Premier Robert Ghiz says the meeting was a good opportunity for the four premiers to outline their focus for future economic development and job creation in the Atlantic Canadian region.

“We focused on how we as an Atlantic region can strengthen the local economy,” said Premier Ghiz. “Specifically, we discussed how we can capitalize on our region’s abundance of energy resources – hydro, wind, natural gas, oil and others, meanwhile recognizing the vital role skilled workers play in the development and future of these resources.”

In reflection of this discussion and commitment by CAP, Premiers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on apprenticeship harmonization that will help retain skilled workers for current and future development. The MOU commits Atlantic Provinces to harmonizing 10 trades across the region over the next four years. Provinces will collaborate on many initiatives including online training, increased marketing efforts around the attraction and retention of skilled workers and skill development of youth.

Atlantic Premiers also discussed their united recognition of the federal government’s role in relation to the retention of skilled workers – through Labour Market Agreements, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and other major federal government programs. Premiers committed to bringing these issues forward to their colleagues at the August meeting of the Canadian Premiers being held in Charlottetown.

For further information or to view the CAP communiqué, please visit www.cap-cpma.ca.