Atlantic Liberals Are Working To Strengthen Regional Economy Monday, February 22, 2010
MONCTON – Liberals are continuing to work in Atlantic Canada by hosting a series of public roundtables focusing on ways to strengthen the region’s economy, now and into the future.
“I believe in the strength of this region, in the tremendous talent of the people of Atlantic Canada and in the opportunities the future holds," said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, who is participating in the forums.
“To realize the full potential of this region, and absent any long term plan or vision from the Harper Conservatives, we need to develop policies that will promote economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life in both urban and rural communities,” he said.
Public roundtable discussions held at the Delta Beauséjour Hotel in Moncton will be hosted by members of the Atlantic Liberal Caucus and feature panellists from across Atlantic Canada with a wide spectrum of experience and expertise.
Discussions will revolve around economic growth, lifelong learning, emerging industries and the development of vibrant rural communities.
Atlantic Liberals plan to address four key priorities for Atlantic Canada:
• Melding existing sectors with emerging industries to strengthen the Atlantic Canadian economy;
• Future educational and occupational skill sets needed to ensure labour requirements are met;
• Promotion and development of emerging industrial sectors across the region; and
• Capitalizing on the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities.
“Jobs are the number one priority of the Liberal Party,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Brian Murphy, who is hosting the roundtables. “Our Atlantic Caucus is encouraging the federal government to focus on initiatives which immediately stimulate job creation and strengthen Canada’s economy.”
Atlantic Liberal Caucus Chairman Shawn Murphy added that it is important to discuss policies that are specific to the unique economic opportunities in the region.
“The road to prosperity in rural Canada starts here – by addressing the real priorities that rural Canadians have told us to pursue,” he said.
Returning
MP: Wayne Easter
Province: Prince
Edward Island
Region: Atlantic
Region
Area: 1 663
km2
Population: 33,796
(2006 census)
Major census subdivisions: Charlottetown*
and Cornwall
Other
electoral districts: Cardigan, Egmont, Hillsborough
Polling divisions: 68
Number
of electors on preliminary list: 25,234
(Elections Canada)
*Denotes that a census
subdivision occurs in more than one electoral district.
The agriculture industry is
a complex and multi-level chain comprising of suppliers,
farmers, processors, retailers and consumers in Canada
and abroad. This industry is a generator of wealth,
key to Canada's prosperity.
As Agriculture Critic, I have the opportunity to
work with industry, primary producers and Parliament
to build a stronger, more vibrant rural Canada and
strengthen our farmer's voice in Ottawa.
