Productive Meetings Mark First Day of Premiers' Mission to Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Premiers, as part of a mission by the Council of the Federation, met today in Washington with key members of the Obama Administration.

The delegation met with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson. The discussion focused on recent EPA rulings and the implications for U.S. climate change policy. Premiers highlighted provincial-territorial leadership on climate change and the significant contributions provinces and territories make to North American energy security. Premiers also raised the importance of recognizing hydroelectricity as a clean and renewable energy source.

Premiers also met with Larry Summers, Director of the National Economic Council and Assistant to the President for Economic Policy. They discussed the importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship and plans for economic recovery that are underway in both countries. They also discussed the importance of job creation and the need to build a strong economic foundation for the future.

"My colleagues and I had very productive meetings with members of the Obama Administration," said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Chair of the Council of the Federation. "Canada and the United States share the largest trading relationship in the world, which supports 7 million American jobs and 3 million Canadian jobs. We have many of the same priorities and challenges and can accomplish more to improve our economies and shared environment by working together."

The day concluded with a meeting with Gary Doer, Canada's Ambassador to the U.S.

A highlight of the mission to Washington will be tomorrow's historic meeting between the Council of the Federation and the National Governors Association. Premiers will also meet with representatives of leading think tanks.

For further information: Jeff Welke, Executive Director, Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Saskatchewan, [phone], [email protected]; Lindsay de Leeuw, Council of the Federation Secretariat, [phone], [phone] (cell.), [email protected]