Minister Fraser launches major Atlantic growth push with top local business leaders

November 24, 2025 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Atlantic Canada is at one of the most important moments in its economic history. There is momentum happening, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure our region takes full advantage of it. If our efforts align and move toward the same goals, Atlantic Canada can secure a far stronger economic position in the country and the world. From clean energy to defence, tourism, and other areas of opportunity, seven of the region’s most respected business leaders have come together to help launch the next phase of economic growth across the region.

To lead this work, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, has appointed members of the first-ever Atlantic Economic Panel. Each member brings experience in growing companies and creating jobs. Their work will reflect the urgency of this moment – one shaped by shifting global trade, rapid technological change, and the need for bold, practical solutions that raise productivity and unlock long-term growth for Atlantic Canada. The members of the panel are:

• 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 will 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. They will identify not only sector-specific opportunities, but also the structural, regulatory, and cultural barriers that may be limiting the region’s full economic potential. More details on engagement will be announced in the new year. 

The panel will deliver a final set of recommendations by the end of Summer 2026. They 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. 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. The panel’s work will 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.