Atlantic Canadians meet with Minister Day on Canada's economic recovery

HALIFAX, Aug. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today met with a number of prominent Atlantic Canadians to discuss Canada's economic future and deficit reduction. He was joined by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore-St. Margaret's.

"Resource-based industries continue to be the lifeblood of Atlantic Canada and it is important to hear from those who are close to the issues," said Minister Day. "Our Economic Action Plan has put Canada back on the right course, but the recovery is still fragile and our government wants to ensure that growth and prosperity continue in all parts of the country."

As part of the government's commitment to fiscal restraint, Minister Day has been holding roundtables to consult with key Canadians on economic issues. These meetings will help further the government's action to develop a roadmap to a balanced budget in 2014.

"I have had great discussions at these meetings and the input and advice that I received today in Halifax will help us as we take steps to maintain Canada's strong economic position," added Minister Day.

Later today, Minister Day will speak at a luncheon hosted by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce. His speech will expand on the topic of Canada's return to a balanced budget and long-term economic success.

A list of today's roundtable participants is attached.

    
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                                 Backgrounder
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                       Halifax Roundtable Participants
    

Judith Andrew, Vice-President of Legislative Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

In addition to her current position as Vice-President of Legislative Affairs, Ms. Andrew is the Federation's acting Vice-President for Atlantic Canada. Prior to this, she was the Vice-President for Ontario from 1999 to 2009.

Tricia Brommit, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations

Ms. Brommit was appointed Executive Director of the Association in 2010. The Association is an umbrella organization serving Community Business Development Corporations in Nova Scotia. The Corporations support the development of small business and job creation throughout Nova Scotia.

Greg Browning, Chair of the Board, Black Business Initiative

The Black Business initiative was set-up in 1996 by the province of Nova Scotia and the federal government with the goal of fostering growth of businesses owned by members of the Nova Scotia black community. Mr. Browning has been with the Black Business Initiative since 2005 and previously served as the Chair of the Finance Committee.

Lisa Bugden, Vice-President Marketing Communications, Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Ms. Bugden is an experienced communications professional who has worked in both the private and public sectors. Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province's private sector-led business development agency.

Charles Cirtwill, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Institute for Market Studies

Charles Cirtwill was recently appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. Mr. Cirtwill has worked in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors as a program manager, policy analyst, senior administrator, consultant and entrepreneur.

Amelia DeMarco, Research Analyst, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Ms. Demarco has been a research analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business since 2008. From 2005-06, she was a research assistant at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Bill Denyar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce

Prior to heading up the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Denyar served as President of the Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce. A long-time and active chamber member, Mr. Denyar is a professional geologist and entrepreneur with over 15 years experience in financial services.

Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President, St. Mary's University

Dr. Dodds has headed Saint Mary's since 2000. Prior to that, he served as Dean of the Business School, and as Vice-President, Academic and Research. Under Dr. Dodds's leadership, the University has created a number of partnerships with universities around the world. He has also worked to boost community outreach projects locally, nationally and internationally.

Rick Farmer, Interim Executive Director, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities

Rick Farmer has an extensive background in the public and private sectors. For over 25 years, he served as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Sydney and Cape Breton Regional Municipality. In 2007, following his retirement, Mr. Farmer began work as a private consultant.

Jeff Forbes, Chair of the Board, Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Forbes joined the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Chamber of Commerce in 2005. He has been involved in the Chamber since 2001. Mr. Forbes is Vice-President with the recruitment company Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette.

Malcom Fraser, Board Member, Atlantic Institute for Market Studies

In addition to his work on the Board of Directors at the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, Malcolm Fraser is President of ISL, a Web marketing and development company. Mr. Fraser is an active member of the business community and has been recognized as one of Atlantic Canada's top CEOs.

Imelda Gilman, President, Saint John Board of Trade

Ms. Gilman has worked in a variety of management roles at the Board of Trade for the last 15 years. Ms. Gilman is active with a variety of community organizations, including as a District Council member of Junior Achievement of Southwestern New Brunswick and a member of the Rotary Club of Saint John.

Ann Janega, Vice-President for Nova Scotia, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Nova Scotia

Ms. Janega is a lawyer and business advocate with experience in provincial government, the private sector and university life. Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Nova Scotia works to promote the competitiveness of Nova Scotia's manufacturers around the world.

Pierre-Yves Julien, Medavie Blue Cross, President and CEO, Medavie Blue Cross

Mr. Julien joined Medavie Blue Cross in 1999 as Vice-President of Customer Service, and was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2001. He is a past Chairman of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.

Dianne Kelderman, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Scotia Co-operative Council

In addition to her work at the Council, Ms. Kelderman is currently President of Atlantic Economics, a firm that specializes in economic analysis and development, public policy and finance. She has been involved with the co-operative movement since the mid-90s and has served as Chief Executive Officer for the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council since 2002.

Kelly Nelson, Vice-President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia

With a strong and lengthy experience in finance, Mr. Nelson was named a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia in 2006. In addition to his leadership at the Institute, Mr. Nelson is Vice-President for Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for High Liner Foods. He is a past Chair of the Board of Governors for the Nova Scotia Community College.

Karen Oldfield, President and Chief Executive Officer, Halifax Port Authority

Ms. Oldfield has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Halifax Port Authority since 2002. Previously she was a law partner at McInnes Cooper, and Chief of Staff for Nova Scotia premier John Hamm. Ms. Oldfield also sits on the Advisory Council on National Security, which provides advice to the federal government through the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Clarence Prince, President, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities

Mr. Prince has been active in municipal politics since 1980 as a councillor and mayor of the Town of Sydney Mines, and then deputy mayor for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. Mr. Prince has served the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities in a number of capacities, and became its president in 2010.

Dr. Fazley K. Siddiq, Director, School of Public Administration, Dalhousie University

Dr. Siddiq is the Director, School of Public Administration, in Dalhousie's Faculty of Management. Dr. Siddiq's current research includes work on economic wellbeing and its measurement, and the management of public debt.

Rustum Southwell, Chief Executive Officer, Black Business Initiative

Mr. Southwell is a respected leader in the business community with strong connections in the public and private sectors. Prior to becoming Chief Executive Officer at the Black Business Initiative, Mr. Southwell was a successful entrepreneur and franchise operator.

For further information: Mélisa Leclerc, Director of Communications, Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, 613-952-5051; Media Relations, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, 613-957-2640