Atlantic Canada
A Profitable Place to Do Business
Located on the east coast of Canada , Atlantic Canada is comprised of four provinces:
- New Brunswick (NB)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
- Nova Scotia (NS)
- Prince Edward Island (PE)
Specialised Workforce
The region also boasts a skilled and reliable workforce—with more post-secondary graduates per capita than the US or elsewhere in Canada, and absenteeism and turnover rates that are among the lowest in North America.
- 17 world-class universities, dozens of state-of-the-art research facilities and a network of colleges and other post-secondary training institutions
- Post-secondary graduate rates, per capita, higher than the US or rest of Canada — Atlantic universities award 17,000 degrees every year, including 3,500 graduate and professional degrees
- Public spending on vocational training is 38% greater than elsewhere in Canada
- Lowest employee turnover and absentee rates in North America — employees stay with employers 100% longer than their American counterparts
Export Markets
Atlantic Canada is well situated for international trade and commerce with easy access to major markets in the U.S. and Europe .
- Within 1-day driving distance of more than 1/3 of the entire population of North America
- Closest ports to Europe in North America — 2 days faster than anywhere else on the continent
Key Advantages
- Trans-Atlantic fibre-optic cable network, directly connected to Atlantic Canada , connecting North American and European telecommunications
- Bilingual population (English & French) , a major customer contact centre location
- Exceptionally high quality of life
- Financial incentives to encourage foreign investment in all four Atlantic provinces
Major Cities
- Cape Breton Island (NS)
- Charlottetown (PE)
- Fredericton (NB)
- Halifax (NS)
- Moncton (NB)
- Saint John (NB)
- St. John’s (NL)
Priority Economic Sectors in Atlantic Canada
|
|
Regional Clusters
Atlantic Canada is fast becoming a strong leader within the technological sectors:
International Industry Leaders Call Atlantic Canada Home
|
|

Publications
- New Brunswick Provincial Profile (PDF, 148.09 KB)
- Newfoundland Provincial Profile (PDF, 134.67 KB)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Profile (PDF, 132.57 KB)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Profile (PDF, 144.42 KB)
- Help Viewing Alternate Formats
For More Information
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Atlantic Canada: A Profitable Place to do Business
- Government of New Brunswick
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Northeast Avalon - Newfoundland and Labrador
ACOA Contacts
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Blue Cross Centre, 3rd Floor
644 Main Street PO Box 6051
Moncton , New Brunswick Canada E1C 1E2
General Enquiries: (506) 851-2271
Toll Free: (800) 561-7862
Kevin Bulmer
Senior Investment Officer
Phone: 506-851-2573
