August 3, 1999
(Executive Council)

Minister to attend Conference of Southeastern Massachusetts-Atlantic Canada Association

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel will be attending the annual conference of Southeastern Massachusetts-Atlantic Canada Association (SEMACA) in Quincy, Massachusetts on August 4-6, 1999. SEMACA's purpose is to increase communication between municipalities in Massachusetts and Atlantic Canada, and to enhance trade and commerce.

"Government is working to build a more productive relationship with the New England states," stated Minister Noel. "In April, I participated in the Team Atlantic trade mission to the region, and we now hope to create greater awareness of the province among municipal leaders in the area. This will not only benefit our tourism sector, but will also assist in the development of economic opportunities between our regions."

"We are the only province in Atlantic Canada that has not hosted a SEMACA annual conference, so we hope to entice the group to hold their meetings in our province next year," Minister Noel said. "The New England states already have extensive trade with our province, and the potential for future trade growth is considerable."

Media contact: Ron Fitzpatrick, Communications, (709) 729-2077.

1999 08 03         12:00 p.m.