The leaders of the four Atlantic provinces hashed out issues of mutual importance during a virtual Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting yesterday.

Topping the agenda were the hot-button topics of health care and housing, as well as immigration and federal infrastructure funding.

The council, which includes chair Premier Dennis King of P.E.I., Nova Scotia’s Tim Houston, Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick and Premier Andrew Furey, discussed immigration as key to meeting the region’s growing labour demands and boosting economic growth, noting newcomers make important contributions to Atlantic Canada’s communities—including labour mobility, streamlining foreign credential recognition, and addressing labour shortages.

But they expressed disappointment in the reduction of Atlantic Immigration Program levels and lack of an increase to the feds’ Provincial Nominee Program over the next two years, while also noting the need to balance welcoming newcomers with the ability to meet demand for services and amenities, such as housing, health care, and education.

They also reviewed the Atlantic Physician Registry, launched to improve doctor mobility within the region, with 226 physicians joining the registry since May.

The premiers also heralded the successful lobby for a regional exemption on home heating oil from the federal carbon tax for three years, and enhanced supports for those transitioning to heat pumps.

Premier Furey will take on the role of council chair in the new year.