Seven-member panel to gather insights from business leaders, sectors, communities, and the public across Atlantic Canada

HALIFAX, NS – January 16, 2026 – The Atlantic Economic Panel, established to chart a bold path forward for Atlantic Canada’s economic future, today announced its comprehensive engagement strategy to connect with businesses, sectors, communities, and the public across the region.

Chaired by business leader Don Mills, the seven-member private sector-led panel will conduct engagement sessions in all four Atlantic provinces throughout January and February 2026, while simultaneously launching a business questionnaire and opening public input through the panel’s new website.

“Atlantic Canada stands at a defining moment,” said Don Mills, Chair of the Atlantic Economic Panel. “Over the coming weeks, we will be engaging directly with business leaders, sector representatives, and communities across the region to identify the transformational opportunities that will define our economic future. This is about listening, learning, and building a practical roadmap for sustained growth and prosperity.”

Provincial Engagement Sessions

The panel will conduct a series of closed engagement sessions across Atlantic Canada, bringing together provincial officials, business leaders, and sector representatives to discuss key challenges and opportunities:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia – Week of January 20
• Fredericton, New Brunswick – January 27-28
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – February 12-13
• St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – February 17-18

These sessions are designed as working meetings, not public consultations, allowing for focused dialogue with key stakeholders. Each session will feature presentations from leading economic development organizations, sector representatives, and business associations, followed by in-depth CEO roundtables.

Business Community Questionnaire

Concurrent with the provincial sessions, the panel is launching a comprehensive business questionnaire to gather input from business owners and leaders across Atlantic Canada. The questionnaire, developed in partnership with chambers of commerce and business associations throughout the region, will explore:

• Growth opportunities and barriers facing Atlantic Canadian businesses
• Investment climate and competitiveness challenges
• Policy and regulatory priorities
• Skills, talent, and workforce development needs
• Infrastructure and connectivity requirements

The questionnaire will be distributed through participating chambers of commerce beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, and will remain open through early February. Results will inform the panel’s analysis and recommendations.

Public Input Welcomed

In addition to targeted engagement with business and sector leaders, the panel is inviting all Atlantic Canadians to share their perspectives on the region’s economic future. A public questionnaire will soon be available on the panel’s website at aep-peca.ca, providing an opportunity for individuals, community organizations, and interested stakeholders across the region to contribute their insights and ideas.

The website will serve as a central hub for information about the panel’s work, including details about upcoming engagement opportunities, panel member biographies, and updates on the panel’s progress.

Building on Regional Momentum

Atlantic Canada has demonstrated remarkable economic momentum in recent years. Regional GDP growth outpaced the national average in 2024-25, employment rose by 3.4 percent, and the region continues to attract talent and investment across key sectors including clean energy, digital technologies, aerospace, defence, and ocean technologies.

The panel’s work is designed to build on this momentum by identifying the strategic opportunities and necessary enablers to ensure sustained, inclusive economic growth across all four Atlantic provinces.

About the Atlantic Economic Panel

Established by the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Honourable Sean Fraser, the Atlantic Economic Panel brings together seven accomplished business leaders from across Atlantic Canada:

• Don Mills (Chair) – Business leader, public opinion expert, and co-author of ‘Toward Prosperity’
• Cathy Bennett – Co-founder of Sandpiper Ventures, former CEO of the Bennett Group
• Mike Cassidy – CEO of the Cassidy Group, entrepreneur across multiple sectors
• Joyce Carter – President and CEO of Halifax Stanfield International Airport Authority
• Scott McCain – Chairman of McCain Foods, CEO of Saint John Sea Dogs
• Chief Terry Richardson – Chief of Pabineau First Nation
• Anne Whelan – CEO of Seafair Capital, director of Bank of Canada

The panel will deliver its final report with actionable recommendations to the Government of Canada by September 2026.

More Information

Website: aep-peca.ca (launching soon)

Business questionnaire: Available through participating chambers of commerce beginning January 20, 2026

Public input: Public questionnaire available at aep-peca.ca

Media Contact

Mike Randall

Portfolio – A Strategic Action Company

506-878-3025

mike@weareportfolio.com