The Aroostook Partnership is pleased to welcome the Hon. Bernadette Jordan, Canada’s Consul General to New England, for a three-day visit to Aroostook County from May 19-21. During her visit, the consul general will be meeting with local business leaders and economic development officials to explore ways in which the two sides can work together to further develop a prosperous and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
“Aroostook County has always looked north and east just as naturally as it looks south, and our relationship with Canada is deeply woven into the fabric of both our economy and our communities,” Kiersten Purington, president and CEO of the Aroostook Partnership, said. “Hosting Consul General Jordan gives us a unique opportunity to bring local business and municipal leaders and economic development partners together with one of Canada’s most senior diplomatic representatives in the region. We look forward to meaningful conversations that strengthen cross-border relationships, spark new opportunities, and create lasting benefits for Aroostook County for years to come.”
Northern Maine Development Commission is also helping facilitate the visit.
“NMDC has long championed the economic ties between Aroostook County and Canada, and Consul General Jordan’s visit is a reflection of just how strong and important that relationship is,” Robert Clark, executive director of the Northern Maine Development Commission, said. “We are proud to help bring these conversations to our region and look forward to the meaningful connections that will come from them.”
Last year, Canada and Maine traded more than $5.7 billion in goods and services, directly responsible for creating jobs throughout the state. Imported Canadian goods — many of them raw materials — fed Maine industry, making it stronger and more competitive. There are 80 Canadian-owned companies in Maine employing 4,750 workers.
“Since the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, came into effect in July 2020, bilateral trade grew by 26%,” Consul General Jordan said. “It has provided the stability and predictable trading environment for businesses and communities in North America to ensure they remain resilient, secure and competitive.”
She added, “Canada greatly values its relationship with Maine, and I am so pleased to be visiting Aroostook County and meeting with many of your local business owners and economic officials. Canada and Maine have always been strong partners in trade and security, and I look forward to exploring additional ways we can work together to build upon this enduring friendship and ensure our continued growth and prosperity.”
The Aroostook Partnership is a unique private/public consortium of more than 65 businesses, the Northern Maine Development Commission, county higher education institutions and regional nonprofit organizations. Its mission is to drive the economic growth and resilience of Aroostook County by leveraging regional private and public sector leadership, talents and resources.
For more information on the Aroostook Partnership and its initiatives, contact Purington at kpurington@aroostookpartnership.org.
