43rd Annual Premiers’ Conference

HALIFAX, August 2, 2002 – Premiers discussed the key importance of international trade agreements that secure free and fair access to global markets to enable their economies to grow and prosper.

In particular, the U.S. is, and will continue to be, Canada’s most important international market. Premiers discussed important bilateral trade issues and agreed the federal government must respond to trade distorting practices of the United States government by:

1. Working jointly with the U.S. government to ensure secure, fair and open access to each other's market;

2. Vigorously pursuing appeals through trade tribunals under the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement;

3. Reaching out to American legislators and the American people to let them know that these punitive duties hurt them directly; and

4. Taking responsibility for fully addressing the damage caused by trade actions, and addressing the domestic economic consequences of international trade actions by providing appropriate trade injury payments to those directly and negatively affected.

Premiers are united on how to address unfair trade practices and will work together to bring their concerns directly to leaders of their neighbouring states. Premiers have raised their concerns with Governors and legislators. They will raise their concerns again at bilateral and regional meetings with their state counterparts.

Premiers also called on the Federal Government to promote Canada’s economic interests in other international trade arenas. The Premiers emphasized the need to ensure a level playing field for regionally significant industries, in trade negotiations with other countries.