The Atlantic Provinces will continue to use the AstraZeneca vaccine in their effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Atlantic Canada.

Premier Blaine Higgs chaired a teleconference of the Council of Atlantic Premiers to discuss this issue. He was joined by Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island, Premier Iain Rankin of Nova Scotia and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Based on advice from their respective Chief Medical Officers of Health, Premiers agreed the AstraZeneca vaccine will continue to play a useful role in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

This Health Canada approved vaccine will continue to be provided to Atlantic Canadians over the age of 55. Premiers agree that a robust vaccine program, aimed at vaccinating as many people as quickly as possible, is necessary to reduce the threat posed by COVID-19 in the region.

Premiers will continue to monitor the use of this vaccine, based on expert advice and an assessment of risks and benefits to Atlantic Canadians.

Premiers are continuing their discussions on the timing of a reduction in travel restrictions within Atlantic Canada. Premiers will meet again next week to assess the most appropriate timing for the reopening of the Atlantic Travel Bubble. Given present conditions in the region and elsewhere in Canada, Premiers will also consider dates later in May 2021 for reducing travel restrictions.

For more information about the COVID-19 response and specific public health requirements for each of the Atlantic Provinces, please consult the following links below:

• New Brunswick: http://www.gnb.ca/coronavirus

• Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/

• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

• Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

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To view in PDF:CAP communique AZ vaccine travel bubble April 20 2021

Protecting the health of Atlantic Canadians remains the overriding priority of Atlantic Premiers.

Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick chaired a teleconference of the Council of Atlantic Premiers with Premier Iain Rankin of Nova Scotia, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador. They reviewed the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region and considered how to move forward on reducing travel restrictions within the Atlantic region.

Given the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 in parts of Atlantic Canada and the emergence of more transmissible forms of the virus, the Council of Atlantic Premiers has agreed to delay the reopening of the Atlantic Bubble by at least two weeks, to May 3^rd, 2021.

The decision is based upon expert advice from the region’s Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Premiers will meet during the last week of April to review the status of outbreaks and determine if a further delay to May 10^th, 2021 is required.

This delay will support a continued focus on addressing local outbreaks and the roll-out of vaccination programs across the region.

Premiers urge all Atlantic Canadians to adhere to public health measures designed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

When the Atlantic Bubble reopens, residents of the Atlantic provinces will be able to travel within the region without the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.

All public health directives in each province must continue to be followed, including wearing a mask in public spaces, not traveling if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and practicing physical distancing.

Premiers noted that the relaxation of travel restrictions will be closely monitored and may change at any time, based on public health advice regarding conditions within the region.

Premiers remain committed to working together to limit the spread of COVID-19, protect the health and safety of all Atlantic Canadians and strengthening the region’s economy while returning to community activities.

For more information about the COVID-19 response and specific public health requirements for each of the Atlantic Provinces, please consult the following links below:

• New Brunswick: http://www.gnb.ca/coronavirus

• Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/

• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

• Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

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To view in PDF:CAP release Bubble delay

Atlantic Premiers continue to work together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs chaired a conference call of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, with Premier Iain Rankin of Nova Scotia, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador participating.

While COVID-19 remains a serious concern, Premiers are encouraged by Atlantic Canadians’ adherence to public health measures, the containment of regional outbreaks, and the progress in rolling out vaccines. Premiers are grateful to front-line workers for their continued efforts and the ongoing dedication of Atlantic Canadians in helping to contain the spread of the virus.

In recognition of this, Premiers agreed to reopen the Atlantic Bubble by April 19, 2021, conditional upon COVID-19 case numbers remaining low in the region, containment of outbreaks, and ongoing advice from Atlantic Chief Medical Officers of Health. Newfoundland and Labrador’s participation is conditional on continued progress in easing its provincial alert-level restrictions. The reopening of the Atlantic Bubble will allow residents of the Atlantic provinces to travel within the region without the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days.

All public health directives in each province must continue to be followed, including wearing a mask in public spaces, not traveling if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and practicing physical distancing.

