Governor Ayotte Leads New Hampshire Trade Mission to Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City to Strengthen Cross-Border Collaboration in Innovation and Industry

CONCORD, NH - Governor Kelly Ayotte led a multi-day international trade mission this week to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Montreal and Quebec City, Quebec, focused on building strategic partnerships in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and logistics.

The mission, organized in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), included Business and Industry Association (BIA) President Mike Skelton, New Hampshire Life Sciences President Andrea Hechavarria, and the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council, led by State Senator Tim McGough. SEIU Local 1984 President Rich Gulla also joined the Governor's delegation for the last day of the trip.

Over the course of the mission, the delegation met with Canadian businesses, industry associations, innovation hubs, and research institutions to promote bilateral trade, investment, and innovation as well as workforce development and business-to-business partnerships.

"New Hampshire and Canada share a deep economic and cultural bond, and this trade mission was about turning that shared history into future opportunity," said Governor Ayotte. "Whether we're talking about advanced manufacturing in Quebec, life sciences breakthroughs in Montreal, or shipping innovations in Halifax, our goal is to position New Hampshire as a premier economic destination for companies looking to grow."

The delegation included meetings with Canadian innovation accelerators, chambers of commerce, university research labs, and trade organizations. In Halifax, the Governor met with Premier Horton and Deputy Premier Adams, discussing maritime logistics opportunities. In Montreal, the team engaged with biotechnology startups, incubators, and Laval University AI Center. In Quebec City, the mission focused on technological advancements, ranging from bioproducts to optic clusters.

"Canada remains New Hampshire's most important trading partner, and this mission is aimed at reinforcing our commitment to partnership in sectors that drive innovation and create high-paying jobs," said Commissioner Taylor Caswell, New Hampshire Business and Economic Affairs. "From AI-driven manufacturing to biomedical research, we're focused on long-term collaborations that bring cross-border economic benefits."

In 2024, New Hampshire businesses exported $1.2 billion to Canada, illustrating the importance of strong ties with the state's international neighbor.

"As Chairman of the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council, I was glad to have the opportunity to meet directly with leaders of business and industry from one of our state's largest trading partners." said Senator McGough. "I look forward to working with the Governor, BEA, and my colleagues in the Legislature to explore ways to strengthen our economic advantage and grow our partnerships with our Canadian neighbors."

"New Hampshire businesses depend on strong international relationships, and Canada is at the top of that list," Skelton said. "By connecting directly with our counterparts in Halifax, Montreal, and Quebec City, we have fostered meaningful business-to-business and industry-to-industry partnerships that are crucial in opening new markets and investment channels for New Hampshire's leading advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and logistics sectors."

"Canada and New Hampshire are both home to a thriving life sciences industry with tremendous opportunities to grow our already-strong partnerships," said Hechavarria. "New Hampshire Life Sciences will continue working with our counterparts in Canada to foster innovation and promote our state as a premier destination for these companies to invest and create jobs."