Atlantic Canada House: Showcasing Atlantic Canadian Innovation

Atlantic Canada House invites you to discover world-class innovations that are home grown on the East Coast along with a wealth of trade and investment opportunities.

The Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces have teamed up to showcase examples of innovation and leadership in four leading industries in which Atlantic Canadians have a proven track record: aquaculture, life sciences, alternative energy and ocean sciences.

Atlantic Canada's economy remains export-driven and continues to diversify by combining innovation and new technologies with traditional industries. The Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic Provinces work closely with industry and research institutions to help build a more innovative, vibrant and prosperous economy.

Surrounded by an abundance of natural resources, Atlantic Canada's universities, colleges and research institutions conduct leading-edge research and development (R&D) into next generation wind, biomass, geothermal, tidal, solar and hydro energy generation.

Atlantic Canada is also recognized as a global leader in the development and delivery of ocean science products, services and expertise from ocean mapping and charting to cold water engineering and geophysical surveying.

The Atlantic region is also home to some of the top biotechnology firms in Canada focusing on R&D in key sectors such as marine sciences, health care and agri-food.

Our region's renowned salmon, mussel and oyster aquaculture sector is also supported by world-class research and development facilities along with a wide range of aquaculture product suppliers and manufacturers.

So make sure you take a moment to visit the Atlantic Innovation Area located within Atlantic Canada House to find out more about these industries and what Atlantic Canada has to offer. The Atlantic Innovation Area is open daily from February 13- 28, 2010. We look forward to seeing you at Our House!

Quotes from Our Partners

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency:
"Through agencies such as the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Canada supports innovative advancements in many of today's growing industries," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "The success of Atlantic Canada's world-class, cutting-edge businesses and technologies is a testament to our region's determination, expertise and ability to compete in an increasingly complex global economy."

Nova Scotia:
"Technology and talent are the driving forces behind today's economy, and Nova Scotia – with its extensive IT infrastructure and strong post-secondary network – is uniquely positioned to lead the way" said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Energy and of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Acting Minister for Economic and Rural Development. "We're proud to be able to shine the spotlight on Nova Scotia's innovative capacity during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics."

New Brunswick:
"The innovation component of the pavilion provides the opportunity to showcase the leading-edge and innovative activities taking place here in New Brunswick, which make our province, combined with its lifestyle and cultural diversity, an attractive and competitive place to do business, " said Premier Shawn Graham.

Prince Edward Island:
"Atlantic Canada House will allow Prince Edward Island to showcase the expertise and knowledge that exists in our business and research community to a global audience," said Hoourable Allan Campbell, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. "The Government of Prince Edward Island continues to focus on investing in people, innovation and infrastructure to enhance economic development. The future success and growth of our economy depends upon a strong commitment to innovation."

Newfoundland and Labrador:
"Research, innovation, and advances in technology touch all areas of our lives and every sector of our economy," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "It impacts all regions and is not confined by geography. In Newfoundland and Labrador, innovation is leading to new and better ways of developing our extensive natural resources. Innovative and highly-progressive business and academic communities are also driving the province to the forefront of such emerging industries as ocean technology, aquaculture, and genetics research and laying the foundation for long-term economic benefits."

About Atlantic Canada

Access to Markets
Atlantic Canada is well connected to major North American markets by road, sea, air and rail. Our four international airports offer dozens of daily flights to major destinations. We also have year-round deepwater ports as well as an extensive road and rail network. Through these transportation channels, Atlantic Canadian companies export over C$93 million worth of trade to 176 countries every day.

In addition, the Government of Canada, through Transport Canada and ACOA, along with the region's four provincial governments and the private sector, continue to work on the development of the Atlantic Gateway initiative. With its untapped capacity to handle increased traffic volumes, Atlantic Canada is uniquely positioned to capitalize on opportunities for growing trade between North America and the burgeoning Asian economies of China and India. Atlantic Canada's advantages include year-round ice-free, deep-water ports to accommodate larger post-Panamax ships, shorter transit times along with secure and reliable intermodal transportation networks to U.S. markets.

Education and skills advantage
Atlantic Canada's highly educated and dedicated workforce stands at 1.2 million strong. The diverse skill set of the region's workforce ensures that operations find the skilled staff they need easily and quickly.

About Atlantic Canada House
Discover the best of Canada's East Coast at Atlantic Canada House on Granville Island. For two weeks during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games you'll experience our famous East Coast hospitality, right here on the West Coast. From daily shows and nightly concerts, to incredible cuisine, Atlantic Canada House will highlight the rich and varied culture of this region. Canada's four Atlantic Provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador along with the Government of Canada as represented by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, present Atlantic Canada House in Vancouver from February 13-28, 2010.

Come on over and join in the learning and the fun, you're always welcome at our house! For more information on Atlantic Canada House visit us at www.atlanticcanadahouse.ca 

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