Atlantic Canada showcases global leadership in regional economic development
News release
International conference highlights place-based strategies for inclusive growth
October 6, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Canada is focused on strengthening and diversifying international partnerships and advancing collaborative action on global challenges and opportunities to build inclusive and resilient economies.
Last week, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, addressed 300 delegates from Canada and around the world at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-New Brunswick Conference on Place-Based Economic Development.
Speaking to policymakers, community leaders, and international delegates, Minister Fraser emphasized Atlantic Canada’s advantages, including infrastructure investments, surging immigration, and a thriving culture of collaboration. He highlighted how economic regions can use local assets to improve their competitiveness and resilience, and address global challenges including trade diversification, the transition to net-zero, innovation-driven growth through SMEs, and improved coordination across levels of government.
Minister Fraser stressed that economic development must be bold, aspirational, and rooted in a deep commitment to our communities. He referenced the Shorefast Foundation’s work on Fogo Island as a model for revitalizing rural communities through cultural preservation and entrepreneurship.
The Minister also called for continued investment in small- and medium-sized businesses and in the communities where they operate, noting that stronger community-building policies and improved quality of life are essential for long-term retention and resilience. He affirmed Canada’s commitment to global engagement through the OECD and urged communities to lead with vision and urgency.
Quotes
“Hosting the OECD’s first conference on place-based development in Atlantic Canada shows that smaller regions can lead when they build on their strengths. From clean energy to digital industries and tourism, our communities are proving that inclusive growth is possible and that vibrant places are the foundation of a stronger economy for everyone.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick facts
-
Co-organized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Southeast Regional Service Commission (SERSC), with support from ACOA and the Government of New Brunswick’s Regional Development Corporation, the OECD-New Brunswick Conference on Place-Based Economic Development ran from October 2-3 in Moncton.
-
The event convened over 300 participants from government, academia, and the business community.
-
Other keynote speakers included Shorefast Founder and CEO Zita Cobb, Invest in Canada CEO Laurel Broten and Public Policy Forum President and CEO Inez Jabalpurwala.
-
Key themes included trade diversification, net-zero economic opportunities, talent attraction, and regional competitiveness.
-
ACOA provided $195,000 through its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program to the Southeast Regional Service Commission to organize the conference.
-
ACOA’s support enabled broad regional participation and highlighted Atlantic Canada’s leadership in place-based innovation.
-
The Province of New Brunswick, through the Regional Development Corporation, provided $130,000.
Associated links
Contacts
Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Danielle Phillips
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Danielle.Phillips@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Stay connected
Follow ACOA on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.