September 11 – Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Quebec Premier Jean Charest and their cabinets concluded their historic second joint meeting today.

The meeting focused on increasing co-operation between the two provinces to support economic development and create jobs.

The provinces signed a trade agreement that will strengthen their common economic zone in central Canada. The Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement will reduce trade barriers, improve labour mobility for professionals and workers, and help to make the two provinces more competitive in the global economy.

The Premiers also moved forward on developing a cap-and-trade system to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Ontario and Quebec are committed to implementing a cap-and-trade system in step with North American partners and compatible with a U.S. national program likely to be ready by 2012.

The provinces also signed a resolution committing them to introduce legislation that allows for seamless policing across their borders. If passed, the legislation would make it easier for police to investigate criminals and their illegal activities that occur across provincial and territorial boundaries.

"This meeting shows our commitment to Ontario and Quebec working together to grow the economy, attract business and investment, and create jobs," said Premier McGuinty. "By building a stronger Ontario and a stronger Quebec, we're helping to build a stronger Canada."

"By reaching a record level of cooperation between Quebec and Ontario, we are helping to strengthen our markets and making this economic space even more attractive to foreign investors. Whether we create new jobs or improve our standard of living, all Quebec and Ontario citizens will ultimately benefit from it," said Premier Charest.

The first ever joint meeting of the Ontario and Quebec cabinets was held in June 2008 in Quebec City. The next joint meeting is planned for 2010.

Learn more about the joint meeting of Ontario and Quebec Cabinets.