Patrick Crossman of Summerside, Prince Edward Island was one of four students partaking in the Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York this week. As an Ambassador with the Junior Team Canada delegation, which consisted of a youth from each Atlantic Canadian province, Crossman was a student observer during the business meetings, high-profile receptions and other networking events associated with the trade mission.
The goal of Junior Team Canada is to provide youth, ages 16-25, with valuable skills and experience necessary for careers in a knowledge-based economy. Students chosen to participate in Junior Team Canada are selected from hundreds of candidates based on their ability to communicate, their leadership, team-building skills, and their knowledge of the global economy.
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), noted that, "Skills, knowledge and experience are required when we bring people together to form useful and productive partnerships. Matching the tremendous skills of these four young adults with the knowledge and experience of our exporting companies continues to produce great benefits for everyone involved."
Premier Pat Binns, who led the Prince Edward Island delegation on the trade mission to New York, saw great value in the Junior Team Canada component of the trip.
"The entire trade mission experience is extremely interesting and provides wonderful insight into the international business world," said Premier Binns. "This educational experience gives youth the opportunity to learn about the global economy and helps them develop skills and attitudes that prepare them for the workforce. Perhaps they may even be encouraged to become entrepreneurs and be successful exporters themselves someday."
While in New York, Crossman was partnered with PEI Gourmet Mushrooms on several of their business meetings, and he also had a full schedule of educational activities throughout the city.
"This trade mission has been an excellent opportunity for the Atlantic Canadian businesses and for me," said Crossman. "Fortunately, I was paired with PEI Gourmet Mushrooms which secured several significant deals here in New York. This mission has showed me the value of trade and also made me more aware of the opportunities that exist for Atlantic Canadian companies in export markets."
Crossman just completed his second year of UPEI's Business Administration Program and is currently fulfilling a work term with the Canadian International Development Agency in Hull, Quebec. In the past, students have participated in trade missions to China, Russia, Germany, New England and Atlanta.
The Team Canada Atlantic Mission to New York City is a cooperative effort of ACOA, the four Atlantic provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. The Junior Team Canada program is funded by Team Canada Atlantic and ACOA.
For more information on the Junior Team Canada and the Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York City, visit www.TeamCanadaAtlantic.com.