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Scott Brison Endorses 'Atlantica' Initiative |
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Written by Wire Services
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Friday, 16 June 2006 |
Liberal leadership candidate, Scott Brison, today endorsed the concept of "Atlantica", a proposed trading block including the Atlantic provinces, eastern Quebec and the north-eastern United States.
As part of the "Atlantica" initiative, Mr. Brison said he would take advantage of the strategic position of Atlantic Canada to turn it into a gateway between two of the biggest trading systems in the world, the European Union and the eastern seaboard of the United States that would further link to the Middle East and Asia.
"Atlantica is a sure winner because it has the geographic location, the expertise and infrastructure to become one of the main on and off ramps for the global trade system." said Mr. Brison. "As a cabinet minister, I was supportive of the Pacific Gateway and I believe the federal government must be there to partner for the Atlantic Gateway as well."
In unveiling his policy vision for regional development in Halifax, Mr. Brison also said he would undergo a thorough review to see what federal departments and agencies such as Fisheries and Oceans could be decentralized to a region such as Atlantic Canada.
"I believe that better decisions result from government decision-makers being located closer to the people being affected by those decisions," he said.
His regional policy also called for federal investment tax credits to attract investment to Atlantic Canada and other areas of high unemployment in Canada; for more investment in post-secondary education; for better access by rural residents to high-speed internet; and for a strengthened immigration system that would attract more highly skilled workers to Atlantic Canada.
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