Premier to Promote Nova Scotia in United States

Premier Darrell Dexter will travel to the United States from June 26 to June 29 to promote Nova Scotia's life sciences and energy industries, and meet with Michelin executives.

While in Washington, June 26 to 28, the premier will attend the world's largest biotechnology conference, addressing delegates at the opening of the Canadian pavilion and the National Bio-Economy Roundtable. Last year, more than 15,000 industry leaders from 65 countries attended the annual BIO International Convention.

"Nova Scotia's life sciences industry holds tremendous potential for creating high-value jobs and improving the province's competitiveness on the world stage, key components of our jobsHere plan, and ultimately, for growing the economy and making life better for Nova Scotians," said Premier Dexter.

Nova Scotia is home to more than 50 companies in such commercial areas as pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and nutraceuticals, medical technologies, Bio IT and Bioproducts.

The local industry exports products and services to more than 100 countries, with sales at close to $300 million annually, and employs 1,100 Nova Scotians. Another 2,300 people are employed as a result of research and development activity underway in local research facilities.

In Washington, Premier Dexter will also meet with Senator Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources Committee, to discuss opportunities associated with the development of the Lower Churchill hydroelectric project.

The premier will then travel to Greenville, South Carolina to meet with Richard Wilkerson, chairman and president, Michelin North America. Michelin has plants in Bridgewater, Granton, Pictou Co. and Waterville, Kings Co., employing close to 3,500 Nova Scotians. After 40 years of operations, Michelin has built more than 224 million tires in Nova Scotia.