TORONTO - On February 21, 2008 in partnership with East Coast Connected and the New Brunswick Population Growth Secretariat, New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham and Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne met with a select group of 25 industry experts and expat New Brunswickers making their mark on Bay Street for ideas and feedback on their strategy and objectives. The Telegraph-Journal reported on this event on page A1 of their Friday, February 22nd issue.

The Premier and Minister sought frank feedback from participants, who hail from all regions of the province and are leaders in their fields of business, education, technology and culture. The Roundtable generated recommendations on New Brunswick's tax structure, immigration and accreditation policies, community and family incentives, communication and measurement metrics of the campaign.

"The discussion reflects the interest expat New Brunswickers have for the region. There is a desire to return or give back to the Province that was echoed by many participants this morning," said Megan Hooper, East Coast Connected Communications Director and native of Fredericton. "East Coast Connected is proud to foster these discussions and build relationships that contribute to the region."

Premier Shawn Graham and Minister Byrne were pleased with the discussions and suggestions received and plan to incorporate the feedback into their policy development.

Alyson Queen, a New Brunswicker now living in Halifax, also joined the discussion while in Toronto on business. "The discussion had great momentum and was a valuable exercise. The Province has engaged a strong network of professionals to provide the frank, objective feedback needed to build upon their program and further their message."

In an effort to kick-start the attraction pillar of the strategy, following the Roundtable discussion, the Population Growth Secretariat led a New Brunswick contingent to the CareerDoor Technology and Technology Sales Career Fair. The group featured six New Brunswick IT companies with immediate openings for highly qualified industry professionals.