Premier Charest and Governor Douglas Announce Details of Oct. 6th Meeting
Focus on Economic Growth and Environmental Protection
MONTPELIER, Vt. - (October 3, 2008) Governor Jim Douglas and Québec Premier Jean Charest today announced the details of their Oct. 6th meeting in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Premier Charest and Governor Douglas will discuss initiatives to enhance the economic and environmental security of both Vermont and Québec-including trade and environmental agreements, cooperation in clean energy development such as second generation biofuels, the renewal of existing power contracts between Vermont's largest utilities and Hydro-Québec and the possibility of additional renewable energy agreements.
Among other highlights, Governor Douglas and Premier Charest will host an hour-long public forum at the Haskell Library and Opera House, which straddles the international in Derby Line, Vermont and Stanstead, Québec. The event begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
"A stronger economic partnership with Québec will contribute significantly to the expansion of our economy, help us create good-paying jobs and advance our work to make Vermont a world leader in the production of renewable energy systems and other environmental products and services," Governor Douglas said. "I am looking forward to our meeting."
The Premier indicated that his government's Energy Strategy adopted in 2006 identifies, for the first time, exporting clean renewable energy as a top priority. "Governor Douglas shares my commitment to a responsible and renewable energy future," said Premier Charest. "We are fortunate that Québec's energy potential is such that we can at the same time serve the needs of Québec, attract wealth creating enterprises and enhance the economic security of regional partners like Vermont by exporting clean, affordable and renewable energy to them as well."
[The schedule of events open to media follows]
Public Schedule of Premier Jean Charest & Governor Jim Douglas
Monday, October 6, 2008
Note: This schedule is subject to change
> 12:15 p.m. St. Johnsbury Rotary Club
Black Bear Tavern & Grill
99 Hasting Road, St. Johnsbury, VT
> 1:30 p.m. Media Availability
Black Bear Tavern & Grill
99 Hasting Road, St. Johnsbury, VT
> 2:00 p.m. Student Forum
St. Johnsbury Academy, Fuller Hall
1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT
> 3:35 p.m. Lake Memphremagog Steering Committee Meeting
Gateway Community Center
84 Fyfe Drive, Newport, VT
> 5:00 p.m. Official Signing of Declaration of Agreement
Haskell Library and Opera House, Reading
Room
93 Caswell Ave., Derby Line, VT
1 Church St., Stanstead, PQ
> 5:30 p.m. Public Forum, Moderated by Bill Stenger
Haskell Opera House
93 Caswell Ave., Derby Line, VT
1 Church St., Stanstead, PQ
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