Question Period Note: Atlantic Economic Panel

What is the purpose of the new Atlantic Economic Panel?

• On November 24, I announced the creation of the first-ever Atlantic Economic Panel.
• This independent panel is composed of leaders from the private sector who bring experience in growing companies and creating jobs across several sectors.
• They will be on the road over the next year to hear directly from people and businesses about what is working and what is holding Atlantic Canada back.
• I look forward to their report. It will help guide both governments and the private sector in making the investments to grow good jobs and strengthen our communities.

On November 24, 2025, Minister Fraser announced the creation of the first-ever Atlantic Economic Panel, comprised of seven of the region’s most respected business leaders:
• Don Mills (Chair) – President of Crane Cove Holdings; co-founder of Narrative Research; former CEO of Corporate Research Associates; co-author of Toward Prosperity.
• Cathy Bennett – Co-founder of Sandpiper Ventures; former CEO of Bennett Group; experienced leader in energy, tech, and public policy.
• Joyce Carter – President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority; recognized for driving economic growth and aviation leadership.
• Mike Cassidy – CEO of the Cassidy Group, which owns Coach Atlantic and Maritime Bus. He is an entrepreneur with 40+ years in diverse sectors; leads companies in transportation, tourism, agriculture, and real estate.
• J. Scott McCain – Chairman of McCain Foods; President of JSM Capital; former senior executive at Maple Leaf Foods.
• Chief Terry Richardson – Chief of Pabineau First Nation; former CAF member; advocate for mining programs and community health.
• Anne Whelan – CEO and principal shareholder of Seafair Capital; lead director of the Bank of Canada; corporate director with CSA Group and Nova Leap Health; Vice-Chair of The Gathering Place.

The panel members have been given a clear mandate to provide a one-time report, focused on practical steps to grow jobs, raise productivity, support small and medium-sized businesses, and strengthen communities.

They are expected to:
• meet with people and businesses across Atlantic Canada in 2026 to hear what is working, what is holding the region back and where Atlantic Canada can win.
• identify not only sector-specific opportunities, but also the structural, regulatory, and cultural barriers that may be limiting the region’s full economic potential.
• deliver a final set of recommendations by the end of Summer 2026.

The panel’s work will:
• reflect the Government of Canada’s broader economic missions, from diversifying trade to attracting world-class talent, while identifying where Atlantic Canada is uniquely positioned to lead in delivering national outcomes.
• highlight solutions that require collective effort from both government and the private sector so that long-term growth is shared and driven by the people who know the region best.

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