Premier Dexter on His Trips

This following is an op-ed piece by Premier Darrell Dexter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week has been a busy and exciting one for Nova Scotia, and I am happy to say that there is still more to come. I have just wrapped up what I would describe as one of the most important trips that I have taken since becoming premier last June.
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver was an ideal opportunity to promote Nova Scotia and all of its opportunities to the world. I am proud to say that we had overwhelming participation in the Atlantic Canada House, and the enthusiasm for our Bluenose province on Nova Scotia Day was through the roof.

I now plan to carry that momentum on to Washington, D.C., where, this weekend, Canada’s premiers will participate in the Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association.

It was Nova Scotia that last summer urged the Council of the Federation to conduct a Premier’s Mission to Washington to promote the advantages of the Canada-U.S. trade and energy relationship. This is a rare chance to meet with high-ranking American officials to highlight the unique opportunities available in Nova Scotia, particularly tidal power. To help in that regard, I will be joined for part of the trip by Scott Travers, president of Minas Basin Pulp and Power, an energy and environmental leader in Nova Scotia.

Throughout the mission, my fellow premiers and I will meet with members of President Barack Obama’s administration, governors, senators and members of Congress. We will explain the significant mutual benefits of fair and open trade and a more efficient border. We will also promote the importance of the two countries collaborating on our approach to climate change and green energy, because working together will help reduce global greenhouse-gas emissions, while maintaining energy security in our countries.

After the National Governor Association meetings, I will meet with business representatives and other government leaders to help ensure Nova Scotia remains an energy leader, and to see how we can work to create the secure jobs Nova Scotia’s economy needs.

I am doing this because I think it is important to learn more about the energy supply needs of our American neighbours. I am doing this to gain a better understanding of how their policy will impact our potential tidal and wind energy business opportunities in American markets. I am doing this to develop new business relationships with the United States, and nurture existing ones.

We need to shine a light on our province. We need share our many examples of innovative leadership, particularly our ability to harness the Bay of Fundy tides. There are tremendous opportunities for us to grow our economy through renewable energy sources and high-value green-technology jobs, right here at home.

These discussions with key political leaders help demonstrate Nova Scotia’s commitment to finding new and leading-edge solutions to boost our economy so all Nova Scotians share in a better future.

-30-

Media Contact: Jennifer Stewart
Premier’s Office
902-424-0007
Cell: 902-497-7198
E-mail: stewarjl@gov.ns.ca