Working Hard For Nova Scotia Jobs

Making sure Nova Scotia's economic interests are protected will be Premier John Hamm's number 1 priority at the conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers next week, Sept. 7 to 9.

"Jobs for working families in Nova Scotia depend on a strong relationship with our neighbours in New England," said the premier. "This conference will allow us to bring our issues to the table of key government leaders and fellow industry leaders. It's essential for Nova Scotia that we continue to encourage more trade, more growth and more jobs on both sides of the border."

Formal agenda items include trade, security relations, life sciences, information technology, agriculture and the environment. Colin MacDonald, chief executive officer of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership is scheduled to participate in a conference session on balancing trade with effective security, while Ross McCurdy, chief executive officer of InNovaCorp, is scheduled to participate in the session on life sciences.

"The fishery has long remained one of Nova Scotia's foundation industries, while life sciences is one of the growth sectors identified in our economic strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity," said the premier. "I am delighted these two industry leaders have agreed to share their expertise."

Premier Hamm will also use the conference to discuss softwood lumber and the securing of pre-clearance status for the Halifax International Airport.

The 28th annual conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers takes place in Groton, Conn.

In addition to the five Eastern Canadian premiers and leaders of the six New England states, Canadian Ambassador to the United States Michael Kergin and United States Ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci are scheduled to attend. Three years ago, Mr. Cellucci, during his term as Governor of Massachusetts, co-chaired the conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Halifax with Premier Hamm.