Premier to Attend Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance Conference

Premier Darrell Dexter will continue to strengthen Nova Scotia's relationships with the province's trading partners at the 2011 conference of the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance in New Brunswick.

The conference, which will take place June 12-15 in Fredericton, provides opportunities to build relationships with key international leaders and connect local businesses with about 300 delegates from 13 jurisdictions in Canada and the Southeastern United States.

"The Southeastern United States is an important export market for Nova Scotia and all of Atlantic Canada," said Premier Dexter. "We welcome any opportunities to build on our historic trade links with the region."

Nova Scotia exports more than $550 million annually in goods to the Southeastern United States, including tires, gypsum, forestry products, seafood and aerospace technology. One of Nova Scotia's largest employers, Michelin (North America), which operates plants in Bridgewater, Granton and Waterville, is headquartered in Greenville, S.C.

Premier Dexter will promote collaboration on issues of common interest and introduce Nova Scotia businesses. He will also use the opportunity to raise awareness of plans to produce hydroelectricity on Lower Churchill and Nova Scotia's bid in the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.

"These are projects with immense potential economic spinoffs, not only for Nova Scotia but for all of Canada and in some instances, the United States," the premier said. "I committed to spread the word and welcome the support of anyone interested in these projects, and I am doing just that."

Accompanying Premier Dexter will be representatives from 13 Nova Scotia companies whose products and services range from aerospace and renewable energy to manufacturing and management consulting.

At previous conferences, Premier Dexter has met with the heads of delegations from Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina to discuss and foster trade and transportation links.

Nova Scotia is a founding member of the alliance, which was established in 2007.
The province will host the New England Governors–Eastern Canadian Premiers in July and the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance in 2013.

More information on the conferences can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/iga .