Trade Mission to Alberta
The Council of Atlantic Premiers will begin a three-day mission tomorrow, Jan. 25, to promote trade and investment opportunities between Alberta and Atlantic Canada.
The Atlantic premiers will lead a delegation of 30 companies from their region to explore potential partnerships with Alberta firms.
Premier Rodney MacDonald, P.E.I. Premier Pat Binns, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams will travel to Edmonton today for a private meeting with Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, and host a reception for local business people.
The premiers will speak to the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Authority on Friday, Jan. 26, and then depart for Fort McMurray, where they will tour the Syncrude oil sands operation, and meet with executives in that city.
"The business community in Nova Scotia and across Atlantic Canada is diversified with a skilled and capable workforce," said Premier MacDonald. "We're well aware of the demands being placed on Alberta companies, and if there are ways that Nova Scotia companies, in fabrication, engineering and design, and environmental services, can help meet that demand, then everyone benefits.
"A booming Alberta economy is good for Alberta and good for Canada, and we believe there is an opportunity for both Nova Scotia and Alberta companies."
"We are in Alberta because we have great respect for this market and believe there are many opportunities to explore," said Premier Binns. "Given the success of our recent Alberta trade missions, Prince Edward Island companies have discovered the value of building direct working relationships with affiliates in this booming western region.
"Alberta has shown a keen interest in Prince Edward Island's quality workmanship, productivity and services, and our companies have been able to successfully exceed their expectations. It is important we continue to explore these business partnerships to foster more business leads and create further wealth for Prince Edward Island."
"This visit provides Newfoundland and Labrador companies a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the relationships we have with the Alberta business community and also a chance to build new partnerships," said Premier Williams. "Our province is the home of three world class industrial marine fabrication facilities, and many of our companies have strong ties to oil and gas companies in Alberta as a result of our own strong offshore industry.
"Atlantic Canada is a growing market and Newfoundland and Labrador has a strategic role to play as we move the energy sector forward in this country."
"Our government has placed a priority on developing a strong relationship with Canada's fastest growing province," said New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham. "This mission is yet another step in our goal to provide Alberta with New Brunswick-made products and services, and demonstrate that our firms are flexible and willing to meet their unique needs.
"The partnerships that we form over the next three days are integral to New Brunswick's continued growth and efforts to become self-sufficient by 2026."
The Council of Atlantic Premiers was formed by Memorandum of Understanding between the four Atlantic provinces in May 2000, and is committed to identifying and pursuing opportunities for joint action among the region's provincial governments. This commitment builds on a strong foundation of regional unity and intergovernmental co-operation spanning more than three decades.