Premier Stephen McNeil is in Washington, D.C. this week as part of government’s efforts to protect Nova Scotia’s economy.He will join other premiers on the mission to speak directly to U.S. government and business leaders about the importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship.Trade, softwood lumber, energy, agriculture, and border issues are all on the agenda for the Council of the Federation mission, which runs from today, June 6, to June 8."If we want to create more jobs for young Nova Scotians and more opportunities for the middle class, we need a strong Canada-U.S. relationship," said Premier McNeil. "We are committed to supporting increasing exports so we can create more jobs here in Nova Scotia.”Premier McNeil is scheduled to meet with members of the Trump administration, Congressional leaders and the Canadian ambassador to the United States, David MacNaughton. The premier will also meet with business leaders from the U.S. and Mexico to sell the merits of doing business in Nova Scotia.“I want to ensure U.S. leaders know the value Nova Scotia places on our relationship with their country,” said Premier McNeil. “We will continue to work to grow our exports so we have a stronger economy here in Nova Scotia.”This will be the fifth international mission of the Council of the Federation. A previous mission to Washington, D.C., was in 2010.The mission will be led by Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, as chair of the Council of the Federation. Other premiers attending include Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball, and Northwest Territories Premier Bob McLeod.The Council of the Federation is made up of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues.Source: Release