Premiers sign deal to work together

By ALLISON DUNFIELD
Globe and Mail Update

Canada's premiers inked a "landmark" deal Friday to create a more
united front on issues such as health care to incoming prime minister Paul
Martin.

The 13 provincial leaders held a signing ceremony in Charlottetown to
establish the Council of the Federation. They described their endorsement
of the council as historic, saying it was appropriate that it was created
in the birthplace of Confederation.

Premiers indicated they feel that Mr. Martin seems receptive to the idea of
close co-operation with the provinces. "It [the Council] moves us
forward in building a more constructive and co-operative federal
system," PEI Premier Pat Binns said before the premiers signed the
documents and posed for pictures.
"The objective of the Council of the Federation is to improve the
quality of life of Canadians," said Mr. Binns, the meeting's chairman,
who called it a "landmark event."

The new forum has several objectives, Mr. Binns said: to strengthen
interprovincial and territorial co-operation, to improve
federal-provincial-territorial co-operation and to "promote relations
between governments based on respect for the Constitution."

The premiers hope to meet with incoming Mr. Martin early in the new year,
before the budget is brought down. They want his commitment on issues of
core importance: health care reform and sustainability, strengthening the
economy and enhancing internal trade and labour mobility.

Alberta Premier Ralph Klein said the Council will only be successful with
real commitment from Mr. Martin. "The litmus test is how the prime
minister responds to requests by the council." Premiers have been
encouraged by the fact that Mr. Martin recently voiced his commitment to a
universal and high quality health care system in Canada, and to meet
regularly with the provinces. "If he is true to his word, I think he
will start to establish trust among Canadians," Mr. Klein said.

Mr. Martin, who was in British Columbia Friday, welcomed the new group and
said he looked forward to trying to build a stronger partnership.
"I look forward to hearing what they have to say. We've made it very
clear: We want to work together, but that doesn't mean there aren't going
to be differences of opinion," Mr. Martin said. "What we really
want to do is change the tone of the debate and make it constructive and
I'm sure that we're going to be able to do that."

Establishing the forum will not create another level of government
bureaucracy, the provincial leaders argued. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
said he feels it will actually enhance the way provinces deal with the
federal government. "We'll be doing better research and speaking with
one clear voice," he said. Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said it will
also enable regions to work together on "areas of mutual
responsibilities."

The Atlantic premiers said they feel like equals at the table in the new
council, proposed by Quebec Premier Jean Charest at the annual premiers
meeting in July, and unanimously endorsed by the provinces. When asked
whether the agreement subverts Quebec sovereignty, Mr. Charest said that
the province still remains master of its own destiny, but it will allow the
province to have a more amicable relationship with Ottawa.

Specific areas upon which the provinces want to work more closely include
health care and the need for more funding, promised by Ottawa as long as it
has a budget surplus next year, changes to senate and judicial
appointments, national emergency and disaster relief programs and crime and
educational exchanges.

Premiers established a steering committee to develop the council's
objectives. At a meeting in British Columbia planned for Feb. 23 and 24,
the plan will be presented. The council plans to meet at least twice a
year.

Mr. Martin, who held his most recent meeting with the premiers at the Grey
Cup game last month, is making federal-provincial co-operation one of his
priorities when he takes over from Mr. Chretien on Dec. 12.


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