The following statement is issued on behalf of Québec Premier François Legault, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Allan MacMaster, and New Brunswick Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business Greg Turner, along with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu following the 44th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, held in Québec City on September 24 and 25, 2023.
The New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers are pleased to have been able to meet in person for the 44th Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP), marking the 50th anniversary of this important forum for intergovernmental cooperation in the region.
50 years of cross-border collaboration
The governors and premiers noted that since the first meeting in Prince Edward Island in 1973, collaboration among NEG-ECP members has promoted shared cross-border priorities and the development of an integrated and prosperous regional economy. The NEG-ECP has established some of the world’s most ambitious regional action plans on issues such as acid rain (1998), mercury (1998), climate change (2001 and 2007), and transportation and air quality (2008 and 2013). More recently, several resolutions have been adopted on major issues such as biodiversity conservation through ecological connectivity, economic development and trade (2016), response to climate-related emergencies (2017), and the continued benefits offered by the North American Free Trade Agreement and cross-border integration (2018).
The governors and premiers wish to acknowledge the success of past work undertaken concerning the environment. In this regard, a number of the NEG-ECP’s initiatives have received international awards over the years in recognition of their visionary character such as the Low Carbon Leader Award presented in 2005 by Bloomberg and The Climate Group.
In 2001, the NEG-ECP adopted regional greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2010, 2020, and 2050. The region exceeded its GHG emission reduction targets for 2010 and 2020 while ensuring the growth of its economy.
Priorities
The governors and premiers agree on their current shared priorities linked to the green economy: economic development; energy, including energy independence and the transition to affordable, clean, and renewable energy; and the development of critical and strategic minerals essential to decarbonization.
Economic development
The governors and premiers remain committed to consolidating their economic ties. In 2021, the combined GDP of the NEG-ECP’s member jurisdictions was approximately CAN$2.176 trillion (approximately US$1.7 trillion). This represented 6.9% of the combined Canadian and U.S. GDP. In this period of global economic change, areas of cooperation between the U.S. northeast and eastern Canada should be deepened to strengthen and optimize the region’s strategic positioning as key to North American competitiveness.
Economy
The global geopolitical context confirms the importance of strengthening regional supply chains. The governors and premiers will act collaboratively to increase the resilience of the region’s economies and ensure supply chain security, including with respect to energy and sustainable transportation.
2050 Goals
The governors and premiers are committed to meeting the target adopted in 2015 to reduce GHG emissions by at least 35% below 1990 levels by 2030. In addition, they aim to be leaders in North America in the transition to a low-emission economy and aspire for the region to become a net-zero producer of GHG emissions by 2050. Governors and premiers are committed to doing so in a way that recognizes each may have their own goals, and that all should follow their own path while cognizant that regional energy planning based on a long-term vision will be key to achieving this ambition.
Transportation and Innovation
Recognizing the accelerated growth of the zero-emission vehicle sector, the governors and premiers wish to continue this impressive progress and the development of a standardized interoperable electric vehicle charging network.
They also recognize that the rapid development of technologies will make it possible to decarbonize heavy transportation and recognize the importance of promoting the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the deployment of these technologies in order to maintain the fluidity of trade at the border.
Moreover, the governors and premiers commit to fostering the development of concerted, efficient, rapid, and accessible intermodal transportation networks that will facilitate the increased mobility of people and goods.
Civil Safety
Citizen security is a priority that calls for enhanced cooperation regarding civil safety. In July 2000, governors and premiers adopted the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to provide mutual assistance in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The NEG-ECP members look forward to continuing their collaborative relationship in the coming year and to the 45th Annual Conference in Massachusetts in 2024.
The Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers was formed in 1973 to advance the common interests of the six New England states and five Eastern Canadian provinces. The Conference includes the following 11 states and provinces: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Québec.