Hon. Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, today announced 14 PEI companies are in Alberta, as part of a follow-up to a very successful trade mission to the province earlier this year.
The Island companies, primarily in the building products sector, will meet Alberta-based businesses in Edmonton, Calgary and Fort McMurray, seeking opportunities to either supply or subcontract work for manufacturers or dealerships.
“We made huge strides in Alberta in the spring by identifying opportunities where Island companies can fill voids in the oil patch, while providing jobs and opportunities right here at home,” said Minister Currie. “Alberta is a hot spot right now and the Government, under the leadership of Premier Pat Binns, is committed to helping PEI companies take advantage of these opportunities and grow their companies.”
Prince Edward Island businesses participating on the Alberta trade mission include: Acadian Machine Works, Bayside Builders, Chandlers Millwork, Charlottetown Metal Products, Coles Associates, Craig Wood Products, Dagwood Siding, Gorman Controls, Livingston Steel, North Port Metal Works, Prebuilt Steel, Ravenwood Stairways, Royalty Hardwoods, and T&C Electric. Officials with Prince Edward Island Business Development are leading the mission, which will wrap up on October 20.
“Initially, we have seen several hundred thousand dollars worth of direct results from the trade mission, and our Island companies are continuing to build on leads made in the spring,” added the Minister. “Each of the participating PEI companies are bidding for two to three contracts with Alberta companies. We will continue to seek those opportunities and bring some of that Alberta work back home to PEI.”
During the May 2006 mission to Alberta, 126 meetings took place between PEI and Alberta businesses. All companies have submitted two to three proposals and they continue to produce results.
“The Alberta mission was a great business venture for us,” said Kevin
Simmons, General Manager for Dunk River Industries Ltd. “It was important for the
future of our company, as we are always looking for opportunities to grow and expand.
Overall, we are glad to have participated in the mission and quite satisfied with our
results to date.”
Alberta will lead the nation with economic growth of 5.6 percent in 2006 and 4.2 percent in 2007. In August 2006, the value of Alberta building permits reached their second highest level on record at $1.2 billion, up 45.3 percent from the same month last year. The value of permits rose strongly by 34.3 percent in the first eight months of 2006, making it the largest growth rate in Canada.
PEI Business Development Inc. and Technology PEI work with businesses in Prince Edward Island to strengthen and expand the provincial economy through business development. Adding value and generating wealth, PEI Business Development and Technology PEI offer a diverse range of programs and services to Island-based businesses. For more information, please visit us online at www.peibusinessdevelopment.com.