View From the Legislature

Last week, Premier’s from across Canada met in Montreal for their annual meeting to discuss a number of issues with their provincial counterparts and the Prime Minister. These meetings are always a chance for provinces to come together to discuss issues pertinent to all Canadians, and this meeting was no exception.

There was significant discussion about environmental issues, as new Premiers had the chance to discuss their climate change plans with the Prime Minister and to express specific concerns with the approach by the Government of Canada. Manitoba is committed to our Made-In-Manitoba Green Plan that will lead us to achieving our goals without the imposition of a carbon tax. All provinces have been working to reduce their emissions and we will continue to work with the other provinces and federal government to achieve results. Manitoba specifically raised the issue of support for an east-west power line as we look to supply our abundant clean energy. Manitoba has recently signed agreements to sell power to Saskatchewan and more interprovincial sales should be a priority for the federal government as it looks to increase clean energy supply.

Manitoba will continue to lead provinces on the issue of reducing interprovincial trade barriers. While we continue to seek free and fair trade with countries to our south and overseas, we know that some of the biggest barriers to trade exist between provinces. We will work in the best interest of Manitobans to help ease trade between provinces.