When the Atlantic Bubble reopens, visitors travelling from other Canadian provinces and territories must adhere to entry requirements in place in each of the four jurisdictions. Visitors from other Canadian provinces and territories to the Maritime provinces who complete their 14-day isolation in one of the Maritime provinces may travel to another Maritime province without being required to complete another isolation period in that province.

Premiers noted that the decision to ease travel restrictions will continue to be closely monitored and may change at any time, based on public health advice regarding conditions within the region. Premiers remain committed to collaborating on limiting the spread of COVID-19, protecting the health and safety of all Atlantic Canadians and working to renew and strengthen the region’s economy while returning to community activities.

For more information about the COVID-19 response and specific public health requirements for each of the Atlantic Provinces, please consult the following links below:

• New Brunswick:  http://www.gnb.ca/coronavirus

• Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/

• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

• Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

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To view in PDF: NR- CAP 35

In advance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6th, Atlantic Premiers have formally established the Atlantic Domestic Homicide Review Network to help prevent domestic homicides – the first regional review network of its kind in Canada. Members of the Network have now been appointed by the Premier of each Atlantic province.

Domestic violence and domestic homicide are gendered crimes in which the majority of victims are women. Understanding the context in which domestic homicides occur in Atlantic Canada is critical to the development of preventative measures that are aligned with the region’s unique culture.

Reviewing these deaths recognizes that many are preventable and may require different system responses and community supports. Each province has its own unique systems for how to respond, prevent and learn from deaths when they occur.
The Network will enhance information sharing, ensure joint consideration of existing system responses and prevention efforts, as well as learn and identify best practices, and areas for improvement and collaboration across the region. The Network will apply a human rights-based approach to its work and ensure that the specific needs of higher risk and marginalized populations including Indigenous, persons with disabilities, racialized and 2SLGBTQQIA are reflected in its work.

The four governments are committed to ending all forms of gender-based violence. The Network will begin work immediately to help the Atlantic provinces enhance prevention efforts and improve responses.

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To view in PDF: NR – Atlantic Domestic Homicide Review Network

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dr. Andrew Furey, Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, was joined today with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil in recommending caution regarding nonessential travel within the Atlantic Provinces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all Canadians, and especially our most vulnerable populations. Premiers noted that second waves of COVID-19 are happening across Canada and around the world. Given this, Premiers discussed the need for extra caution on non-essential travel in the region and agreed to monitor this closely over the next two weeks. Some provinces may take additional measures. Premiers agreed that measures will be reviewed with Atlantic Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Premiers wish to acknowledge the sacrifices all residents have made to help contain the spread of the virus and recognize the ongoing cooperation and dedication of businesses, individuals and families throughout Atlantic Canada. Premiers remain committed to working together to support economic and social recovery while ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

For more information about the COVID-19 response and specific public health requirements from each of the Atlantic Provinces, please consult the following links below:

• New Brunswick: http://www.gnb.ca/coronavirus
• Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/
• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
• Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

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To view in PDF: CAP Release Nov 23 Final

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dr. Andrew Furey, Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, was joined today with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil in recommending caution regarding nonessential travel within the Atlantic Provinces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all Canadians, and especially our most vulnerable populations. Premiers noted that second waves of COVID-19 are happening across Canada and around the world. Given this, Premiers discussed the need for extra caution on non-essential travel in the region and agreed to monitor this closely over the next two weeks. Some provinces may take additional measures. Premiers agreed that measures will be reviewed with Atlantic Chief Medical Officers of Health.

Premiers wish to acknowledge the sacrifices all residents have made to help contain the spread of the virus and recognize the ongoing cooperation and dedication of businesses, individuals and families throughout Atlantic Canada. Premiers remain committed to working together to support economic and social recovery while ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

For more information about the COVID-19 response and specific public health requirements from each of the Atlantic Provinces, please consult the following links below:

• New Brunswick: http://www.gnb.ca/coronavirus
• Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/
• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
• Prince Edward Island: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

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To view in PDF: CAP Release Nov 23 Final

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dr. Andrew Furey chaired a videoconference of the Council of Atlantic Premiers today with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

The Atlantic Premiers discussed the significant health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate the cooperation and dedication of businesses, individuals and families throughout Atlantic Canada in containing the spread of the virus. Premiers committed to continuing the Atlantic Bubble subject to the advice of the Atlantic Chief Medical Officers of Health as the pandemic evolves.

