Ottawa appoints new private-sector economic advisory panel for Atlantic Canada

CITYnews halifax / By The Canadian Press

The federal government has appointed a new economic advisory committee for the Atlantic region.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who is also a Nova Scotia MP, made the announcement Monday, saying the seven members of the Atlantic Economic Panel have experience in growing companies and creating jobs.

The minister says the panel will have a mandate to recommend practical steps to create jobs, raise productivity, support businesses and strengthen communities.

Fraser, who is also the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, says the panel will be led by Don Mills, president of Crane Cove Holdings and co-founder of Halifax-based Narrative Research.

Other members include J. Scott McCain, chairman of McCain Foods in New Brunswick, Joyce Carter, CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority and Terry Richardson, chief of the Pabineau First Nation in northeastern New Brunswick.

The panel is expected to deliver a final report by September of next year.

“We are bringing together top local business leaders because we want Atlantic Canadians to get their fair share of the opportunities coming to our region,” Fraser said in a statement.

“The panel will be on the road next year to hear directly from people and businesses about what is working and what is holding us back.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 24, 2025.