Nova Scotia Companies Join Team Canada Mission

Premier John Hamm today announced the 10 Nova Scotia companies participating in the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to New England this spring.

"This mission is all about creating jobs for Nova Scotians," said Premier Hamm. "As part of a larger and cohesive delegation, our companies will develop leads, secure contracts and help grow Nova Scotia's economy by expanding their businesses and by increasing their exports to the New England area and beyond."

Nova Scotia companies participating in the Team Canada Atlantic mission are: Alchemy: The Business Incubator, Halifax; Clare Organic Products, Saulnierville; Caduceus Health Care Ltd., Halifax; Gaski Boats International, Dartmouth; J.W. Mason & Sons Ltd, Windsor; Ny-Tech Design Ltd., Truro; Pernix Technology Ltd., Dartmouth; Proudfoots Wildbird Products Inc, New Glasgow; R.H. Davis & Company Ltd., Bonda Division, Yarmouth; and Trailblazer Outdoor Quality Products, Dartmouth.

The premier will be joined by Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns, New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord and Newfoundland Premier Brian Tobin. Prime Minister Jean Chretien has accepted an invitation and will join the four premiers and 40 companies from Atlantic Canada as they travel to New England.

"I'm delighted to lead the Nova Scotia team on this mission and to help open some doors that will lead to export contracts for our companies and more jobs for Nova Scotians," said the premier.

Based on an Atlantic Provinces Economic Council formula, every $68,000 in new exports creates one new job. Last year's Team Canada Atlantic mission reaped more than $3.5 million in sales for Nova Scotia companies, contributing to the $782 million that the province generated in trade with New England in 1999.

The Team Canada Atlantic mission is an initiative of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers in cooperation with the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters. The trade mission is funded by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The mission will begin in Boston, Mass., on May 8 and move to Providence, R.I., and New Haven, Conn., before wrapping up in Braintree, Mass., on May 11.