January 2, 2009 - The premiers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have emphasized the importance of infrastructure spending in year-end interviews with The Canadian Press.

Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald said his government is developing a stimulus package to help the province's economy weather the world economic downturn. The focus in 2009 will be on investing in infrastructure as the best way of providing long-term benefit to the economy. MacDonald added that work will continue to develop the Atlantic Gateway and the province will also look to invest in programs aimed at boosting workers' skills and sectors that require help, including forestry and the fishery. McDonald added that the government will have to take every opportunity to "leverage" federal dollars and be creative by entering partnerships with municipalities and the private sector as the province simply doesn't have the money to "spend in every direction."

New Brunswick premier Shawn Graham said his New Year's message to the federal government is clear - the provinces need more money, now. If Canada is to weather the global economic crisis, Ottawa has to stimulate the economy with funding for infrastructure and major projects as quickly as possible. Graham says it's imperative that stimulus funding not be tied-up in red tape or years of planning. Construction projects need to begin in the spring, in order to protect and create jobs. Graham says he wants to use the funding to build roads, improve schools and correctional facilities.

All the premiers are expected to have similar messages when they meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa on Jan. 16.