Atlantic Canada Highlights Growing Tech and Mining Sectors in London
News release
Trade missions promote export growth and connect companies with investors in the UK and Europe
December 4, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada has what the world wants and needs. With strategic investments driving growth, Canada is moving from reliance to resilience, diversifying trade relationships at home and abroad, and stepping forward as a reliable partner ready to expand exports to new markets around the world.
This past week, Atlantic Canadian technology companies and mining firms expanded their footprint in the United Kingdom through two trade missions in London supported by the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA). By meeting directly with investors, industry leaders, and potential customers, participating companies gained practical insights into the UK market and identified new opportunities for growth.
From December 2 to 3, Digital Nova Scotia led a delegation of Atlantic Canadian software and AI companies to SaaStr AI London. Throughout the event, companies met European buyers, took part in targeted business meetings, and joined market briefings focused on digital transformation. Participants also showcased their capabilities at a Canadian networking event, helping increase visibility and support efforts to secure new international clients.
From November 30 to December 4, companies representing Atlantic Canada’s diverse mineral sector, spanning gold, critical minerals, base metals and industrial minerals, participated in London Mining Week, including the Resourcing Tomorrow conference. Led by the Atlantic Canada Mining Alliance, and coordinated by the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, the mission helped secure exposure across industry channels, including opportunities to present regional projects to interested investors. By taking part in targeted meetings and sessions on global supply chain requirements, project planning, and industry standards, firms highlighted Atlantic Canada’s mineral potential and explored opportunities for long-term partnerships.
Together, these missions showcased the depth of Atlantic Canada’s innovation, talent, and resource strengths and strengthened the region’s commercial presence in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada’s technology and mining companies are earning international attention by showing what our region can deliver. These missions give firms the chance to meet directly with investors, build new relationships, and explore opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. By supporting this work, we are helping businesses grow, compete globally, and create long-term economic benefits for communities across the region.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P. C., K. C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Atlantic Canadian tech companies are building solutions with global impact, and events like SaaStr AI London give them the exposure and networks to grow internationally, see tangible business growth, and put Atlantic Canada on the global SaaS and AI map.”
– Owen Sagness, CEO, Digital Nova Scotia.
“The global rush to source critical minerals creates an extraordinary economic opportunity for places like Atlantic Canada that have the potential to provide them. The UK Mining Mission presents a unique opportunity to attract investment, create jobs and help Atlantic Canada contribute to global critical mineral supply.”
– Sean Kirby, Executive Director, Mining Association of Nova Scotia
Quick facts
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In 2023, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the United Kingdom totaled more than 28 billion dollars.
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The United Kingdom is one of Canada’s largest export markets and a key destination for Atlantic Canadian exporters.
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Atlantic Canada’s professional, scientific, and technical services sector contributed more than five billion dollars to regional GDP in 2024.
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In 2022, the sector employed more than 76,000 people across the four Atlantic provinces.
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Atlantic Canada has 17 identified critical minerals projects representing several billion dollars in potential development activity.
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In 2023, Canada’s critical minerals production generated over 30 billion dollars in nominal GDP and supported nearly 55,000 jobs.
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The Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA) is a federal–provincial partnership that helps Atlantic Canadian firms expand exports and attract foreign investment.
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Contacts
Lola Dandybaeva
Manager of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
343-549-0347
lola.dandybaeva@justice.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shawn Hirtle
Invest Nova Scotia
Shawn.Hirtle@investnovascotia.ca
Michel LeBlanc
Opportunities NB
Government of New Brunswick
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Caitlin Patterson
Digital Nova Scotia
caitlin@digitalnovascotia.com
Sarah Kirby
Mining Association of Nova Scotia
sarah@tmans.ca