The Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Business, is in Toronto today
to tout the province as a place to live, work and invest to business
people and expatriate Atlantic Canadians.
"Our message is clear: Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing
unprecedented economic and fiscal strength, opportunities for growth and
investment are on the rise, and we are open for business," said Minister
Oram. "We will continue to reinforce that message to audiences outside
the province, including potential investors, expats, and others
interested in being partners in our prosperity."
The first Atlantic Business Summit will unite business, policy and
academic leaders and expatriate Atlantic Canadian professionals to
examine key emerging issues and opportunities facing the Atlantic
region. The event, which will draw approximately 250 people, features a
number of prominent presenters, including keynote speaker Frank McKenna,
former Premier of New Brunswick. It is being organized by East Coast
Connected, a Toronto-based group with a goal of linking together
Atlantic Canadians living in the area and promoting regional development
and investment in the Atlantic Provinces by connecting to the Toronto
business community.
Minister Oram will address the audience prior to a panel discussion
on Atlantic Canada�s transforming economy which will feature as one of
the panelists Jerry Byrne, President and CEO of the D.F. Barnes Group of
St. John�s, and Andrew Coyne, National Editor of
Maclean�s, as
moderator.
"It's important for us to be involved in an event that highlights all
the opportunities in our part of the world," said Mr. Byrne. "The east
coast is truly leading the way, and that's a powerful message to
communicate not only to the Toronto business community, but especially
to expatriate Newfoundlanders and Labradorians looking to return home."
In its efforts to attract more inward investment to the province, the
Williams Government has established the Business Attraction Fund and an
accompanying grants fund totaling $28 million. The fund enables the
province to compete for new national and international business
opportunities.
"There has never been a more opportune time for business growth in
Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Oram. "With economic momentum
gathering behind us, we are rapidly gaining recognition across Canada
and internationally as an exciting place to be, and we firmly believe
that attracting new people and new business is part of the long-term
economic competitiveness and sustainability equation."
More information on East Coast Connected is available at:
www.eastcoastconnected.ca.
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