Nova Scotia Come to life Gains Strength in Numbers

NOTE: A list of the new charter members follows the release.

Thirty associations and businesses, including Atlantic Canada's largest professional orchestra and one of North America's largest regional communications providers, have become ambassadors for the province by becoming charter members of Nova Scotia "Come to life."

Nova Scotia "Come to life" now has the backing of 194 charter members. They help raise awareness about the province and the benefits of living, working, learning and doing business in Nova Scotia.

Symphony Nova Scotia signed the charter at a ceremony at Pier 21 today, July 3. Musicians Hilary Brown, cello, Jennifer Jones, violin, Binnie Brennan, viola, and Celeste Jankowski, second violin, performed a special arrangement of the "Come to life" theme song, written by Nova Scotian singer/songwriter Bruce Guthro.

"Coming to Nova Scotia nearly five years ago was an exciting prospect, for I really didn't know what to expect," said Symphony Nova Scotia's music director Bernhard Gueller. "Canadians are friendly, I had been told, but no one prepared me for the welcome of Nova Scotians. There's a tranquility here that matches the beauty of the province; a warmth and generosity that is truly staggering."

Aliant also joined "Come to life" as a charter member at the ceremony.

"As one the largest employers in Nova Scotia, Aliant is proud to be partnering with Nova Scotia "Come to life" in celebrating all that this province has to offer for those who live and work here," said Chuck Hartlen, Aliant's senior vice president of customer experience. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the public and private sector to collaborate, promote Nova Scotia as destination of choice for business, and ultimately ensure our sustainability and long-term success."

Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald welcomed the new supporters.

"Nova Scotia 'Come to life' is providing one vision, one voice for all of Nova Scotia, educating the world about our province and our many advantages," said Premier MacDonald. "By working together, we will attract more businesses, immigrants, visitors and students. That will benefit us all."

The charter formalizes the involvement of public and private sector organizations in the "Come to life" initiative. The two sectors are coming together to promote Nova Scotia to business leaders, immigrants, visitors and students. As a charter member, each organization agrees to help develop and support those goals.

More information about Nova Scotia "Come to life," including details about the initiative's charter members, is available at novascotialife.com .