The Council of Atlantic Premiers met virtually yesterday to discuss various issues of importance to the region. Top of mind during the meeting was the wildfires affecting the Churchill Falls area.
The council spoke of their commitment to support the region, and all of Canada, as wildfire season intensifies. They discussed best forest management practices and Premier Andrew Furey’s idea of establishing a centre of excellence for fire training and response in central.
They also talked about pilot projects underway across the country to improve cell service during emergencies, and are urging the federal government to expand the initiative to Atlantic Canada.
Also on the agenda was economic growth. Particularly, the leaders discussed how Ottawa has yet to announce what they call an “adequate successor” to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, which is now closed. They argue that without such a program, the region’s economic growth and community development will be hampered.
The Premiers also touched on federal cuts to workforce development programs, housing, and health care.