OPEN ATLANTIC PREMIER MEETINGS TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY

Fredericton – David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick is hoping Atlantic Canadian premiers will discuss a common carbon pricing regime at their meeting in Saint John today, but Atlantic Canadians will be hard pressed to find out if they do.

“We share so many common challenges in our region, it’s time the Atlantic Premiers open up their regular meetings to public scrutiny, as is the case with First Ministers meetings. For example, the federal government requires the provinces to set their carbon pricing mechanism by 2018, but it is impossible to determine if the premiers are seriously discussing a common strategy,” said Coon.

The Green Party leader wants the four Atlantic provinces to collaborate in finding solutions to common social, economic and environmental problems.

The Council of Atlantic Premiers meet in Saint John, Wednesday morning.