Promoting Nova Scotia's Best in New York

Some of Nova Scotia's best fish products were on display Tuesday, May 21, in New York. At two receptions hosted by Team Canada Atlantic, 25 top New York food brokers and distributors and more than 150 area business people sampled high-quality food from Atlantic Canada, including products from Membertou-based WAPN Fisheries and Seafoods.

"Events such as these will help Nova Scotia companies like WAPN expand their sales in the New York area," said Premier John Hamm, who is leading the province's Team Canada Atlantic delegation. "Increasing our fish exports will help build on our recent economic success as a province."

Darrell Bernard, president and chief executive officer of WAPN, said he was delighted to have his company's products featured at last night's receptions, titled Taste of Atlantic Canada.

"Most of our sales to date have been to the southeastern United States," said Mr. Bernard. "This mission is serving as a great opportunity to develop a new market for our products."

Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, noted the benefits that result from co- operation between governments and the private sector.

"This was a great opportunity to showcase the quality of food preparation and high quality of food products inherent to Atlantic Canada," said Mr. Byrne. "Atlantic Canadians are always proud to share the food and drink of our region. The reception gave a sense of what it means to come from one of the world's unspoiled and truly breathtaking places."

Team Canada Atlantic wraps up today, May 23. Increasing exports and attracting investment are key elements of Opportunities for Prosperity, Nova Scotia's economic growth strategy launched in the fall of 2000. Last year, Nova Scotia had the second-highest rate of economic growth of any province in Canada.