Quebec, Ontario extend co-operation to joint cabinet meeting

Fri May 9, 8:26 PM

OTTAWA - Quebec and Ontario are extending their co-operation to holding a first-ever joint cabinet meeting by the two provincial governments in early June, The Canadian Press has learned.

The meeting in Quebec City will address several proposed agreements between the two provinces and advance economic partnerships, said sources in Quebec City and Toronto.

Environment and energy will also be among the topics on the meeting's agenda.

The final agenda has not been finalized but a source in Ontario who requested anonymity said it will cover "subjects where we can mutually help to foster economic growth."

The encounter will last two days.

The meeting of the two governments will advance an alliance which could be significant as the balance of power shifts in Canada.

In the past, the West and Atlantic Canada have formed alliances to win battles, usually with the federal government.

Ontario and Quebec usually fought their own battles but they have seen significant declines in their economic growth while the West and the Atlantic region have seen a major upswing in their fortunes thanks to revenues from oil and natural gas.

The Ontario and Quebec government have collaborated in recent years and it would be difficult to ignore a teaming of the country's two most populous provinces.

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http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080509/national/que_ont_cabinet