Private Sector Stands Behind Nova Scotia

Promoting Nova Scotia to the world as the best place to invest, work, live, learn, visit and do business just got easier with the support of 25 organizations from across the province.

Premier Rodney MacDonald welcomed the new charter members to the Nova Scotia "Come to life" initiative team today, May 17. The members, including companies, associations, educational institutions and the province's capital city, have thrown their support behind the initiative, which was created to raise awareness of, and generate economic growth in, Nova Scotia.

"These organizations are among our best ambassadors. They've chosen Nova Scotia as their home base and they are successful. Today they join existing charter members, as we work together to generate even greater prosperity, numbers of jobs and opportunities across this province," said the premier.

The new charter members signed the Nova Scotia "Come to life" charter at a ceremony at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax. They are: Acadia University, Antigonish Regional Development Authority, Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, Black Business Initiative, Bluenose Coast, BioNova, Nova Scotia Community Business Development Corporations, Coastal Communities Network, Colchester Regional Development Agency, Dalhousie University, Destination Halifax, Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia, Grand Pre Winery, Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax Farmers' Market, The Hawk 101.5, HB Studios, Isle Madame Confections Inc., MedMira, Oak Island Resort, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Nova Scotia, WearWell Garment, ZedEvents and xwave.

"We are excited to join our province's 'Come to life' team," said Hermes Chan, president and CEO of MedMira. "Born and raised in Nova Scotia, our rapid test technology is becoming world-known. Global contacts continually ask us why we choose to locate our business here.

"To MedMira, the answer is simple: our scientific and academic community and collaboration potential is extensive, our health-care expertise and capabilities are second to none, and our government is extremely active and very supportive of its industry."

Nova Scotia's reputation as Canada's education province is also growing. With support from learning institutions such as Acadia, Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities, that message can be delivered to broader national and international audiences.

"Acadia University draws its students from more 60 countries," said Acadia president Gail Dinter-Gottlieb. "Nova Scotia's quality of life, combined with its economic opportunities for young people, makes it easy for us to recruit some of the best and brightest students from around the world. One of the most important roles Acadia can play is to provide Nova Scotia with well-educated, ambitious young people who will help preserve our province's reputation as one of the best places to live, work and play."

"These institutions train the best and brightest. We need to make sure Nova Scotians and the world know about the world-class education and training available here," said Premier MacDonald. "We also need to ensure that our students are aware of the opportunities here, at home -- that they can put their skills and training to work in their own backyards."

With today's additions, the Nova Scotia "Come to life" initiative is now supported by 49 charter members. The charter formalizes the involvement of public- and private-sector organizations in telling Nova Scotia's story. As a charter member, each organization agrees to help develop and support the initiative.

Earlier charter members are: the Brain Repair Centre; Credit Union Atlantic; Acadian Seaplants; Saint Mary's University; Eassons Transport Ltd.; Michelin; Oxford Frozen Foods; the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters -- Nova Scotia division; Glenora Inn and Distillery; the Cape Breton Partnership; C-Vision; EastLink Television; the Halifax International Airport Authority; Greater Halifax Partnership; EduNova; International Language Institute; High Liner Foods Incorporated; Scotia Slate; Nova Scotia Fruit Growers Association; Credit Union Central; Atlantic Superstore; Heritage Gas; Alexander Keith's; and RCR Hospitality Group.

For more information, visit www.novascotialife.com .