The four Atlantic premiers (L-R): NS Tim Houston, NB Blaine Higgs, PEI Dennis King, NL Andrew Furey (Twitter/@Blaine Higgs)
The Atlantic Premiers have announced the signing of an agreement aimed at enhancing technical safety, facilitating the flow of goods and services, and improving the mobility of tradespeople within Atlantic Canada. The agreement, signed during the June 12, 2023 meeting in Mill River.
The agreement, set to take effect on July 1, 2023, focuses on several key areas of collaboration among the Atlantic Provinces. First and foremost, the Premiers are seeking opportunities for regulatory alignment across all aspects of technical safety within the region. By harmonizing or mutually recognizing safety standards where appropriate, they aim to eliminate barriers that hinder operations between provinces.
Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the need to establish timelines for reviewing and responding to completed applications from certified tradespeople who wish to work in another province or territory. This step aims to facilitate labour mobility and support industry growth by expediting registration processes. It specifically addresses skilled trades such as fuel technicians, power engineers, and elevator mechanics, among others.
Furthermore, the Atlantic Premiers will coordinate efforts and share information on relevant issues, opportunities, and challenges related to technical safety. This collaborative approach intends to leverage collective knowledge and resources to ensure a high standard of technical safety while promoting industry growth and innovation.
While the agreement emphasizes the importance of maintaining public interest and upholding technical safety standards, it also acknowledges the legislative authority of each Atlantic Province in regulating technical safety. Respect for local stakeholders’ unique needs and circumstances remains a priority, ensuring that regulatory bodies and professional associations continue to hold professionals accountable to provincial standards wherever they work.
Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island, who serves as the Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting its potential to improve labour mobility and reduce barriers. Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia emphasized the agreement’s role in attracting and retaining skilled workers while maintaining high standards of technical safety. Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick hailed the agreement as an important step toward enhancing labour mobility in the region, benefiting both workers and employers. Finally, Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador stressed the significance of breaking down inter-provincial barriers to meet growing market demand and drive economic and community growth in the province.
