27th Annual Conference of the New England Governors and the Eastern Canadian Premiers

WHEREAS, a year ago, on September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were perpetrated in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania; and

          WHEREAS, these tragic events have led the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States to introduce new security measures at the border and to adopt the “Canada-U.S. Smart Border Declaration”; and

          WHEREAS, the governors and premiers support enhanced collaboration in order to increase public protection; and

          WHEREAS, the prosperity of Eastern Canada and New England relies on highly integrated economies and the governors and premiers share a common desire to preserve and expand legitimate cross-border flow of individuals and goods; and

          WHEREAS, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) has written to the United States Director of Homeland Security and the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada “to urge both federal governments to involve NEG/ECP in discussions relating to cross-border issues affecting our region”.

          NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT as the first anniversary of the tragic events approaches, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers express its deepest sympathy to the American people and to all the families from New England, Eastern Canada and elsewhere, that have been affected by this tragedy, and reaffirms the solidarity and friendship which the organization has fostered among New Englanders and Eastern Canadians; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers expand their collaboration and capacity for mutual assistance in the area of emergency preparedness through its International Emergency Management Group; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers pursue further discussions with both federal governments on measures that will facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods across the border while, at the same time, contributing to a necessarily higher level of border security; and

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers applauds and encourages the development of other projects such as Operation Safe Commerce which are designed to advance that objective.

Adopted at the 27th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, August 25-27, 2002.