Trade and investment are key components of a thriving, more prosperous Atlantic Canada. That is why the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces are committed to creating the most favourable conditions for businesses to compete internationally and attract foreign investments. Simply put, companies that export grow faster, are innovative, and create more and better paying jobs for the middle class.

“Atlantic Canadian companies that are globally competitive create wealth here at home. By exporting, they tend to be more innovative, pay higher wages and be more productive, creating more better-paying jobs that strengthen the middle-class and raise the living standards of all Canadians. Together with the four Atlantic provinces, we can strengthen local communities and grow the economy.” 

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

 “New Brunswick has the most export driven economy in Canada with exports reaching over $12 Billion dollars in 2016. This investment and further collaboration with our partners at the federal government, and across Atlantic Canada, will help our companies become more productive, innovative and competitive, leading to new jobs and economic growth in the region.” 

–The Honourable Brian Gallant, Premier of New Brunswick

“This partnership is focused on growing a strong Atlantic Canada. Our multi-year trade and investment strategy will make sure businesses are prepared to compete nationally and internationally, and that businesses, our leaders, and communities can collaborate on private sector growth. By working together, our world-class region will remain globally competitive and collaborative.” 

–The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia

“Prince Edward Island companies have had tremendous success exporting goods all over the world, experiencing significant growth at a rate that outpaces the region and country. This new investment will help Prince Edward Island companies get their products to global markets and create good jobs here at home." 

– The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“Our government is pleased to partner with the Federal Government and the Atlantic Provinces on the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy. Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant exporter that will benefit greatly from this collaborative and coordinated Atlantic Canada approach. With this partnership, and the economic and job creation initiatives included in our vision The Way Forward, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the sustainability and economic development of the province. We will continue to work closely with local companies, industry and academia, as well as our Atlantic partners to assist in the targeting and pursuit of new business opportunities at home and abroad.” 

– The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

• On average, small and medium-sized enterprises that export generate more than twice as much revenue as non-exporters.

• Companies that export grow faster and create more and better paying jobs. In Atlantic Canada, every $1 million in exports sustains four to five jobs.

• Having a diverse set of trading partners and export destinations minimizes the threat that an economic downturn in a given market poses to Canada’s economy, and allows exporters to benefit from the rapid growth taking place in emerging markets.

• Foreign investment helps Canadian firms become more productive, innovative and research intensive, and create more, better paying jobs.

• Through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces are working together to build a vibrant economic future for Atlantic Canada by focusing their efforts and resources to stimulate the region's economy, support the middle class and address both longstanding and emerging regional challenges. Today’s announcement supports the Trade and Investment action area of this strategy.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy
• Atlantic Growth Strategy

Associated Links

• Government of New Brunswick - Opportunities New Brunswick
• Government of Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia Business Inc.
• Government of Prince Edward Island - Trade Team Prince Edward Island
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Natalie Belliveau
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-227-0402
natalie.belliveau@canada.ca 

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca 

Sarah Gillis
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Municipal, Intergovernmental & Aboriginal Affairs
902-424-3313
sarah.gillis@novascotia.ca 

Carolyn McCormack
Communications
Opportunities NB
(506) 478.3052
carolyn.mccormack@onbcanada.ca 

Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Government of Prince Edward Island
(902) 368-5535
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca 

Michelle Cannizzaro
Director of Communications, Office of the Premier
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca