The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) today announced an investment of more than $190,000 for a new PEI Trade Internship Program that will help Island companies strengthen their exporting capabilities.

“Canada’s New Government continues to work with its partners to get things done for the people of Prince Edward Island,” said Minister MacKay. “Our investment of more than $190,000 will allow interns to receive valuable hands-on trade experience, and participating companies will benefit from employing a student dedicated to the company’s exporting needs.”

This program will match qualified senior college or university business students, including recent graduates, with PEI companies that are looking to enter export markets or expand their existing export capabilities.

An initiative of ACOA and Canada Business, this project was developed in conjunction with the Central Development Corporation. The Central Development Corporation is a non- profit economic development organization with a mandate to facilitate community and economic development in the province.

“We are pleased to partner with ACOA and Canada Business on this exciting initiative,” said Norman Gallant, Chairman of the Central Development Corporation. “Through this program, students will gain invaluable trade experience, and Island companies who accept interns benefit from an extra resource to help them explore export opportunities or learn how to diversify and strengthen their current exporting capabilities.”

Companies that participate in this program will receive a reimbursement from Central Development Corporation for the salary of each intern (75 per cent of the salary, up to a maximum of $25,000) over a one-year period. Seven interns will be accepted to the program and applications are welcome immediately.

Students or companies seeking to learn more about the new PEI Internship Program should contact Tammy MacWilliams at Canada Business by phone at, 902-566-7619 or 1-888-576-4444 or by e-mail at macwilliams.tammy@cbsc.ic.gc.ca .

For more information, please contact:
Jana Parker
ACOA PEI & Tourism
902-368-0264