"I would like to congratulate East Coast Connected (ECC) on its launch and its important mandate. In my time as a Minister and MP, I have seen the positive impact that Atlantic Canadians have made throughout their country and around the world. The greatest resource in the region is its people and their tremendous creativity and energy. The fact that ECC will highlight these talents and allow Atlantic Canadians to remain connected with their roots makes this an important initiative.

The Hon. Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C.
Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Defence
and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

"I would like to congratulate East Coast Connected on your upcoming launch and the laudable goal of keeping out of province Atlantic Canadians engaged on policy and cultural issues from their region. Canada is a remarkable country in the breadth of its talent and opportunity. I know that many Atlantic Canadians bring their talents, energy and positive spirit to the Greater Toronto Area, which is a better place for this contribution. Continued success with your activities.

The Hon. Jim Flaherty P.C.
Member of Parliament for Whitby-Oshawa, Finance Minister and Minister Responsible for the GTA.

" Atlantic Canadians know there is something very special about growing up on the East Coast. It's great to see energetic, engaged former New Brunswickers promoting their home province and region to the Toronto area through East Coast Connected. These are exciting times for our region and our government is pleased to partner with ECC to promote all that New Brunswick has to offer. Congratulations to ECC on their vision and their launch!

The Hon. Shawn Graham,
Premier of New Brunswick

"Many Atlantic Canadians never leave home - even if it is thousands of kilometers away. Our local communities and cultures are unshakeable. It is just a part of who we are and how we see the world.

"This is one reason why ECC is such an exciting venture. It not only offers an important link home but also supports a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities between and across central and Atlantic Canada. This enables us to benefit from the best of what both regions have to offer.

Frank McKenna
Deputy Chair, TD Bank Financial Group

Innovation and creativity are the keys to prosperity for Atlantic Canadians. As we redefine our role in today's knowledge based world, East Coast Connected can play a vital role by engaging Atlantic businesses, cultural organizations, educational institutions and civil society in a dialogue with expatriate communities for the mutual benefit and betterment of all.

Alexa McDonough
Member of Parliament for Halifax and former federal NDP leader

"It is great to see the commitment to Atlantic Canada by East Coast Connected. Having been an Atlantic Canadian who has worked or lived in eight provinces and in the Toronto area three different times, I have long felt the need for this to happen. We must help ourselves to connect as we have so many talented individuals living in the Toronto marketplace. Think of the opportunities that already exist in sharing the mutual benefit we can derive in business and culture. As president of the World Trade Centre in Halifax I look forward to sharing much with your group. Congratulations! We look forward to hosting you in November of this year and welcoming everyone to the World Trade and Convention Centre.

Frederick R. MacGillivray
President & CEO, Trade Centre Limited

"Students and young professionals can greatly benefit from the programs East Coast Connected (ECC) offers. Through mentorship and networking opportunities, ECC will ease the transition of graduates starting their careers in Toronto. As this network grows, the connection to the east coast will also create awareness of opportunities for those looking to move back to Atlantic Canada.

JoAnne Ackerboom
Director of Management Career Services, Dalhousie Uniiversity

"ECC is a great tool for keeping Atlantic Canadians living in Toronto connected to the East Coast. ECC will allow Toronto's Atlantic community to share their career and social experiences as well as work to promote Atlantic Canada to their Toronto colleagues. I only wish this service had been available when I was living in the city!

Brian Murphy,
Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe

As an Atlantic Canadian who lived in Ontario for a number of years and has moved back to the region to run a business, ECC is an excellent way to network and provide us with that important link to other Atlantic Canadians in the Toronto area.

Kirk B. Cox
Principal, The Industry Government Relations Group Inc.