Conservative Atlantic Caucus meets in Saint John

February 10, 2010

SAINT JOHN (nb) – Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique-Mactaquac and Conservative Atlantic Caucus Chairman, led Atlantic Caucus meetings in Saint John this week. “The purpose of this Atlantic Caucus meeting was to provide input to the Throne Speech and pre-budget consultations already underway,” said Allen.

As part of that process, caucus members consulted with leaders in the fields of forestry, poverty reduction and energy.

Allen provided a recap of caucus meetings held in Saint John stating, “Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) was one of the organizations that met with the Atlantic Caucus today. BCAPI’s main goal was to garner caucus support in asking the Federal Government to recognize poverty reduction as a priority in its next Throne Speech.”

 The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, brought caucus up to date on its initiatives in renewable energy. “ACOA’s Energy Gateway project announced last fall by Minister MacKay and Minister Raitt continue to be a focus,” said Allen. “Caucus recognizes the importance of renewable energy and the important role it can play in the energy future of Atlantic Canada.”

Mark Arsenault, President and CEO of the New Brunswick Forest Products Association applauded the federal government’s commitment to the forestry industry while impressing upon caucus members, “there continues to be a number of issues facing the industry that require attention.”  Some of the issues included: access to credit for small operators, R&D support and green energy/biomass opportunities.

Saint John MP Rodney Weston recalled, “Prime Minister Stephen Harper was here in Saint John just a few weeks ago to meet with NB business leaders for a pre-budget economic roundtable. This is an opportunity for caucus to continue dialogue as we prepare for the budget and speech from the throne,” said Weston.

While in Saint John, members of caucus also discussed a number of other issues including: the Princess of Acadia service between Digby, NS and Saint John and the Atlantic Gateway.

Members of the Atlantic Caucus include elected Members of Parliament, Ministers and Senators from the Atlantic region.