Canada-U.S. Group To Meet in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia will soon have an opportunity to welcome more American government visitors.

The province will host the 2005 executive committee meeting of the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference, Speaker of the House of Assembly Murray Scott said today, Dec. 3.

The conference, in October 2005, will mark the first time that the 11 states of the Northeastern Region have met in Canada.

"This is a great opportunity for Nova Scotia to show representatives of these states what our province has to offer," said Mr. Scott, who is co-chair of the group. "It will also allow us to bring forward issues that are important to people on both sides of the border."

In the last round of meetings, many issues were discussed that affect Nova Scotians, such as the timely passage through the Canada-U.S. border for tourists and goods.

"In fact, the Nova Scotia delegation brought forward a resolution that will hopefully bring some progress to this very important issue, not only for Nova Scotians, but for all Canadians," Mr. Scott said.

Agricultural, environmental and transportation issues of mutual concern are also expected to be discussed at the meeting in Halifax.