Manitoba Hosts Council of the Federation Meeting on August 4-6, 2010

WINNIPEG, July 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada's 13 Premiers will meet in Winnipeg on August 4-6 for the annual summer meeting of the Council of the Federation. The meeting will take place at Winnipeg's historic Fort Garry Hotel.

On Thursday, August 5, discussions will focus on sustaining Canada's economic recovery, as well as on water issues and health care. On Friday, August 6, Premiers will discuss Canada-U.S. relations, as well as international relations.

"I look forward to welcoming my colleagues to Manitoba and to discussing a number of issues that are important to Canadians," said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, who assumes the chair of the council at the COF summer meeting. "I am hopeful that we will make progress in some key areas."

A closing news conference is planned for the afternoon of August 6, where Premiers will report on the progress of their discussions.

Prior to the commencement of the Council of the Federation meeting, Premiers will meet in Churchill on August 4 with the leaders of national aboriginal organizations.

The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government.

For further information: Media enquiries may be directed to: Jay Branch, Director, Communications, Executive Council, Government of Manitoba, 204-945-1494, [email protected]; Lindsay de Leeuw, Project Manager, Council of the Federation Secretariat, 613-563-4066, [email protected]