May 18, 2016
New West Premiers Welcome Manitoba to the New West Partnership
Premier Brian Pallister is pleased to announce Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark have agreed to immediately commence negotiations that would lead to Manitoba joining the New West Partnership (NWP) Trade Agreement.
“Manitoba has enormous potential from its resource wealth and central location in North America which will be amplified under this key economic partnership,” said Pallister. “Manitoba companies and families will see the benefits of expanded business opportunities and partnerships fostered under the NWP and we look forward to formally joining within our first 100 days in office.”
The other western premiers welcomed Manitoba joining the NWP, noting the potential for the four provinces to further expand trade and business opportunities through the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. Officials from British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan will immediately commence work with Manitoba on the steps for joining the New West Partnership, starting with the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. This work will be completed as quickly as possible.
“Since 2010, the NWP has removed barriers and opened trade within Western Canada; creating new opportunities for our people, businesses and investors.” said Wall. “Manitoba joining the NWP would create even more opportunities in the West. I look forward to working together with my western colleagues to build on our competitive advantage with the goal of making our provinces even stronger and more prosperous."
“The West has always included Manitoba, so it’s a pleasure to welcome the first western province to join Confederation into the New West Partnership,” said Clark. “A strong West makes Canada stronger not only as an economic engine, but through reducing barriers to trade, and diversifying markets through Canada’s Pacific Gateway."
“There are a great number of shared interests across the new West,” said Notley. “We look forward to working with Manitoba to advance our shared desire to maintain Western Canada as the driving force in the national economy and key international exporters of innovative products, cutting-edge services and sustainable resources.”
The NWP is a historic partnership created in 2010 by Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. The premiers noted that with the inclusion of Manitoba, NWP will cover over 30 per cent of the Canadian population and the significant economic potential of all four western provinces.
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The Province of Manitoba is issuing this release on behalf of the
governments of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.