Executive Council
June 29, 2015

The following is being distributed at the request of the Southeastern United States - Canadian Provinces Alliance:

Provincial and State Leaders Work to Enhance Cooperation

Provincial and state leaders from 13 jurisdictions across Canada and the United States met today to discuss opportunities for enhanced trade and economic cooperation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern United States - Canadian Provinces Alliance in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

"There are tremendous opportunities for collaboration among our member jurisdictions and their respective business delegations. This week�s meeting was an excellent forum for sharing ideas about how we can work together to strengthen our economic ties, benefit from emerging science and technology, expand trade and explore new opportunities.�
- The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island and Conference Chair

The seven member provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Qu�bec, Ontario and Manitoba) and the six member states (Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi) heard presentations from a variety of international experts and business leaders who shared their experiences on the opportunities and challenges of cross-border investment and trade.

Robert Irving, Co-Chief Executive Officer, J.D. Irving, Limited provided a keynote address to delegates in which he profiled his company�s business relationships in Canada and the United States. Mr. Irving stressed the importance seizing opportunities and capitalizing on emerging trends. He also focused on the importance of cooperation among jurisdictions given the high level of trade between the United States and Canada.

As part of the conference, business delegations from each jurisdiction held over 500 business to business meetings to explore possible partnerships, investment opportunities and best practices.

Alliance members unanimously passed a resolution aimed at strengthening ties between jurisdictions and exploring further enhancements to the annual conference ahead of next year�s meeting in Tennessee.

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