Atlantic Vision Conference

NEWS RELEASE

MONCTON, N.B. -- October 10, 1997 -- More than 200 leaders from business, education and government shared examples of the many successes in Atlantic Canada's dynamic economy at the two-day Atlantic Vision conference.

Conference participants identified the need for strategic investments by both the public and private sectors to ensure that momentum built over the last few years continues well into the next century.

The four Atlantic premiers, who hosted the conference, indicated work has only begun to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the region.

The region's economy and people are in transition, premiers said. They added that significant and strategic investments in people, through educational and infrastructure support, are essential.

Premiers also challenged the federal government to join them in taking a new approach to design and deliver flexible new programs and to encourage innovative fiscal mechanisms that build on past achievements and help foster increased self reliance among Atlantic Canadians.

Conference participants heard about Atlantic Canada's proven record of excellence in the areas of information technology and knowledge-based industries. Knowledge based methods are also being used in the region's traditional and resource industries to add value to products as part of forging a stronger and more vibrant economy, premiers said.

Premiers stressed that information technology, biotechnology and other knowledge based industries in Atlantic Canada must be recognized and supported by the federal government, in the same way as other centres of excellence have emerged over the years in other areas of the country, such as the auto industry in Ontario and the aerospace industry in Quebec.

The conference was called to discuss the future of Atlantic Canada against a background of provincial governments achieving balanced budgets, reduced federal transfers and an emerging economic self-confidence. Sessions at the conference focused on four key areas: information technology, people and skills for the 21st century, tourism and value adding in the resource economy.

Discussions at the conference will be a catalyst for promoting prosperity, self-reliance and a sense of confidence and optimism, premiers said. However, they noted there is still much work to be done and that while the private sector must play a lead role, governments also have an important part to play. Premiers agreed that an approach which enables each province to maintain the flexibility to design programs that meet their needs and build on their strengths will create a more vibrant regional economy.

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