FREDERICTON (CNB) – Premier David Alward will host the Council of Atlantic Premiers in Sussex for meetings May 15 and 16.

The premiers will discuss regional co-operation; federal/provincial relations, including the renewal of federal health transfers; and opportunities to further develop Atlantic Canada's potential as a supplier of clean and renewable energy.

The council includes the premiers of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Building upon the relationship with our Atlantic neighbours is important for our government,” said Alward. “We see regional co-operation as an element in our strategy to strengthen our province and to restore its fiscal strength. We are looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services and minimize duplication, which I believe will provide benefits to New Brunswickers and to all Atlantic Canadians."

Alward will also take his colleagues on a tour of the Potash Corporation mine in Penobsquis and the mine expansion site, which is currently the largest economic development project in New Brunswick and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada.

"I am pleased that we are hosting this meeting in Sussex, which is one of New Brunswick's fastest-growing communities,” he said. “There is a long-standing tradition within the council of holding meetings in communities where premiers can showcase dynamic and growing areas of their province.”


13-05-11