HRM and Aberdeen strengthen ties 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and the city of Aberdeen, Scotland signed a renewed agreement today to pursue opportunities in the energy, education and tourism sectors.  HRM Mayor Mike Savage and the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam, signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Offshore Europe Conference in Aberdeen.

“Halifax has had a successful working relationship with the city of Aberdeen for over 30 years,” said Mayor Savage. “This new agreement will strengthen our existing partnerships and provide a basis to explore new cultural and economic opportunities that will benefit both of our cities.”

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, George Adam said “Aberdeen and Halifax have particularly close links, forged and strengthened in recent years by the energy industry and shared business interests. We have a lot to offer each other.”

Halifax and Aberdeen are among 18 cities from around the world that are members of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP), an organization of cities with a core focus on energy (oil, gas, and renewable). Signing this MOU will reinforce Halifax’s prominent position within the WECP and enhance broader economic ties between the two regions.

“Nova Scotia is poised for a potential major boom in the offshore with Shell and BP’s combined $2 billion offshore exploration commitments, the impending Deep Panuke Natural Gas Project, and the ongoing Sable Project,” said Mayor Savage. “Our relationship with Aberdeen will continue to be important as we pursue mutual opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, sustainable development, education and tourism.”

Mayor Savage is attending the Offshore Europe Conference as part of the Nova Scotia delegation which includes seven local energy companies from Nova Scotia, as well as representatives from the Greater Halifax Partnership, The Maritimes Energy Association, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and the provincial government. Offshore Europe presents a unique opportunity to bring awareness to Nova Scotia’s offshore industry and to position Halifax and the region as a global player in the energy sector.

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Contact:

Shaune MacKinlay
Principal Advisor at Mayor's Office
Ph: 490-6531 (o)
Email: mackins@halifax.ca

Breton Murphy
Manager of Public Affairs, HRM
Ph: 490-6198 (o)
Email: murphyb@halifax.ca