News Release: High-powered Alberta delegation coming to Quebec to talk trade

May 10, 2012

Montreal: The Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG), a non-profit business advocacy organization, is aiming to increase economic cooperation between Quebec and Alberta during a trade mission to Quebec from May 15-17.

The organization is partnering with the Montreal Board of Trade, Quebec International, Consultant André Boisclair and others to hold a series of seminars and sessions in both Montreal and Quebec City. The meetings will underscore the already prosperous trade relationship between Quebec and Alberta, and explore ways to increase economic partnership.

A highlight of the three-day Canada Connects: Quebec event will be a keynote address by Canadian Oil Sands Limited CEO and Syncrude Canada Chairman Marcel Coutu at Montreal Board of Trade luncheon on May 16^th.

Other sessions include “Doing business with Alberta” seminars featuring Quebec companies such as Groupe CANAM, EzeFlow, Prevost, Gaz Metro and Gradek Energy. Alberta companies presenting include PCL, North American Construction Group and Questerre. An “Innovation Summit” at the Caisse de Depot in Montreal will bring together Alberta and Quebec technology leaders to discuss possibilities technology collaboration between the respective technology communities.

“The relationship between Alberta and Quebec hold incredible potential,” said AEG President Tim Shipton. “After Ontario, Alberta is Quebec’s largest Canadian trading partner – with billions of dollars moving east and west each year. Quebec pensions plans are heavily invested in Alberta’s energy sector. It’s time for Quebec and Alberta business communities to tell the world that the Alberta-Quebec business relationship is thriving and growing.”

Canada Connects: Quebec will also feature prominent participation from Quebec political leaders such as Quebec Finance Minister Raymond Bachand, Economic Development Minister Sam Hamad, Minister of State for Small Business Maxime Bernier, Quebec Mayor Regis Lebeaume and others.

“It’s very forward-thinking for Alberta Enterprise Group to be leading this delegation of business leaders to Quebec at this time,” said event partner Andre Boisclair. “We need to revisit the current political rhetoric. There is too much opportunity for mutual prosperity to ignore, and this initiative will hopefully go a long way toward achieving that potential.”

The Canada Connects: Quebec Mission is the latest in a series of outreach missions conducted by Alberta Enterprise Group. Past missions have brought delegations of senior business leaders to Washington, D.C., Geneva, Switzerland and Ottawa.

AEG is a member-based, non-profit business advocacy organization dedicated to advancing innovations that enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, promoting entrepreneurship and corporate responsibility, and defending principles of democracy and liberty. AEG members employ 55,000 Canadians in the energy, manufacturing, construction and retail industries and generate billions in economic activity each year.

André Boisclair is consultant in strategic development and public affairs. He specializes in the fields of energy and sustainability.

Editors: For more information, or to arrange interviews, contact AEG Vice President David MacLean -- 780.965.4691