Northern Issues in Focus for Stelmach and other Premiers

News Release
July 3, 2007

Edmonton… Meeting for the first time in Nunavut, western Premiers and territorial leaders will focus on issues facing the north when they gather July 4 to 6 for the annual Western Premiers’ Conference.

“Meeting in the arctic provides a great opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities facing northern Canada,” said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. “The far north faces unique challenges in providing services to its remote communities. Alberta and the other western provinces and territories can learn a lot from each other as we all work to ensure our remote and rural communities are sustainable and the people who live there can access the services they need.”Among the items to be discussed at the Western Premiers’ Conference in Iqaluit are:

– Northern Vision, a document developed by the three territorial governments to build a more prosperous, sustainable and secure north;
– building sustainable communities in rural and remote parts of Canada; and,
– dealing with the possible impacts of climate change on people, the environment and the economy, especially in the north.

The Western Premiers’ Conference brings western Premiers and territorial leaders together to discuss and work cooperatively on issues of mutual interest. More information is available on the Government of Nunavut’s website at: http://www.gov.nu.ca/Nunavut/wpc/home.html.

Promoting Alberta on the national and world stage is part of Premier Stelmach’s plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans’ quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.

– 30 –

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Paul Stanway
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
(780) 422 5965
(780) 951 7005 (cell)