Premiers Support Bay of Fundy in 7 Wonders of the Natural World Campaign
The Bay of Fundy has the highest, most extreme tides in the world. One hundred billion tonnes of sea water rushes in and out of the Bay twice daily – more water than all of the world’s fresh water rivers combined. It is also a wondrous area of marine bio-diversity, and the feeding area for half of the world’s population of endangered North Atlantic Right whales, along with 12 other whale species. The Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is representing Canada on the world stage in the global campaign to declare the New7Wonders of Nature. It is the only Canadian location among the 28 finalists in this international competition. Premiers invited Canadians to support this unique Canadian wonder of nature through on-line voting at http://votemyfundy.com.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Premiers discussed the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities towards improving the lives of many Canadians. Manitoba will convene a meeting this Fall of provincial and territorial ministers responsible for persons with disabilities as well as ministers responsible for human rights to discuss next steps and review options for implementing the UN Convention.
Housing
The recent economic downturn highlighted the importance of housing to Canada’s economic and social fabric. A safe and secure place to live is precondition to ensuring the health and economic success of Canadians, yet federal funding initiatives for social housing for both provinces and territories and non-profit institutions are being phased out. Recognizing the diverse housing needs of each jurisdiction, Premiers direct their Housing Ministers to identify solutions to support affordable, adequate and suitable housing for all Canadians and to report back to Premiers by December 31, 2010.
Pensions
An adequate retirement savings system is an urgent necessity for all Canadians. Premiers are eager to receive detailed proposals from Finance Ministers after their next meeting in October 2010. Premiers agreed to meet to review the report from Finance Ministers on pension options before the end of the year.
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For more information:
Jay Branch
Director, Communications
Executive Council
Government of Manitoba
204-945-1494
[email protected]