Premiers thank the Prime Minister for his leadership throughout the pandemic and remain committed to working in partnership with the federal government to address the needs of Atlantic Canadians. Premiers called on the federal government for urgent action to ensure access to reliable and affordable regional air services in Atlantic Canada. Premiers also called on the federal government for sector specific funding to address the concerns of the tourism and hospitality industries.

Premiers are encouraged by the federal government’s support in the recent Speech from the Throne for the “Atlantic Loop” to enhance energy transmission in the region. Through collaboration with the federal government on the Clean Power Roadmap for Atlantic Canada, the region is on an accelerated path to further transition to cleaner forms of non-emitting energy, such as wind, hydro, solar, tidal, and advanced small modular nuclear reactors. This shift will require federal investments to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy includes access to affordable and reliable clean power for Atlantic Canadians.

Atlantic Premiers are united with all of Canada’s Premiers in seeking a rebalanced health care partnership with the federal government. Atlantic Premiers look forward to further discussions with federal, provincial, and territorial governments to ensure that federal funding for health care enables all jurisdictions to deliver the quality health care services that Canadians deserve. As health care needs evolve across the country, Atlantic Premiers emphasize the unique challenges facing Atlantic Canada, including aging population, high incidence of chronic disease, and rural population, which have significant impacts on the costs of delivering health care services. Funding arrangements that consider the unique needs in Atlantic Canada are essential to ensuring the region can address these challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all Canadians, and especially our most vulnerable populations. Atlantic Premiers continue to work with their provincial and territorial counterparts, along with the federal government, to ensure the necessary supports are in place to protect long-term care residents.

Atlantic Premiers also met with federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc to discuss federal and provincial collaboration on shared priorities in Atlantic Canada.

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To view in PDF: CAP-Communique-October-21-2020.pdf

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil today expressed deep concern with the reduction in air services to the Atlantic Provinces.

The premiers agreed that today’s announcement by WestJet to bring about significant cuts to its operations and the closure of air stations announced by Air Canada in late June create serious issues for the Atlantic region.

The global pandemic has impacted all businesses and industries. At this time, it is important that we work as a region and a country to ensure that vital transportation linkages remain in place. Together, in partnership with private industry, we can support our citizens and businesses.

Atlantic Premiers recognize and appreciate that the Government of Canada has implemented several emergency response measures for individuals and businesses throughout the health crisis. Premiers acknowledge the Federal Government’s recent commitment in its Speech from the Throne to work with partners to support regional routes for airlines and agree it is essential for Canadians to have access to reliable and affordable regional air services. The premiers are calling for urgent action to address these critical transportation links that open the Atlantic region to the global economy and ensure the region maintains direct air access to the rest of Canada from each of the Atlantic Provinces.

Premiers are committed to working with the Government of Canada and with partners to support economic and social recovery, while ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

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To view in PDF: CAP-Release-October-2020.pdf

The Atlantic Trade and Procurement Partnership was signed by the four Premiers of Atlantic Canada in 2020.

To view the PDF: August 7, 2020

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, was joined by New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil today in committing to ease travel restrictions in Atlantic Canada as COVID-19 case numbers remain low in each province.

Interprovincial travel without the requirement to self-isolate will be permitted in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, for residents of Atlantic Canada as of July 3, 2020. Visitors from other Canadian provinces and territories must adhere to the local entry requirements in place in each of the four jurisdictions. Other Canadian visitors to the Maritime provinces that have self-isolated for 14 days may travel within the Maritime region.

