GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT HOSTS NEW ENGLAND GOVERNORS AND EASTERN CANADIAN PREMIERS AT 47TH ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND GOVERNORS AND EASTERN CANADIAN PREMIERS CONFERENCE

The theme of this year’s convening: “Renewing the Northeast-Atlantic Partnership: Security and Economic Cooperation”

For Immediate Release

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott hosted the 47^th Annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) conference, bringing together regional leaders to discuss continued coordination on shared regional interests, challenges and opportunities.

The theme of this year’s convening was “Renewing the Northeast-Atlantic Partnership: Security and Economic Cooperation.” This year’s meeting examined how New England states and Eastern Canadian provinces can work together to strengthen regional resilience, preparedness, economic growth, and cross-border cooperation. Programming highlighted the region’s leadership in aerospace, semiconductors, energy, advanced manufacturing, defense, and critical infrastructure.

“At a time of uncertainty and strain in the relationship between our countries, governors and premiers have a very important role to play in keeping those connections strong,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “Over the last two days, we’ve demonstrated that we can continue working together toward our shared interests, regardless of the political disagreements at the national level.”

“The relationship between New England and Eastern Canada has always been built on trust, cooperation and a willingness to work together. At a time of economic uncertainty, those partnerships are more important than ever,” said Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz. “This conference is an opportunity to strengthen those relationships, find practical solutions to shared challenges and create new opportunities for our region.”

Governor Scott co-chaired the 47^th NEG-ECP meeting with Premier Lantz of Prince Edward Island. Other Governors and Premiers and their representatives participating in the meeting were: Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia; Acting Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection Emma Cimino of Connecticut; Commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs Lucy Lange of New Hampshire; Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor of Rhode Island; Minister Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie Christopher Skeete of Québec, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper of Massachusetts; Assistant Deputy Minister Jennifer Barnes of Newfoundland and Labrador; Executive Director of Trade Policy Serge Breau of New Brunswick; and Senior Advisor to Governor Janet T. Mills Dan Burgess of Maine.

On Sunday, the Governors and Premiers visited BETA Technologies, where they toured the facility and discussed opportunities to strengthen the Northeast-Atlantic innovation corridor through advanced manufacturing, aerospace, clean energy, workforce development, and investment. The evening concluded with a regional reception celebrating partnerships and a fireside chat between Governor Scott and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown.

On Monday, the Governors and Premiers visited Shelburne Farms and participated in discussions focused on strengthening the resilience of regional infrastructure, energy systems, and improving cross-border coordination; expanding economic cooperation and strategic industries; advancing innovation, technology and workforce development; and identifying practical opportunities to improve regional competitiveness and shared prosperity.

The meetings featured participation from many of Vermont’s employers and institutions alongside counterparts from throughout New England and Eastern Canada, including organizations representing aerospace, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, utilities, logistics, cybersecurity, higher education, and economic development. Former Assistant Secretary of Defense, Dr. Paul Stockton facilitated a discussion focused on securing infrastructure, energy, and regional resilience.

Premier Tim Houston, Nova Scotia
“Nova Scotia and New England share a centuries-long relationship built on friendship, trade, and a commitment to growth. As Nova Scotia develops world-class natural resources, we have an opportunity to create benefits on both sides of the border. These meetings come at the right time as we lay the foundation for a stronger Nova Scotia and a stronger Northeast region.”

Minister Christopher Skeete, Québec
“The ties between Québec, New England, and the Atlantic provinces are a powerful driver of growth for our region. Our economies and supply chains are highly integrated, making dialogue and cooperation crucial if we wish to secure our competitive edge and grow our shared prosperity. Québec is a reliable partner with renowned expertise in clean energy, innovation, and economic development, and it will continue to work closely with its partners to build a more resilient, more competitive, and more prosperous region.”

Premier Tony Wakeham, Newfoundland & Labrador

“The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers offers an excellent opportunity to come together to further strengthen our strategic connections and build on our historic partnerships. I always support opportunities to highlight the strategic advantages Newfoundland and Labrador offers. The forum provides a platform to promote strong cross-border partnerships and advance shared priorities, including energy security, defence, technology and innovation, and economic growth. Working together makes us stronger and deepens our collective commitment to addressing common challenges, strengthening regional collaboration, and building resilient and sustainable economies that enhance quality of life for all of us.”

Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut
“This meeting underscores the enduring friendship and partnership between New England and Eastern Canada and the opportunities we can create together. At a time when strong, trusted relationships matter more than ever, it is important that we continue building on the ties that have long bound our region together – trade, tourism, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, our natural resources, and an exceptional workforce. I appreciate Governor Scott and Premier Lantz for bringing everyone together.” 

Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island
“Bringing regional leaders together creates opportunities that no single community can achieve alone,” said Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island. “By strengthening partnerships, sharing ideas, and aligning our efforts, we’re furthering the momentum needed to grow our economies and create opportunities for generations to come. We look forward to building on this collaboration with our regional partners.” 

Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts 
“Massachusetts is committed to strengthening our bond with Eastern Canada. In the past year alone, we added another transmission line between our regions and signed an agreement with Nova Scotia to collaborate on offshore wind. This annual convening is an important opportunity for us to come together and build on our centuries-old partnership, share resources, and grow our regional economy. Through global instability, Massachusetts is continuing to forge a strong relationship with Canada.”

Governor Janet T. Mills, Maine
“Maine’s longstanding relationship with Canada has supported communities on both sides of the border for generations. My visit to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia last summer reaffirmed what Maine people already knew: President Trump’s reckless trade policies have tested our deep bond with our neighbors, but they will not break it,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Maine looks forward to continued work with our Canadian neighbors to promote economic growth, expand energy cooperation, strengthen climate resilience, and advance our shared priorities.”

Business & Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange, New Hampshire
“New Hampshire’s economic vitality, tourism industry, and supply chain resilience rely heavily on our strong cross-border partnership with Canada,” said New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange. “From welcoming international visitors to driving growth in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and defense, our shared trade and travel relationship remains critical to regional competitiveness and mutual prosperity.” 

About the ECP-NEG 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 of NEG-ECP 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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