Chafee says Canada meeting ‘fruitful’

LA MALBAIE, Quebec – Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee last week described the 37th annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers as “fruitful, collaborative and relationship-strengthening.”
According to a news release, the governors and premiers explored themes of common interest regarding so-called “clean” energy, such as hydropower, greater use of energy-efficient vehicles; addressing and mitigating climate change, railway transportation, and mutual assistance in the event of an emergency. The leaders passed six resolutions, which covered clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, transportation, climate change, mutual aid in an emergency situation and rail-transportation safety.
“Through these meetings, we were able to build and improve our already existing collaborations. The governors and premiers learned more about shared interests and how we can work together on vital regional issues,” said Chafee, who led a wrap-up press conference with Quebec Premier Pauline Marois.
The conference was established in 1973 in recognition of the special bond that exists between the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces. Its members are the governors and the premiers of those provinces and states. The meetings are held alternately in New England and Eastern Canada. •