Check Against Delivery

Thank you Alexandra for your kind introduction.

Before I begin, I’d like to take a moment to thank you all for coming this evening.

We all have heard much of the challenges that exist in helping our economy in Atlantic Canada.

But tonight, we will discuss what’s being done and what individuals like yourselves are doing to make this region prosper. I’ve had the chance to meet with each of the entrepreneurs profiled here tonight. It was an invigorating experience.

Like you, they are builders. They have seized the future in their own hands. And like you, they’re determined to realize their own dreams. And in the process they are helping to move New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada forward. They’re doing their part

In innovating and adapting to meet the needs of changing industries...

In researching and developing the products and services of tomorrow...

In generating new jobs and new business opportunities

And in giving back to their communities.

Ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you that Canada’s New Government is doing its part.

Since taking office, we have kept our promises to Canadians. We are building a stronger country that is prosperous, secure, clean and united at home and abroad.

On July 1st, we reduced the GST from seven percent to six percent. And we won’t stop there, as you know our plan is to cut the tax further to five per cent.

We have reduced government spending by $1 billion and reinvested in our nation’s future by paying down the national debt by more than $13 billion – this alone frees up 650 million dollars that would have gone to interest payments. As business leaders, you all know the benefits of a healthy bottom line – the New Government knows this, too..

Parents with children under six have started to receive our monthly Universal Child Care cheques.

To restore confidence in the federal government, we introduced the Federal Accountability Act – the most wide- sweeping accountability legislation in Canada’s history.

To ensure Canada’s streets are safe, we have moved ahead on significant measures to tackle crime and keep families safe and secure.

Abroad, Canada is doing its share in a UN-backed Nato mission to help Afghanistan become a stable and self- sufficient state, so that it will never again serve as a terrorist haven, and threaten global and Canadian security.

Since taking office, our Government, through ACOA, has invested more than$210 million in Atlantic Canada’s economy and we have maintained ACOA’s budget to make communities stronger, to encourage business growth and to create more and better paying jobs for Atlantic Canadians.

This support is especially crucial in creating employment opportunities for our young skilled workers so essential to the economic prosperity of our region.

We are beginning to realize the potential that was recognized when the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency was first created in 1987.

ACOA has been a force for growth and development and has proven its contribution by delivering results for Atlantic Canadians.

ACOA-assisted firms have consistently outperformed Atlantic firms both in job creation and earned income.

Start-up businesses which receive ACOA support have a survival rate that is two and a half times greater than average. Over the years, ACOA programs and services have evolved to meet the needs of a changing economy.

It has moved to repayable loans to provide access to affordable capital for Atlantic businesses.

Nearly $338 million in loan repayments have been reinvested in our Atlantic businesses and communities.

As the Minister for ACOA, I have traveled throughout Atlantic Canada and seen first hand the impact the Agency has had on our communities.

By assisting our entrepreneurs as they start-up and expand

By helping our businesses boost productivity and adopt new technologies

By strengthening the infrastructure of our communities

And by supporting our youth; ACOA contributes to making a positive difference in the lives of Atlantic Canadians.

I know that many of you have dealt first hand with the challenges that are facing our industries as our economy undergoes a period of unprecedented change.

You have re-invented, re-trained and adapted to stay competitive and grow.

But this is not the only industry that bears the signs of our changing times.

As markets globalize, all sectors in our economy are facing increased competition from fast-moving industrialized countries and from the emerging markets of China, India and Brazil.

In an era of profound restructuring, it is more important than ever that we work together to pursue innovation; boost productivity, increase competitiveness and catapult our companies onto the world stage.

I can assure you that ACOA is here to stay and that we are here to help meet the needs of a growing, prosperous Atlantic Canada.

We know that for those who are willing to innovate, adapt and compete, great challenge is also met with great opportunity.

And Canada’s New Government knows that Atlantic Canada has what it takes to succeed.

A recent study by KPMG, which measured the business costs of everything from corporate taxes to transportation and R&D, confirmed just how competitive our region is.

In the New England/Atlantic Region, our cities led the pack with overall business costs at six to nine percent below the US average.

This fact is not lost on businesses outside this region that are increasingly looking to Atlantic Canada for its skilled labour, competitive business environment and exceptional quality of life. The companies profiled here tonight have taken full advantage of the benefits that operating in Atlantic Canada offers.

We live in a region rich in natural resources, with a history of leadership in traditional industries:

- By seeing far more than apples in their orchards, Fermes Bourgeois has introduced a line of value-added products that is to diversify and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

- A commitment to productivity and continuous improvement has transformed Timber Top Trusses from a well- established, family-owned company to an industry leader.

- And by working hand in hand with leading researchers, Cooke Aquaculture is partnering on a project that could revolutionize the aquaculture industry.

We have a solid transportation infrastructure with deep water ports, rail access, international airports and road access to our largest trading partner:

- Companies like Sunny Corner are profiting from this infrastructure advantage, shipping 80% of their specialized metal products to the U.S., Europe and Asia.

One of the unique advantages to operating in a smaller jurisdiction is how tightly linked our industries become when we take full advantage of networking opportunities:

- By generating new contacts and focusing on products that build the competitiveness of local businesses, companies like Tantramar Interactive and Evolving Solutions are improving their clients’ bottom line with technology solutions tailored to the needs of businesses in our market.

These are just a few of many stories that demonstrate how our companies are more than just growing; they’re thriving in Atlantic Canada.

Canada’s New Government, through ACOA, is proud to be a partner for success in our region, and as our businesses face the challenges of tomorrow, we will be there:

- In boosting productivity with companies like Marwood, whose constant focus on wood recovery results in virtuallyno waste.

- In improving competitiveness like DairyTown, whose reputation for uncompromising quality keeps their award- winning products in constant demand.

- In capitalizing on our skills like Bejewel, whose focus on unique, hand-crafted art jewellery has helped them thrive in an industry flooded with competition.

- In supporting innovation for companies like Bulletproof Solutions and Whitehill Technologies, whose products are transforming industries around the world.

- In supporting our youth like FatKat Animation Studios, which in addition to being owned by a young entrepreneur, employs 50 dynamic and creative people under the age of 40.

- And in strengthening and giving back to our communities, like each of the companies profiled here tonight, ACOA will be there.

In closing, I want to again extend my congratulations to each of these entrepreneurs, and to all of those who have contributed to their success. The Art of Success is the product of vision, creativity and pure determination. I look forward to the great things we will continue to accomplish as we work together to build a stronger region and a better life for Atlantic Canadians.

Thank you.