Atlantic Growth Strategy: Action Plan (drafted in 2016)

The following action plan outlines short-term and longer-term actions and announcements related to the Atlantic Growth Strategy, to be reviewed, validated, and adjusted through consultations and measurement of progress.

1. Launch (July 4, 2016)

Meeting of Leadership Committee.

Public announcement of:

• Atlantic Growth Strategy.
• Plan to create Atlantic Growth Advisory Group.
• Development of three year immigration pilot.

2. Phase 1 - Implementation - Short-term actions (July - December 2016)

Atlantic Growth Advisory Group to identify and validate short-term regional opportunities, plan engagement for early 2017, and provide advice on objectives and goals.

Premiers and Ministers to meet with Atlantic Growth Advisory Group.

Development of benchmarks and indicators.

Focus on early areas of collaborative action.

• Implement a three-year immigration pilot.
• Develop and implement initiatives to attract and retain international students in Atlantic Canada (e.g., mission to Asia with University Presidents).
• Support business incubators and accelerators to help launch and grow new start-ups.
• Promote technology transfer, the commercialization of research and value-added in both emerging and traditional sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
• Develop a clean energy plan for Atlantic Canada.
• Develop a strategic and collaborative approach to tourism.
• Develop multi-year international business development strategy.
• Implement Phase 1 of Federal Infrastructure Plan, including Post-Secondary Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

Regular public announcements as joint areas of action are completed.

3. Track progress (December 2016)

Report on results of early actions to the Leadership Committee.

Adjust plan based on advice from Atlantic Growth Advisory Group, consultations, and progress.

Meeting of Leadership Committee.

4. Phase 2 - Implementation - Medium/long-term actions (January - July 2017)

Atlantic Growth Advisory Group to conduct engagement sessions/roundtables.

Premiers and Ministers to meet with Atlantic Growth Advisory Group.

Initiate medium to longer-term areas of collaborative action, such as:

• Strengthen work-integrated learning in education and training facilities.
• Improve the alignment of federal and provincial skills training investments.
• Develop Indigenous businesses.
• Support research and innovation in areas such as biosciences, aquaculture, ocean technology, renewable energy, fisheries, agriculture and forestry.
• Better coordinate support for high-impact firms and innovation clusters.
• Support regional electricity grids and renewable power generation, and the ongoing work of the Atlantic Energy Gateway.
• Support SME exporters through greater export awareness, better market planning, enhanced trade training, and more targeted trade missions.

Regular public announcements as joint actions are launched and implemented.

5. Year 1 report (July 2017)

Benchmarking report: Highlights
Read the full report: Reporting to Atlantic Canadians on the Atlantic Growth Strategy

Meeting of Leadership Committee.

6. Phase 3 - Implementation - Reassess actions (July - December 2017)

Adjust actions as required, based on benchmarking report.

7. Track progress (December 2017)

Meeting of Leadership Committee.

8. Phase 4 - Implementation (January -  July 2018)

Adjust actions as required.

9. Year 2 report (June 2018)

Meeting of Leadership Committee.