Written by SCOTT STANFIELD
Citizen staff
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Wednesday, 01 October 2008 |
JointCabinet.jpg "Premiers tackle crime - Premier Gordon Campbell and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach share a laugh at a joint cabinet meeting held in Prince George. ((PRG103)JointCabinet.jpg - 1994991)")
Premier Gordon Campbell and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach share a laugh at a joint cabinet meeting held in Prince George. (Citizen photo by Brent Braaten)
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PRINCE GEORGE AIRPORTPREMIER GORDON CAMPBELLFIRST NATIONS
A large focus of this year's meeting -- the sixth consecutive -- concerned safe communities and gang-related crime.
"We must reflect the values of the communities we serve," Stelmach said at a news conference. "It's important that Alberta and B.C. join forces to ensure the justice system allows citizens in both provinces to feel safe in their homes and communities. Organized crime knows no borders."
Safe, secure communities, Campbell added, is "one of the cornerstones of our quality of life."
The premiers signed an agreement that includes the development of a joint missing persons’ database, and a sharing of best practices to aid victims of crime. The two provinces will also develop a pilot project to act on warrants of serious offenders who are returned to the issuing jurisdiction.
Campbell and Stelmach plan to work with the federal government and other provinces to achieve changes in five areas:
- the range of sentencing for all criminal offences including youth sentencing;
- the principles of sentencing;
- review of bail provisions;
- review of procedures for preliminary hearings;
- quick action to fill legislative gaps created by the courts that hinder police investigations and prosecutions.
The premiers and ministers in attendance -- 11 from B.C. and 10 from Alberta -- also agreed to pursue new measures to advance air access to international markets, and to raise the region’s profile as a destination for skilled foreign workers. They are proposing that B.C. and Alberta be designated an open skies region for existing air service agreements that presently allow limited landing rights elsewhere in Canada.
"If I'm part of the Asia-Pacific economies, I want to land in British Columbia and Alberta, get the resources I need and get out of here," said Campbell, noting Tuesday's opening of the expanded runway at the Prince George Airport.
The provinces also confirmed the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) is on target for implementation by April. The agreement allows teachers, for example, the freedom to move from province to province and still be able to work.
Other highlights of the meeting include:
- a collaborative approach to address labour attraction and retention;
- an agreement on rural development;
- a proposal to see ongoing international use of Winter Olympic venues and facilities in Calgary, Vancouver and Whistler, along with those in Lake Placid and Salt Lake City;
- development of a B.C.-Alberta segment of the Trans-Canada Trail in southeastern B.C.;
- improvements to rural Internet access;
- mountain pine beetle strategies;
- engaging participation of First Nations in all areas discussed during the meeting.
The premiers concluded the conference by signing a memorandum of agreement.
"This, I think, recognizes the strongest partnership there is in Canada," Campbell said.
"We're renewing our commitment to continue this amazing partnership," Stelmach said. "It's a tremendous foundation to build on for the benefit of both our provinces. These are very difficult economic times, so this relationship is more important now than ever before."
The provinces plan to hold a northern summit next year in Edmonton, and in Prince George in 2011.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 October 2008 )
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