Governor Ayotte Leads Trade Delegation to Nova Scotia for Economic Development and Tourism Meetings

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Governor Kelly Ayotte, joined by officials of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) and the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire attended a series of economic development and tourism-focused meetings in Nova Scotia on Monday, September 8, 2025, to strengthen regional trade connections, encourage collaboration among industry innovators, and honoring cross-border cooperation and reliance.

Yesterday's meetings included:

• Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and Deputy Premier Barbara Adams
• U.S. Consul General in Halifax Viki Limaye
• Halifax Partnership President & CEO Wendy Luther
• Invest Nova Scotia Investment Principal Lara Skwarek
• Life Sciences Nova Scotia VP Business Development and Strategy Krista Bezanson
• The Labs at Invest NS Properties and Incubation Manager Tim Reilly
• Coloursmith CEO Gabrielle Mason
• Sound Blade Medical CTO Jeremy Brown
• Nova Scotia Health Advisory Senior Director Research Dr. Ashley Hilchie
• Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub Managing Director Doris Grant
• COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship) CEO Melanie Nadeau and Director of Venture Growth James Kesten
• Neptune Bioinnovation Centre Chair Robert Orr and Director Dr. Beth Mason
• Nova Scotia Department of Intergovernmental Affairs International Relations Director Kathlene Farrell

"New Hampshire and Canada share a longstanding friendship, and our mission is aimed at strengthening economic and tourism partnerships that have created so much opportunity on both sides of our border," said Governor Ayotte. "I was glad to begin our meetings in Nova Scotia and share our message that New Hampshire is open for business to our Canadian partners."

"This mission to Nova Scotia reinforces the value of strong regional partnerships," said Commissioner Taylor Caswell, New Hampshire Business and Economic Affairs. "From discussions on life sciences to advanced manufacturing, we're seeing mutual opportunities for alignment and economic development that would benefit all involved. These meetings strengthen the desire for collaboration in trade, investment, and workforce development."