportation link for Atlantic Canadian residents, families and business. Premiers discussed the need for access to reliable and affordable regional air routes and support efforts to re-establish and increase the routes that help connect the region, while also improving access to the rest of Canada and the global economy.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Premiers noted the recent Bell 911 system outage. Premiers agreed to raise this critical public safety infrastructure outage issue, including telecommunications reliability and preparedness, with the federal government.

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To view PDF:CAP 37A Feb 20 Communique-ENG