Premiers noted that the decision to ease travel restrictions in the region was guided by the Chief Medical Officers of Health in each province and will continue to be closely monitored. All public health directives present in each province must be adhered to, including not traveling if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene. Each province will choose their own processes to track and monitor travelers.

Premiers remain committed to working together to support economic and social recovery while ensuring the health and safety of all residents.

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To view the PDF: June 24, 2020

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, hosted a meeting of the Council today. Premier Ball was joined by New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

Premiers noted with sadness the recent passing of the Honourable John Crosbie and offered condolences to the Crosbie family. As a strong advocate on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada, he left a lasting and positive impact on our country.

Atlantic Premiers were joined by Québec Premier François Legault during a portion of their meeting to discuss opportunities to develop, transmit, and exchange Eastern Canada’s clean energy resources such as hydro-electricity. Premiers agreed to continue to move forward in an expeditious manner on new clean, reliable, sustainable, and affordable electricity generation, improving transmission networks, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

The Atlantic Premiers’ discussion focused on shared priorities for an upcoming First Ministers’ Meeting, as set out by Canada’s Premiers at their December 2019 meeting, including fiscal stabilization, health care and pharmacare, infrastructure, immigration, and economic competitiveness. Premiers agree on the importance of maintaining a strong and united Canada where all Canadians, regardless of where they live, can share fully in the nation’s prosperity.

Premiers agreed that changes to the federal fiscal stabilization program are necessary to support provinces experiencing a significant decline in revenues, while not compromising other transfer programs.

Premiers remain united in their call on the federal government to ensure that federal health care funding recognizes the changing demographics of Atlantic Canada, and enables all provinces to deliver sustainable and reliable health care services for Canadians. Meeting the unique challenges facing health care for Atlantic Canadians will require innovative approaches for health care delivery. Premiers agreed to work together, engaging all health care professionals, to ensure our health care systems remain patient-focused and fully utilize the skillsets of all professionals to improve health outcomes. Premiers directed health ministers to work together to share best practices and innovative approaches with a particular focus in areas such as mental health and addictions services and the prevention and
management of chronic diseases, like diabetes.

Atlantic Premiers discussed the federal government’s commitment to national pharmacare. Premiers agreed that any federal program must be fully funded, long-term, sustainable, and provide a comparable level of pharmaceutical coverage, including drugs for catastrophic illnesses. Premiers also want to ensure that a federal national pharmacare program recognizes current private sector insurance systems and that all Atlantic Canadians have coverage. Supporting economic and population growth in Atlantic Canada requires increased flexibility in federal programming. In particular, Premiers noted the need for infrastructure programs and immigration services to be responsive to the specific needs, challenges, and opportunities in the region.

Premiers noted the importance of Atlantic Canada’s softwood lumber industry and the significant negative impact of U.S. tariffs on many employers and communities. Premiers agreed that New Brunswick’s softwood lumber exports should have the same exclusion as the rest of Atlantic Canada.

Premiers discussed the importance of the responsible development of the resource economy in Atlantic Canada, and their shared commitment to maintain a competitive regulatory environment to attract investment and grow the economy in the region.

Premiers have reconfirmed their commitment to work together on improving trade and procurement in Atlantic Canada. Premiers are pleased to sign the Atlantic Trade and Procurement Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU is designed to increase the efficiency and
harmonization of procurement processes, promote opportunities for Atlantic suppliers, and improve the conditions for doing business in the Atlantic region through a coordinated approach.

Premiers are committed to working together to address and prevent domestic violence and domestic violence-related homicide. To that end Premiers are establishing the Atlantic Domestic Homicide Review Network to enhance information sharing between the Atlantic provinces, jointly consider existing
system responses, prevention efforts, identify partnership opportunities with research and academic institutions and best practices. This network will be created over the coming months.

Premiers also received an update on the work of the Ocean Supercluster, and recognize the opportunity this initiative presents to help diversify the ocean economy and create good jobs for Atlantic Canadians.

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To view the PDF: CAP-Communique-FINAL-January-13-20202.pdf