Making his first public speech outside his home province, the newly elected premier of Nova Scotia continued his quest for investment as the nation claws its way into economic recovery. In June Darrell Dexter became the first NDP premier in the history of the province and spoke to a healthy crowd at the Empire Club of Canada in Toronto last Thursday.

Figuratively bringing out the big guns, Mr. Dexter highlighted Lockheed Martin, Research in Motion Ltd. and the up and coming Sheepdog as examples of companies that have had strong results from developing their business in Nova Scotia.

With these examples in mind Mr. Dexter made it clear that Nova Scotia’s workforce is second to none and that the province should be top of mind for international investors.

“The people that have made the decision to come to Nova Scotia recognized what I have known for a long time and that is Nova Scotia has it all.''

In addition to technology and security industries, Mr. Dexter also touted the province’s recent advances in renewable energy and energy conservation.

Toby Heaps, Editor in Chief of Corporate Knights Magazine, Canada’s magazine for responsible businesses, had a chance to meet with Mr. Dexter for a break out session following the speech. After discussing sustainable energy with members of the private sector he remains positive about Mr. Dexter’s efforts to move the province forward in achieving their sustainable energy targets by 2015.

“I’m quite optimistic about his commitment to making the province’s energy mix 25% green.” Mr Heaps said. “His initiative in the development of tidal energy in the medium term and making it a priority is also very genuine.”

After the speech Mr. Dexter was asked what he thought was Nova Scotia’s competitive advantage. In his response he stressed that it was “the people”, their loyalty and knack for hard work that really made the province a solid place to do business.

Click here for more information about on Mr. Dexter’ speech at thechronicleherald.ca