MONCTON, NB – February 11, 2026 – The Atlantic Economic Panel today announced the formation of its Expert Advisory Council, bringing together distinguished leaders from across the region to provide strategic guidance and expert insight as the panel works to chart a bold path forward for Atlantic Canada’s economy.
The Advisory Council, which was chosen by the panel itself, reflects the geographic, cultural, linguistic, and sector diversity of Atlantic Canada, with representation from all four Atlantic provinces, Indigenous communities, Francophone leadership, and expertise spanning energy, ocean economy, mining, aerospace and defence, technology, food and agriculture, and academia.
“The strength of this Advisory Council lies in its diversity of perspectives and depth of expertise,” said Don Mills, Chair of the Atlantic Economic Panel. “These leaders bring invaluable insight from the sectors driving Atlantic Canada’s economic future. Their networks, experience, and commitment to regional collaboration will help ensure our recommendations are grounded in the realities facing businesses and communities across the region.”
The Advisory Council will be engaged on an ad-hoc basis and will support the seven-member Atlantic Economic Panel by identifying transformational economic opportunities, facilitating strategic connections across sectors and regions, reviewing draft findings and recommendations, and lending their voices to outreach and communications efforts. The council’s role is to champion a pan-Atlantic perspective, help the panel understand and earn public trust, and ensure recommendations reflect the region’s diversity.
Expert Advisory Council Members
The Advisory Council comprises:
- Michelle Robichaud, President of the Atlantica Centre for Energy
- Lauren Ledwell, CEO of the PEI BioAlliance
- Amanda McCallum, Executive Director of Mining Industry NL
- Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
- Kim Brooks, President and Vice Chancellor of Dalhousie University
- Victoria Belbin, CEO of the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association
- Rustum Southwell, Chancellor of Dalhousie University and Founder of the Black Business Initiative
- Jean-Claude Savoie, Chairman of Groupe Savoie
- Alex MacBeath, Managing Partner, Island Capital Partners
- Florian Villaumé, CEO of techNL
- Tareq Hadhad, Founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate
- Chief Bob Gloade, Chief of Millbrook First Nation
- Tom Taylor, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association
- Brian Dunphy, Senior Director Product Development, Cvent
The panel has also named Donald Savoie, Professor and Clément-Cormier Research Chair in Economic Development at the Université de Moncton, as Special Advisor to the Chair.
The Advisory Council complements the Atlantic Economic Panel’s seven business leaders: Chair Don Mills, Cathy Bennett, Joyce Carter, Mike Cassidy, Scott McCain, Anne Whelan, and Chief Terry Richardson. Together, the panel and Advisory Council bring extensive networks, sector expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing economic opportunities that benefit all of Atlantic Canada.
The Advisory Council will meet with the panel on February 20, 2026, as the panel continues its engagement sessions across Atlantic Canada throughout January and February. The panel is scheduled to deliver its final report with actionable recommendations in September 2026.
About the Atlantic Economic Panel
The Atlantic Economic Panel is an independent, private sector-led initiative established to identify transformational economic opportunities for Atlantic Canada. Through consultations with businesses, sectors, communities, and stakeholders across the region, the panel is working to chart a bold path forward that strengthens the region’s productivity, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity.
For more information, visit www.aep-peca.ca.
Media Contact:
Mike Randall
Communications Lead, Atlantic Economic Panel
Email: mike@weareportfolio.com
Phone: (506) 878-3025
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