Premier MacLauchlan met with Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Denis Lebel where he discussed infrastructure funding for the new electricity connection between Prince Edward Island and the mainland. The new connection will ensure Prince Edward Island’s future electricity needs will be met and will allow for economic growth.

During a meeting with Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander the Premier spoke to the importance of immigration and that Prince Edward Island has been provided an increase of nominations for 2015 through the Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry system. The allocation for 2015 is 850, more than double the 2014 allocation.

The Premier met with Employment and Social Development Minister Pierre Poilievre and discussed Prince Edward Island’s labour force needs, especially as they concern the workforce of seafood processing plants for the upcoming lobster fishing season.

Meetings with Island MPs and representatives from Atlantic Canada focused on the need for collaboration to support economic growth in the region.

“It is important to achieve the best results possible in federal-provincial relationships and negotiations,” said the Premier. “Working proactively and in a positive manner to foster this relationship will ultimately benefit Islanders through stronger support for social programs and by growing our economy.”

On Tuesday the Premier delivered an address entitled Small can be Big – and Nimble to political, business and financial leaders in Toronto during an event hosted by TD Bank and Deputy Chair Frank McKenna.

The speech highlighted Prince Edward Island’s economic opportunities and areas where the province has led the region in growth, such as population growth and GDP.

Premier MacLauchlan spoke to the need for a new strategic path for economic growth for Prince Edward Island and an enhanced focus on population growth and export growth. He highlighted successes throughout the business community in areas such as food exports, manufacturing, small businesses and the service sector.

The speech follows the Premier’s economic forum that was held in Charlottetown last week to provide Islanders an update on the province’s fiscal position and its economic challenges and opportunities.

He later met with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to discuss priority issues for the Council of the Federation which Premier MacLauchlan currently chairs.

“Throughout our province’s business community there is always an element of entrepreneurial leadership,” said the Premier. “Given our small scale and ability to be strategic and nimble, Prince Edward Island can be among the leaders of economic growth in Canada.”