Premier Pleased with Opportunity to Promote
Newfoundland and Labrador in Alberta 

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was accompanied by 13 Newfoundland and Labrador business people representing nine companies, to Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta January 25 � 27.  The delegation was part of a mission organized by the Council of Atlantic Premiers to link companies from the Atlantic region to business opportunities in that province.  While in Alberta, both Premier Williams and senior representatives of the companies took part in receptions in both cities, a breakfast meeting with a local development association and its members, and a tour of the Syncrude oil sands site.  The business representatives also spent a couple of days making contacts on an individual basis.  Everyone involved in the mission believe it was a success and look forward to building upon the relationships established. 

�I am always pleased as Premier of this great province to have the opportunity to inform other parts of the country what Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer,� said Premier Williams.  �Having representatives from some of our major corporations attend this mission was a great opportunity for them to broaden their business contacts, their supply and delivery network and gain valuable information about the economy and business climate of Alberta.� 

As a result of their involvement in Newfoundland and Labrador�s offshore industry, the companies taking part in the mission have various experiences and expertise in the oil and gas industry and the associated spin-off industries associated with it.  The companies attending the mission in Alberta were showcasing their capabilities in areas such as the fabrication of steel and aluminum, project planning and promoting their large drydock and fabrication facilities. 

�Our company has had previous involvement with projects in Alberta and this recent trip allowed us to expand upon our contacts and capitalize on our reputation in the region,� said Ivan Butler of Metal World Inc.  �We are aware and excited about the amazing potential of Alberta and the opportunities it provides and I congratulate the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for also recognizing this and supporting us in building partnerships there.� 

�I was very pleased to meet with the business and community leaders of Edmonton and Fort McMurray to discuss ways we can help each other grow our businesses,� said Roger Clarke of Production Services Network.  �I believe that this mission will provide long term benefit to our company, the oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador and the economy in general.  I thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for this opportunity.� 

While in Alberta, Premier Williams had the opportunity to speak at a breakfast sponsored by the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce that was attended by many expatriate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians along with the regions business leaders. 

�Meeting with many people from our province who now live and work in Fort McMurray was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn firsthand about Northern Alberta,� added Premier Williams.  �I spoke with them about our changing economy, their experiences in Alberta and how that relates to what is happening in Newfoundland and Labrador.  I emphasized the opportunities on the horizon in our province and the potential this has for our people. We have a common bond with the people and economy of Fort McMurray and I look forward to building upon this bond for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.� 

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Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 351-1227
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca