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Stelmach invites Sask. to join 'New West'

Last Updated: Friday, April 18, 2008 | 12:45 PM ET

CBC News

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach is encouraging Saskatchewan to join his province and British Columbia in forging what he calls the "New West."

Stelmach told a fundraising dinner at Calgary's Telus Convention Centre Thursday night the initiative is a priority for his re-elected government because it would help reduce trade barriers between the provinces.

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach greets the crowd at a Calgary fundraising dinner with his wife, Marie.
(Mike Moynihan/CBC)

Alberta and B.C. already have an agreement which ends some trade and investment restrictions between the two regions.

"We found an ally in B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, and we will work to build another in Premier Brad Wall and the new government of Saskatchewan," said Stelmach in his 15-minute speech.

Wall has indicated he's concerned about the impact of such an agreement on his province's Crown corporations.

"In time, we'll build a relationship with the province of Saskatchewan and Brad Wall but I really know that it will help farmers, manufacturers, business," said Stelmach.

"I really don't want to boast about it but I think we are the Canadian dream. We see so many young people moving to the province of Alberta," the premier said of Alberta being the economic driver of the "New West."

"We're attracting them because of our tax rates. We're attracting them because of opportunity, opportunity to raise a family, invest here, grow your business."

More than 1,600 people paid $450 a plate at the biggest-ever premier's dinner. Stelmach led his Conservatives to an overwhelming victory on March 3.

Internal Links

Sask. won't join Alberta-B.C. trade deal
B.C.-Alberta trade agreement kicks off April 1

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