Infrastructure Spending Highlights First Ministers Meeting
Premier’s Office
January 16, 2009
Acceleration of infrastructure projects highlighted the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa today, Jan. 16.
“What came out of our meeting today is very encouraging,” said Premier Rodney MacDonald. “It means significant infrastructure programs will be able to proceed and, in some cases, sooner than anticipated.”The premier also pressed to get money flowing as soon as possiblefor Atlantic Gateway projects.
“We need to get shovels in the ground,” Premier MacDonald said. “As such, we will be announcing an infrastructure plan over the next 45 days.”
Less duplication of environmental assessments for infrastructure projects will quicken project start-up times.
Premier MacDonald also pressed for needed changes to our employment insurance program to ensure greater benefits and training opportunities for workers.
The first ministers and Prime Minister Stephen Harper also signed an agreement on internal trade.
The intent is to allow unimpeded movement in the national job market for qualified workers.
Provincial and territorial premiers heard presentations from Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of Canada, and federal ministers Jim Flaherty (finance), John Baird (transport) and Diane Finley (human resources).
The first ministers and prime minister also met with national aboriginal leaders on Thursday, Jan. 15. Among issues discussed were housing, skills training and schools on reserves.
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Media Contact: Paul Palmeter
Premier’s Office
Cell: 902-225-6327
E-mail: palmetpr@gov.ns.ca
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