Ottawa: Quebec and Ontario are extending their co-operation to holding a first-ever joint cabinet meeting by the two provincial governments in early June.

The meeting in Quebec City will address several proposed agreements between the two provinces and advance economic partnerships, plus environment and energy issues.

The final agenda has not been finalized but a source in Ontario who requested anonymity said it will cover "subjects where we can mutually help to foster economic growth."

The meeting of the two governments will advance an alliance which could be significant as the balance of power shifts in Canada .

In the past, the West and Atlantic Canada have formed alliances to win battles, usually with the federal government.

Ontario and Quebec usually fought their own battles, but they have seen significant declines in their economic growth while the West and the Atlantic region have seen a major upswing in their fortunes thanks to revenues from oil and natural gas.

The Ontario and Quebec governments have collaborated in recent years and it would be difficult to ignore a teaming of the country's two most populous provinces.

© 2008 The Canadian Press