Eastern Canadian Premiers and New England Governors Meet in Newfoundland and Labrador to Strengthen Regional Partnership

Resolutions passed on technology and innovation, regional collaboration on energy, and ecological connectivity and food security

For Immediate Release

Monday, November 17, 2025

CONTACT

NL: Ashley Jackson-Politi, AshleyPoliti@gov.nl.ca, 709- 685-3161

VT: Amanda Wheeler, Amanda.Wheeler@vermont.gov

ST. JOHN’S, NL – New England Governors, Eastern Canadian Premiers, and their representatives met on November 16 and 17, 2025 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador at their 46^th annual conference to discuss shared energy and environmental priorities, as well as opportunities to enhance regional collaboration in technology and innovation.

Following the reconvening of the Northeast International Committee on Energy and the Committee on Environment in 2024, both committees provided updates on work completed throughout 2025 to advance regional collaboration, planning on energy issues, ecological connectivity, and food security. These two standing committees have long served to pursue initiatives that the Governors and Premiers direct at the annual conference.

Three resolutions were adopted at the conference, including two directing the continuation of collaboration on energy, ecological connectivity, and food security. In addition, a resolution was adopted to initiate collaboration on technology and innovation. The resolutions are available here: 46-1, 46-2, 46-3.

Premiers, Governors, and appointed representatives also discussed other mutual priorities impacting citizens of their respective jurisdictions, including the cost of living and affordability concerns and the impact of trade relations on the economy on both sides of the border.

“It was an honour to co-chair and host this year’s New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers conference in Newfoundland and Labrador, where we welcomed our regional partners,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham. “We focused our conversations on technology and innovation, energy, and environment, and demonstrated the collective strength of our jurisdictions and the value of working together.”

“From energy to innovative technology and environmental resilience, there’s a lot of good happening across the region on both sides of the border,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “It’s important we continue to find ways to solve some of the challenges because the relationship between Canda and New England states is important and something we all need to continue to repair and strengthen.”

On November 16, delegates visited the Co. Innovation Centre for technology demonstrations from local innovators, including Avalon Holographics, College of the North Atlantic, Duxion Motors, Kraken Robotics, PolyUnity, and Virtual Marine. Premiers, Governors, and other delegation heads also had a fireside chat with attendees about the role of technology and innovation in growing our economy.

“Technology and innovation are key drivers of economic development and areas where Newfoundland and Labrador bring deep expertise and demonstrated leadership to the table,” said Meagan Kay-Fowlow, President of COIC. “I congratulate Premier Wakeham and his colleagues across Eastern Canada and New England for their vision and collaboration. It was a pleasure to host them this weekend.”

Delegates also participated in a tour of the Beaumont Hamel and Trail of the Caribou Exhibition at The Rooms.

Premier Wakeham co-chaired the conference with Governor Phil Scott of Vermont. Other Governors and Premiers and their representatives in attendance were: New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy Christine Fréchette, Massachusetts Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources Elizabeth Mahony, and Maine Acting Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources Dan Burgess.

Quotes from Conference Participants:

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt:

“This conference is a great reminder of what we can achieve when we work together across borders. From advancing clean energy to driving innovation and strengthening food security, our shared challenges are also shared opportunities. Collaboration like this helps us build a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone in our region.”

Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz:

“Prince Edward Island values the strong partnerships we share with our New England and Eastern Canadian neighbours. Through continued collaboration, we can strengthen our economies and improve the quality of life on both sides of the border.”

Massachusetts Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources Elizabeth Mahony:

“Massachusetts is proud to participate in the Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers,” said Massachusetts Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “It was a privilege to welcome our regional partners to Boston last year, and we extend our thanks to Newfoundland and Labrador for hosting this year’s discussions. Our relationship with Canada has never been more important — grounded in shared values, common interests, and deep familial ties. Massachusetts remains committed to strengthening this partnership to expand energy supply, meet rising demand, lower costs, create jobs, and advance economic growth throughout the region.”

Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development Colton LeBlanc:

“Nova Scotia has a lot to offer the Atlantic region and the Eastern United States, particularly when it comes to meeting the massive energy needs of our region. We’re pleased to collaborate on ideas and solutions that are in the best interest of hardworking Nova Scotians, and can help us grow and prosper.”

Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy Christine Fréchette:

“Québec is a leader in green energy and its cutting-edge expertise is a key lever that is recognized around the world. This annual conference is a unique opportunity to strengthen our strategic ties with New England and Eastern Canada, particularly on issued related to energy supply and defence. In the current geopolitical climate, these issues are among our government’s top priorities. To achieve our goals, we must focus on close and lasting collaboration with our partners.”

Maine Acting Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources Dan Burgess:

“Maine has long worked closely with our neighboring Canadian provinces and fellow New England states on a range of shared issues, and today these cross-border collaborations are more important than ever. Maine and Canada share more than a border – our economies are closely linked, our electricity grids are interconnected, and we each rely on significant cross-border energy trading. Through these convenings, we are advancing shared priorities and strengthening the regional systems and relationships needed to deliver affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for Maine and the region.”

About the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference

Since 1973, the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces have worked cooperatively to address their shared interests across the border. Through the annual conferences of Governors and Premiers and discussions of joint committees, the NEG-ECP encourages cooperation by developing networks and relationships, taking collective action, engaging in regional projects, undertaking research, and increasing public awareness of shared interests.

The 11-member jurisdictions are Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Québec.

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