Premiers Promote Bay of Fundy on National Stage

Premier Darrell Dexter and New Brunswick Premier David Alward launched a national promotion today, Feb. 24, to encourage all Canadians to vote for the Bay of Fundy, Canada's only finalist in the global New7Wonders of Nature campaign.

The premiers were joined by federal Minister of Environment Peter Kent and Bay of Fundy Tourism executive director, Terri McCulloch, at the St. Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto, where Mr. Kent officially cast the first text vote for the Bay of Fundy in Ontario.

"I am proud to support the Bay of Fundy's bid to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature," said Premier Dexter. "The Bay of Fundy is a national treasure and should be recognized as such. That's why we are encouraging all Canadians, and people around the world, to show their love for this amazing natural attraction by taking the time to vote."

To cast your vote for the Bay of Fundy, go online at www.votemyfundy.com or text FUNDY to 77077. Each text message costs $0.25.

"Having the Bay of Fundy in the running for this prestigious international recognition is big news for the entire country," said Premier Alward. "The fact that such well-known sites as the Amazon, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon are also finalists just confirms what Maritimers have known all along, how incredible the Bay of Fundy is, and how fortunate we are to live in a country full of outstanding natural wonders."

As part of the event, Bay of Fundy ambassadors sporting whale hats created excitement about the campaign in the busy Toronto marketplace, sharing information about the Atlantic region and encouraging people to vote.

"The federal government is proud to see the Bay of Fundy as one of 28 finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign," said Mr. Kent. "We encourage all Canadians to vote for the Bay of Fundy which will increase the profile of one of our natural wonders and showcase Canada as the exciting, international tourism destination that it is."

The national promotion for the Bay of Fundy will continue to roll out over the next few months. Plans include a social media strategy and a public relations campaign.

The Bay of Fundy, located between the coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, boasts the highest tides in the world, in some places rising as high as 50 feet.

There are 28 finalists in the New7Wonders of Nature contest. The winners will be decided based on Internet and text votes cast by people from around the world. The results will be announced on Nov. 11. More than one billion votes are expected.

Bay of Fundy Tourism is the official nominating committee of the Bay of Fundy in the New7Wonders of Nature campaign. The organization's mandate is to raise the profile of the Bay of Fundy as a Canadian nature tourism icon. This non-profit association is supported by Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism, New Brunswick Tourism and Parks, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and regional development and tourism associations.