Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-125
May 23, 2008
Premier Fentie Set to Meet with Federal and Finance Ministers; Deputy Premier Taylor to Attend Western Premiers’ Conference
WHITEHORSE - Premier Dennis Fentie will attend a Finance Ministers' Meeting in Montreal May 29-30. The meeting will focus on strengthening Canada's economic union and addressing the challenges facing Canadians in light of world economic events.
Prior to the Finance Ministers' meeting, Fentie will meet privately with Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on the Northern Strategy and the unanimous motion passed this spring in the Yukon Legislative Assembly to remove the GST on home heating fuel and power generation North of 60. He will also meet with Environment Minister John Baird on climate change and the Dawson City sewage issue as well as with Fisheries and Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn. These meetings are scheduled in Ottawa on May 27-28.
Deputy Premier Elaine Taylor, on behalf of Premier Dennis Fentie, will meet with northern and western premiers at the 2008 Western Premiers' Conference in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan May 28-30.
"Deputy Premier Taylor's attendance at the Western Premiers' Conference means that Yukoners will be represented at both of these important meetings which are happening simultaneously," Fentie said.
Taylor will join premiers from Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia for the meeting. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall will host and chair the conference.
"The agenda includes western growth, labour markets, the challenges facing rural and remote communities, Canada-U.S. relations, border issues and energy," Taylor said.
"I will also take the opportunity to discuss with Northern Premiers, Yukon's interest in such issues as the upcoming National Aboriginal Women's Summit in Yellowknife and the GST exemption on home heating fuel," Taylor added.
Prior to the conference, premiers will meet with Aboriginal business people and Saskatchewan First Nations' and Métis leadership.
The chair of the Western Governors' Association, David Freudenthal of Wyoming, and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, will join premiers for part of the conference.
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More information on the 2008 Western Premiers’ Conference can be found by visiting www.wpc.gov.sk.ca.
| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Communications Advisor Cabinet Office (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Geri Dugas Communications Analyst Executive Council Office (867) 456-6507 geri.dugas@gov.yk.ca |