News release

Premiers Promote Atlantic Region in Western Canada

Council of Atlantic Premiers

The premiers of Canada's Atlantic provinces are in Calgary today, Nov. 23, to promote the region's economic opportunities and to build stronger partnerships with Alberta's business community.

This initiative reflects a commitment by the four premiers to work together to strengthen and grow Atlantic Canada's economy. Premiers John Hamm of Nova Scotia, Bernard Lord of New Brunswick, Pat Binns of Prince Edward Island, and Danny Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador will be keynote speakers at a luncheon hosted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

The premiers will meet with representatives of the oil and gas industry as well as key business leaders in Western Canada. Their objective is to outline the benefits of the Atlantic provincial economies, which include traditional resource-based industries as well as vibrant emerging industries in energy, manufacturing, information and communications technology. The region is capitalizing on its strong university and community college systems to conduct research and development in marine and bio-science that are creating exciting new market opportunities.

"We are looking forward to meeting with business and community leaders in Calgary to tell them what Atlantic Canada has to offer," said Premier Hamm. "It is a great story about opportunity, innovation and success. This region is home to some of the country's best universities and community colleges, a highly skilled work force, and a competitive business climate. Our region has always had strong links with Alberta, particularly Calgary, and we look forward to strengthening those links during and following our visit."

"I am very happy to be here in Calgary with my colleagues from Atlantic Canada," said Premier Lord. "Over the last years, we have been working to foster a renewed spirit of co-operation. Because of this, I believe a new vision, built on our growing confidence, our inherent strengths and on leadership, is taking shape in Atlantic Canada. This renewed vision is critical to advancing new thinking about what we must do to achieve prosperity in our region and how to position ourselves to the rest of Canada."

"Global indicators suggest that to be competitive and prosperous in the future, regional economies must be proactive, adaptable and innovative," said Premier Binns. "Atlantic Canada has made strategic investments to ensure that the proper infrastructure is in place, that entrepreneurship and a culture of innovation are supported, and that strong partnerships are formed to build on existing public and private success. As we look to the future, it is our hope that the Calgary and Western Canadian markets will become a part of our tomorrow through strengthening partnerships with Atlantic Canadians today."

"Atlantic Canada is coming of age in this country, and we have never been better poised to make a significant and meaningful contribution to the economy of Canada," said Premier Williams. "As a region, not only do we have tremendous opportunities, but we are also home to an incredible range of world-leading services and technologies. From oil and gas, to marine and ocean technology and hi-tech manufacturing, we have a great deal to offer. Our visit to Calgary is an opportunity to market and promote Atlantic Canada, and to build new relationships and reaffirm existing partnerships."

The Atlantic region boasts distinct competitive advantages by virtue of its proximity to the large, diverse markets of Europe and the Atlantic seaboard, lower costs of doing business, extensive research capacity and an enviable quality of life. These characteristics make Atlantic Canada an ideal location for business looking to grow via partnership or direct investment. The four premiers agree that the time is right for entrepreneurs to take a closer look at what the Atlantic provinces have to offer.