YELLOWKNIFE (July 12, 2012) –Premier Bob McLeod and Alberta Premier Alison Redford discussed issues of mutual interest to the Northwest Territories and Alberta at a meeting in Calgary on July 9, 2012.

Topics for discussion included transboundary water agreement negotiations, the Northwest Territories-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation and Development, sustainable development and use of western and northern energy sources, including oil, gas and hydro,  and potential opportunities arising from economic development initiatives in northern Alberta.

Working with other jurisdictions to manage the waters of the Mackenzie River Basin is essential to protecting the integrity of the NWT environment and the health of our residents. The Government of the Northwest Territories, in cooperation with regional Aboriginal governments and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, is continuing to negotiate a bilateral water management agreement with Alberta. Both Premiers agreed that it is important for this work to continue in the interests of Albertans and NWT residents.

The Premiers also agreed to review the NWT-Alberta Cooperation MOU in advance of discussions towards renewing the agreement when it expires in September 2013. The MOU sets out priority areas for cooperation, including: transportation, water management, wildlife management, tourism, trade and economic development, and education and health.

“Premier Redford and I had a productive meeting and touched on many areas where our jurisdictions can work together in the interests of our residents,” said Premier McLeod. “I look forward to speaking with her again at Council of Federation meetings later this month.”

For more information:

Victoria Velez
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: 867-669-2302

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