Canadians can take comfort in knowing that the federal, provincial and territorial governments of every political stripe are working toward the goal of national economic stability.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s premiers and territorial leaders held recent meetings to work together on a number of initiatives to provide stimulus to the Canadian economy. The first ministers also discussed priorities for the upcoming federal budget to ensure it will be fair to all regions. The stimulus plan is designed to help Canadian businesses, workers and families succeed so that Canada emerges from the global recession stronger than ever before.

The prime minister and premiers discussed new budget investments to support the Canadian economy in the short and long-term. The first ministers agreed to strike a working group of finance ministers to develop options on access to credit. This is an important step towards ensuring businesses have access to capital to expand and create jobs. We also realize that Canadians need credit access to meet their own needs.

The discussion highlighted that Canadians want more action taken to secure Canadian pension plans. Prime Minister Harper reaffirmed the government’s plan to make permanent changes to the framework for federally regulated pensions in 2009. Premiers and territorial leaders will be consulted on this process and will identify actions they can take in their jurisdictions.

The first ministers recognize that action is required to protect Canadian workers and the unemployed. They discussed the need for harmonizing business regulations and standards, as well as developing a framework by September 2009 to recognize foreign credentials. There will be steps taken to make existing programs more flexible and provide quick action to ensure the Aboriginal labour force receives skills training and support.

The first ministers advocated immediate steps to get shovels in the ground and to flow the money faster for infrastructure projects in the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons. Cutting red tape on infrastructure projects will simplify the federal review process for applications under the Building Canada program and provide money faster. There is also a need to streamline the regulatory and environmental approvals process to avoid unnecessary overlap and duplication.

The prime minister, premiers and territorial leaders agreed to accelerate Building Canada infrastructure projects where provinces and territories are in agreement. They will also identify ways that Aboriginal people can benefit from infrastructure projects, including employment, skills upgrading and business opportunities. The prime minister also informed his counterparts that his government will move forward with a common securities regulator on a voluntary basis that respects constitutional jurisdiction, regional interests and expertise.

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The audio version of Garry's January 26, 2009 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here