Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation have been in Toronto as part of the Choose New Jersey Governor-led economic mission. The visit is focused on strengthening economic ties and forming partnerships between New Jersey and Canada.

Governor Murphy met with Mary Ng, Canada's Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. Discussions centered on maintaining and expanding the robust partnership between New Jersey and Canada.

A meeting with Premier Doug Ford led to the establishment of a sister state partnership between New Jersey and Ontario. This collaboration aims to unite researchers, business leaders, and students across sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Governor Murphy highlighted New Jersey's presence in the film industry. Netflix plans a significant investment in Fort Monmouth, Lionsgate is constructing a studio in Newark, and 1888 Studios will soon be established in Bayonne. Six films made in New Jersey were featured at TIFF.

The U.S. Consulate briefed Governor Murphy on the $17.5 billion bilateral trade partnership between New Jersey and Canada. Additionally, meetings with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Capital Markets discussed strategic partnerships involving fintech, AI, and renewable energy.

The delegation visited MaRS Discovery District for an event with JLABS by Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Over 20 startups participated from industries such as life sciences, fintech, cleantech, clean energy, and AI in healthcare.

First Lady Tammy Murphy chaired a roundtable on challenges faced by women in business, especially in tech. Discussions included mentorship and creating supportive ecosystems for women through policy and community initiatives.

Governor Murphy emphasized New Jersey's strategic advantages during a roundtable with Canadian business leaders. He announced RxSource's expansion in West Deptford which will create jobs in New Jersey’s life sciences sector.

An MOU was signed between Ontario Centres of Excellence and New Jersey Institute of Technology to advance innovation collaboration.

First Lady Tammy Murphy visited The Hospital for Sick Children with Rutgers University Executive Vice President Antonio Calcado and Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb to explore collaborations with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

The delegation also visited the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence to discuss investment opportunities in AI research between New Jersey and Canada.

Finally, they addressed AMCHAM Toronto to promote New Jersey as an ideal location for business growth due to its strategic assets including connectivity to global markets and an educated workforce.