Nation Building: Charting Nova Scotia?s Role in Canada?s Economy 
 

Charting Nova Scotia?s Role in Canada?s Economy comes at an exciting time as the new federal government lays out its plans for Canada?s economic future. For Nova Scotia, it?s a chance to attract investments, grow our economy, create new jobs, and show how our province can compete and lead on a national stage. At the Economic Engine, you?ll hear directly about these priorities, explore where Nova Scotia fits in the bigger picture, and leave with practical ideas on how to better position your business to stay ahead of the curve in Nova Scotia?s changing economy.

PROGRAM

Margaret is a co-owner of Narrative Research, and has worked as a consultant since 1999. She has worked with a wide range of private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations in Canada, the U.S. and in Bermuda. As a moderator she regularly conducts focus groups and facilitates engagement sessions and also has extensive experience in conducting quantitative research across a vast number of industries and topics.

 

Margaret holds a BA from Simon Fraser University, and an MA from the University of Southern California. Margaret is a member of the Canadian Research Insights Council, and is a designated Certified Analytics and Insight Professional (CAIP). She currently co-chairs CRIC's AI Ethical Guidelines & Public Policy Advocacy Sub-Committee.

Economic Transformation in Atlantic Canada - Fireside Chat

The Atlantic Economic Panel is chaired by Don Mills and brings together seven experienced business leaders from across Atlantic Canada with a shared commitment to strengthening the region?s economy. The Panel was launched in November by the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and focuses on identifying transformational opportunities to drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and ensure long-term prosperity for Atlantic Canadians. Our Economic Engine event will host Don Mills and panel member Joyce Carter, President and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority. They will discuss the panel?s objectives, its role in supporting Nova Scotia and the Atlantic economy, as well as key insights from a recently released Atlantic Canada Business Survey.
 

Joyce Carter is President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, a role she has held since 2014. Under her leadership, Halifax Stanfield?s economic and employment impact in Nova Scotia has grown significantly, with the airport now supporting over 24,000 jobs and generating more than $4 billion annually as a key driver of business, trade, and global connectivity.

 

A strong advocate for economic development and transportation infrastructure, Carter actively participates in national and international aviation governance, serving on several regional and community boards that span transportation, tourism, and financial services. She was recently appointed to the Atlantic Economic Panel, where she contributes to regional strategies focused on long-term growth and competitiveness. She also serves as Honorary Colonel of 12 Wing Shearwater.

 

Carter holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary?s University, where she was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce. She is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an ICD.D designation.

 

Her leadership has been recognized through numerous honours, including Atlantic Canada?s Top 50 CEOs, Canada?s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce?s 2019 Business Leader of the Year Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to transportation and commerce.​

Don is the President of Crane Cove Holdings Limited, his family investment firm, and a partner and Director with CABCO Communications, an IT infrastructure company in Canada. He is a co-founder and partner with Total Marketing & Communications (TMC) in Bermuda and its affiliate Narrative Research Bermuda. He currently serves as Senior Counsel to TMC. He is the co-founder and former owner and CEO of Corporate Research Associates (now Narrative Research), which has an on-going and long-term relationship with TMC. Don sold his company to his senior management team in late 2018 and remained Chair of the Board and Senior Counsel of Narrative Research until early 2023. He is a regular columnist with the MacDonald Report, as well as being a frequent media commentator on public affair issues. He is also the Co-host of the Insights Podcast on the Acadia Broadcasting Network and recently co-authored a book with David Campbell, ?Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada?s Economy?. He continues to be active as a consultant in marketing and strategy.

 

Don has been active as a business leader and community activist, serving on more than two dozen boards over his career including among others as a founding board member of the Halifax International Airport Authority, as a member of the boards of Dalhousie University, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Halifax Partnership, the IWK Foundation, the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies, the YMCA, the Arthritis Society, and United Way. He was a founding Board member and a past Vice-Chair of the Canadian Research Insights Council.  He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the YMCA, and on the boards of the New Scotland Clothing/ Brewing Companies and 100 Seeds.

 

He is recognized as a public opinion expert by various judicial bodies and is a Certified Research Insights Professional. He was recognized as a Fellow in the market research industry in Canada in 2008 by the national association, the only Atlantic Canadian to be so recognized. He was chosen as Business Person of the Year in 2001 and as a runner up in 2007 by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Top 100 CEOs Hall of Fame in its inaugural year in 2005 by Atlantic Business Magazine and received a Merit Award from his alma mater, Bishop?s University in 2009.  He was also an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2017. In 2022, he inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. He continues to be passionate about Atlantic Canada and an advocate for change in the region.

 

Patrick Brannon

Senior Researcher + Director, Major Projects, Atlantic Economic Council

Patrick is the Senior Researcher for the Atlantic Economic Council.  He has been active in economic and business analysis for over 25 years.

 

He is a leading voice on the issues impacting the economy of Atlantic Canada.  Patrick recently authored reports on housing and defence in Atlantic Canada. He is currently leading a new two-year research series on the importance of health care to the region?s economy.

 

Patrick is a frequent speaker at events discussing the economic and major project outlooks for Atlantic Canada and is passionate about the continued success of the region.

More Speakers To Be Announced Soon

 

Thank you to our Partners

Presenting Partner 
 

 

Community Partner



Advocate Partner 





Host Partners


 

Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Please contact Josh Creighton, Corporate Partnership Specialist to discuss
(902) 481-1229 or josh@halifaxchamber.com