Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers: in support of a green economy

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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Premiers and governors attending the 33rd Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (CNEG/ECP) renewed their commitment to a greener, more environmentally friendly economy. Premier Jean Charest was in Saint John, New Brunswick to participate in the meeting, whose theme was “Close Collaboration – Stronger Economies.”

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Canadian premiers and New England governors in attendance Photo: David Smith

With respect to energy, the Canadian premiers and New England governors agreed that hydroelectricity, including large-scale hydropower, was a renewable source of energy and that it should be recognized as such by federal laws in Canada and the U.S.

Premier Charest also took the opportunity to reiterate the fact that federated states are making a concrete and essential contribution to the implementation of international commitments to reduce GHG emissions. The members of the CNEG/ECP urged the Canadian and U.S. federal governments to take this contribution into account, particularly since it holds special significance in light of the upcoming Copenhagen meeting this December.

“Québec has proven to be a leader in fighting climate change and we want to continue our contribution to reaching the goals of the CNEG/ECP Regional Climate Change Action Plan. We are ready and willing to share our know-how and assist our partners in significantly reducing their GHG emissions. Our hydroelectric resources are part of the long-term solution in this area,” said Premier Charest.

Additionally, the premiers and governors encouraged all levels of government to adopt policies that foster free and secure trade and government contracts. They pledged to make concerted efforts to heighten the region’s awareness of the advantages of free trade between Canada and the United States.

The CNEG/ECP was established in 1973 and is composed of the governors of the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont) and the premiers of Québec and the Atlantic provinces (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador). The annual conference is a major forum where government leaders discuss issues of common interest.

New England Governors’ Conference
Council of Atlantic Premiers
Resolutions - 33rd Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers