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- Premier Rodney MacDonald and Finance Minister Michael Baker will meet today, Nov. 17, with economic forecasters from Canada's Banks as well as the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) and the Conference Board of Canada. (More...)
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Premier's Speeches
xwave Defence and Aerospace Expansion
Remarks by Premier Rodney MacDonald
Marriott Harbourfront, Halifax
January 23, 2007
Thank you Stephen, Minister Hurlburt, Mr. McClure, Mr. Dillon, ladies and gentlemen.
This is a great day for business and a great day for the defence and aerospace sector in Nova Scotia. We've long been at the forefront of Canada's security and international relations with our men and women of the Canadian Forces. Nova Scotia is at the heart of Canadian Forces' activities and infrastructure.
So, it's no surprise we're home to a growing, innovative defence and aerospace business sector, employing more than 6,000 people in this province. Defence and aerospace together with our Canadian Forces contribute $1.5 billion to Nova Scotia's economy. It won't stop there.
Today, I am pleased to announce that xwave will be expanding its workforce here in Nova Scotia: The company is adding 250 full-time jobs. The Province, through Nova Scotia Business Inc., will support this growth.
We have signed a $4.5-million payroll rebate payable over five years. The investment helps xwave accelerate its hiring, which enables the company to secure new contracts, forge new partnerships and enter new markets.
Clearly, this is a smart investment in an innovative business. It means new opportunities and more Nova Scotians earning a good pay. That's win/win for our economy and our communities.
My government is focused on moving our economy forward. We’re moving forward by playing to our strengths, such as technology and talent. We are working with companies like xwave, and investing in strategic sectors such as defence and aerospace.
We are succeeding by helping businesses create higher-value, higher-paying jobs for our talented workforce. These opportunities are helping retain and repatriate highly skilled and highly educated Nova Scotians.
Industry and experts beyond our borders are noticing our progress. They recognize that we are creating the right environment and we're open for business. This is progress that all Nova Scotians support. Nova Scotia is gaining momentum and our results speak for themselves.
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve all heard people say that knowledge equals power—it’s true. In-depth knowledge and expertise in a sector such as defence and aerospace positions us for future growth, and it spurs creativity and innovation. Nova Scotians have this in-depth expertise. We have the ability and the capacity to create and to innovate. You’ve heard me talk in the past few months about the “New Nova Scotia”. Ladies and gentlemen, this is it.
To Mr. McClure, Mr. Dillon—I wish you continued success in Nova Scotia. I look forward to seeing what’s next for xwave.
Thank you.