Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that the future of Atlantic Canada lies in its ability to diversify and expand its economic base. Our government continues to support this tradition through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
At ACOA the approach to local development lies in working with small businesses and communities to diversify and strengthen their economies. As a result 65,000 jobs have been created over the last seven years, and for every dollar put into small business through ACOA $4.20 comes back.
In my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants, ACOA's commitment has produced many excellent examples of small business growth that has led to the creation of long term jobs.
Atlantic Canadians are not enslaved or bound by psychological depression as the Reform Party claims. Instead we are seizing new opportunities. Through ACOA our government is playing an important role in promoting regional economic growth.