Canada and Atlantic Provinces Launch New Tourism Partnership
News Release
At one-year mark, Atlantic Growth Strategy initiatives on track to help region innovate, grow and overcome obstacles
July 11, 2017 – Humber Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador – Government of Canada and Atlantic Provinces
An unprecedented level of federal-provincial collaboration through the Atlantic Growth Strategy is putting Atlantic Canada solidly on the path to building a more innovative, diverse and globally competitive economy that creates well-paying middle class jobs for Atlantic Canadians now and in the future.
Federal ministers and Atlantic premiers met in Humber Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador, to review progress on this bold, action-oriented plan. Work is well underway to bring in more newcomers to the region to help fill key labour market shortages. Established industries, like the fishery and agriculture, and emerging industries, like clean technology, are being helped to grow and become global leaders. Favourable conditions are being created for companies to capitalize on new technology, scale up operations, pursue export opportunities and for boosting investment.
To maintain momentum under the Atlantic Growth Strategy, the ministers and premiers announced a joint investment of $24.5 million aimed at positioning Atlantic Canada as a top tourism destination, creating more jobs and giving a boost to small businesses. This new multi-year partnership is designed to expand the promotion of the region’s tourism offerings in key international markets and to help prepare Atlantic tourism operators to offer in-demand products and experiences.
Uptake under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot – which was announced at the July 2016 meeting of federal ministers and Atlantic premiers – has steadily grown since the pilot began accepting permanent residency applications in March 2017. To date, more than 280 candidates have been recruited and have applied for provincial endorsement. Of these candidates, more than 200 have been endorsed and can apply for permanent residence. In addition, 412 Atlantic employers have become eligible to recruit immigrants to fill job vacancies. To support employers in taking advantage of the program, the ministers and Atlantic premiers announced the launch of a one-stop shop of 12 dedicated Government of Canada employees, including some located in each Atlantic province, that will provide hands-on support to employers and recruits, helping them get through the process more easily.
At their meeting, the ministers and premiers also met with Henry Demone, Chair of the Atlantic Growth Advisory Group, and several of the Group’s members, about the early findings from consultations with Indigenous, business, academic and community leaders from the Atlantic region. The Advisory Group will submit proposed actions in the fall of 2017.
As well, the ministers and premiers released an update on what has been achieved under the Atlantic Growth Strategy since its launch 12 months ago. It includes key economic benchmarks as well as summaries on new initiatives that have been launched in areas such as immigration, scaling up of high potential firms, fisheries and acquaculture innovation, industry clusters, business incubators, clean growth, and trade and investment.
Quotes
“Tremendous progress has been made through the Atlantic Growth Strategy in just one year. This shows what can be achieved when the two levels of government work together on a common vision to advance the growth of this vibrant region of Canada. The initiatives developed under the Strategy are paving the way for small- and medium-sized enterprises to innovate, attract and retain skilled workers, and compete in global markets. They are encouraging clean growth, strengthening communities and expanding key sectors, such as tourism, to create the good jobs that will ensure a strong middle class now and in the years to come.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We are making great strides in implementing the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. A wide range of small/medium and large-sized businesses are using it to help meet their labour force needs and grow the Atlantic economy. We will continue to work with our partners, including the four Atlantic provinces, employers and newcomer settlement agencies, to fine-tune the Pilot so that it delivers results for employers and candidates alike.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“My colleagues and I are very much focused on boosting performance in the core economic sectors of trade, immigration, natural resources and tourism that drive growth and create good paying jobs for the middle class. Our efforts are laying the foundation for that long sought after objective of a better and stronger economy for Atlantic Canada.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“In the past year, we took important steps that will help propel Atlantic Canada’s economy in the long-term and help us to better respond to concerns of Atlantic Canadians. We will continue to take bold and focussed actions that help Atlantic Canada expand its position in the global economy.”
– The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board
“The robust partnership between our federal and provincial governments is key to building a more vibrant economy and better supporting our families and newcomers to Atlantic Canada.”
– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“It was a pleasure to host premiers and ministers at both the federal and provincial level with the goal of fostering new economic activity, supporting new employment opportunities, and attracting and retaining talent for Atlantic Canada. On the first anniversary of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, we have established a solid foundation of work to build on, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”
– The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Working together with our Atlantic and federal colleagues on innovative ways to grow the economy through the Atlantic Growth Strategy is already producing benefits in its first year. We are building on our strengths in areas like tourism and the fishery, and I look forward to more good results in the years ahead as we deliver on our commitment to create jobs for young people and more opportunity for the middle class.”
– The Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia
“New Brunswick is focused on creating jobs, growing our economy and supporting families. By working with our federal and provincial partners, we can achieve these goals and build a better future for New Brunswickers and all Atlantic Canadians.”
– The Honourable Roger Melanson, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Trade Policy, Government of New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable Brian Gallant, Province of New Brunswick
“Cooperation among the Atlantic Provinces and federal government will help create sustained economic prosperity, population growth, and the creation of jobs throughout Prince Edward Island while continuing to demonstrate to the world that we are a mighty Island in everything we offer.”
– The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island
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Associated Links
Contacts
Karl W. Sasseville
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and
Economic Development
343-291-2500
Camielle Edwards
Office of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Anthony Laporte
Office of the Honourable Judy M. Foote
819-956-5325
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Laura Gareau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3960
Gary Andrea
Office of the Premier of Nova Scotia
902-456-6196
Mary Moszynski
Office of the Premier of Prince Edward Island
902-368-4400
Julie Robichaud
Office of the Premier of New Brunswick
506-238-4256
Jean-Luc Ferland
Press Secretary
Office of the President of the Treasury Board
613-369-3163
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