The purpose of this Act is to set out the commitment by the governments of the Maritime Provinces to closer economic cooperation with the objective of achieving economic self-reliance for the Maritime Provinces and, as a result, improving the well-being and prosperity of the people living in the Maritime Provinces. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.1
In this Act “Maritime Provinces” means the Province of Nova Scotia, the Province of New Brunswick and the Province of Prince Edward Island. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.2
1992, c.M-1.11, s.3
In the future actions that affect the economy of the Maritime Provinces, the governments of the Maritime Provinces are to be guided by the following principles:
(a) maintain the authority of each government and legislature;
(b) protect and enhance the right of all residents of the Maritime Provinces to participate fully in the economy of the Maritime Provinces regardless of language and geographic location and in accordance with the Human Rights Act;
(c) protect and enhance the linguistic rights and cultural identities of the people of the Maritime Provinces;
(d) meet the needs of future generations by following the principles of sustainable development; and
(e) work together for a strong and united Canada.
The governments of the Maritime Provinces are to cooperate in pursuit of the following strategic goals:
(a) remove barriers that impede the mobility of goods, services, people and capital in order to establish a single market in the Maritime Provinces;
(b) create a more competitive and entrepreneurial business environment;
(c) increase the self-reliance of businesses and individuals;
(d) improve transportation, communications, energy, education, health and other infrastructure;
(e) establish or maintain high standards of occupational health, safety and labour practices;
(f) protect and enhance the environment and ensure the wise use of natural resources; and
(g) take any other measures to improve the prosperity of the Maritime Provinces and the well-being of the residents of those provinces.
Decisions may be taken under this Act by two or by three of the governments of the Maritime Provinces, and when taken by only two of the governments, they are only binding on those two governments. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.4
Decisions taken under this Act are to be implemented by the governments of the Maritime Provinces or their agencies according to agreed arrangements or, on behalf of the governments, by a regional agency. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.5
Decisions taken under this Act are to be effected by the governments of the Maritime Provinces either in a coordinated manner through compatible legislation or regulations, or both or in a uniform manner by amendment to this Act. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.6
The Province agrees not to adopt measures that are contrary to the purpose, principles and strategic goals of this Act. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.7
Any resident of the Maritime Provinces has the right to communicate with and to receive service, in English and French, from any institution established specifically in pursuance of the purpose, principles and strategic goals of this Act. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.8
It is the declared intention that this Act or any part of this Act shall remain in force until repealed by one or more of the legislatures of the Maritime Provinces, and a legislature intending to repeal this Act or a part of this Act shall give at least one year’s notice of its intention. 1992, c.M-1.11, s.9