Economy top priority at premiers’ gathering

Kathleen Wynne to discuss investment in infrastructure

Canada’s premiers are to meet on Jan. 30 in Ottawa, just a short walk from the Parliament Buildings.

They will be close to, yet so far from, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose last First Ministers’ Conference was in 2009.

The premiers’ winter meeting will be chaired by Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz, who is retiring later this year.

“Canada’s economy continues to be a critical focus for premiers and we will be discussing how we can leverage our economic competitiveness,” Ghiz told the Star Thursday.

“One area of discussion that remains a top priority for all provinces and territories is a skilled workforce. It is essential to have an adaptable and skilled workforce to meet the demands of our current and future labour market,” he said.

Kathleen Wynne spokeswoman Zita Astravas said Ontario’s premier will be raising many of the same issues that she raised in her meeting earlier this week with Harper.

“We will discuss the economy, and the implications of falling oil prices and the Canadian dollar,” she said.

Astravas said Wynne will also speak to the need for greater investment in strategic public infrastructure — to create jobs now, to improve productivity and to sustain our economic recovery in the future.

Wynne also wants to discuss the work the provinces are doing to complete the Canadian Energy Strategy and the commitment to addressing climate change.

“These meetings are important to better understand the challenges and opportunities we all face, and to work together to strengthen our economic and social union,” Astravas said.