On December 5, 2003, Canada’s Premiers proudly announced in Charlottetown the creation of the Council of the Federation. It is a new institution for a new era in collaborative intergovernmental relations.

The Council of the Federation was created by Premiers because they believe it is important for provinces and territories to play a leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian federation and building a more constructive and cooperative federal system.

The Council of the Federation’s objectives are to:

• Promote interprovincial-territorial cooperation and closer ties between members of the Council, to ultimately strengthen Canada;
  
  
• Foster meaningful relations between governments based on respect for the Constitution and recognition of the diversity within the federation;
  
  
• Show leadership on issues important to all Canadians.