The need to promote and strengthen trade ties with the U-S dominated a two-day meeting of the Council of Atlantic premiers in Corner Brook.
Stephen McNeil remained in Halifax and sent health Minister Leo Glavine in his stead.
The premiers said they must sell Atlantic Canada’s interests with the U-S, especially when it comes to softwood lumber. They are also working to bring down health costs; service improvements, cost containment and more help for high-cost therapies for rare diseases under provincial drug plans.