Left to Right: Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Photo by Joe Thomson).
The inaugural Atlantic Economic Forum got underway on Monday night, with opening remarks from not one, but two prime ministers.
The forum is being held at St.FX university in partnership with the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. As such, the former Prime Minister addressed the crowd with a speech about his dedication to improving the lives of Atlantic Canadians throughout his time in and out of office.
He also spoke about Atlantic Canada’s potential and how the region can continue to make strides not only nationally, but at the international level as well.
“If we remember the vision and dreams of our forefathers, who built this country, and now can count on us to carry it forward from generation to generation, from success to success, from one century to the next. That’s what we’re here for,” said Mulroney.
He then introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who made a long, impassioned speech about Atlantic Canada’s future as a shining example in the clean energy sector and it’s power to create jobs. He spoke about the Atlantic loop, and it’s its ability to do just that.
“Just think, the East Coast could and should be a clean energy powerhouse, this federal government will be there to help make it happen,” said Trudeau.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau address the crowd at the inaugural Atlantic Economic Forum (Photo by Joe Thomson).
Like Mulroney, Trudeau recognised that Atlantic Canadians are a hard working group of people. He said that the federal government remains committed to creating more opportunities for economic growth in the region.
“That’s what I’ve continually talked with all four premiers about. So that we can give companies in the region a leg up, to make sure that there are great jobs here, not just today, but for decades to come.”
The Atlantic Economic Forum continues on Tuesday.
