Halifax and Nova Scotia are experiencing record growth in population, GDP, new businesses starting up, and attracting university talent. With a provincial goal of doubling population to two million people in the coming years, how do we begin to shift our goals and define the future of Nova Scotia?
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce our first Economic Forum.
The Forum will showcase a positive, realistic, and optimistic narrative of where Nova Scotia’s economy is heading post-recovery and how best to navigate the pitfalls while capitalizing on the opportunities.
Join us on May 9th to discuss how governments and businesses need to react and respond to ensure they steward the economy in a way that maximizes the potential for all Nova Scotians.
The provincial public healthcare system has recently been declared in crisis, with current healthcare infrastructures buckling under the large demand on its resources. Some critics have questioned whether privatized healthcare could be a potential source of relief for this crisis. This shift towards privatization has reignited the long-standing debate over the privatization of the healthcare system. In this Munk-style debate, the debaters will dive deep into the pros and cons of both sides. Audiences will vote for the winner at the end.
The Indigenous business community is growing rapidly in Mi’kmaki and across the nation. Hear from local Indigenous business leaders on their sustainable development practices and the future of Indigenous business.
Hear from Edward Greenspon about "The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index" from the Public Policy Forum. The Public Policy Forum’s optimism about Atlantic Canada was reinforced during the pandemic, when its good governance and social cohesion served as a wake-up call to other Canadians. With high vaccination and low infection rates, accompanied by a historic turnaround in population growth and significant inroads in the innovation economy, the Public Policy Forum convincingly documents in its Atlantic Canada Momentum Index that conditions, from the weather to the economy, have made Atlantic Canadians resilient and entrepreneurial, and allowed us to become the shapers of our own destiny. It is apparent to current and former leaders in the region that a new day is dawning.
Trent Vichie is the CEO of EverWind. Mr. Vichie’s infrastructure experience includes over $20 billion of equity raised (energy and power, solar and wind, renewables, marine terminals, pipelines, gas and liquids, processing, communication, water desalination, district heating, strategic rail).
In addition to managing a $20 billion portfolio of infrastructure assets, he has sat on the boards of seven infrastructure companies across these sectors. Mr. Vichie has raised over $15 billion of institutional capital from over 100 investors (including US public pension plans, Canadian institutions, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, fund of funds, and high net worth investors).
Mr. Vichie received a Master’s degree in Economics from Macquarie University (Actuarial Studies) in Sydney Australia and qualified as an actuary in Australia. He is a CFA Charterholder.
Edward Greenspon is the President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum (PPF), a national applied policy think tank founded in the 1980s.
At PPF, Ed has headed up research and convening projects on the state of the news industry, what to do about online hate and disinformation, the social and economic determinants of growth and competitiveness, ensuring full and fair participation in the future of work and getting climate and energy policy working together – among other subjects.
Michael is Mohawk, Bear Clan with Ancestry in Tyendinaga on his Mothers side and Polish on his Fathers side. He is also referred to as Ken’niwahkwarita (Little Dipper). He currently serves as the Executive Director of Pictou Landing First Nation, President of Akwekon Enterprises, a Board of Director for Glooscap Ventures, and is a co-founder of Starberry Drink Co.
Michael has Bachelors of Commerce from Saint Mary's University and a Masters of Innovation, Management & Entrepreneurship from Queen's University and a Certificate of Disruptive Technology. Michael is a person of principles, passionate about solving problems, innovation, design and traditional Indigenous teachings.
Persistently curious, Michael enjoys attempting to understand the mechanics of human made systems and how to align them better with nature made systems.
George Tex Marshall
President, NAIG 2023 Host Society
Panelist, Indigenous Business Panel
Tex is a member of the Bear (Muin) Clan of the Mi’kmaq Nation and is from Eskasoni First Nation. Tex has had a lifelong passion for sport and opportunities for Indigenous youth. He has worked diligently over the years, to create and deliver a Mi’kmaw Sport Delivery System in Nova Scotia.
Tex Graduated from CBU with Honors in the Degree of Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS), despite having two Learning Disabilities. He also earned a Masters of Education Degree (Honors) at St.FXU. He is the Mi’kmaw Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Tripartite Sport & Recreation Committee since inception, representing the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs.
He was the Lead for Nova Scotia’s Bid for NAIG 2020 and is currently the President of the NAIG 2023 Host Society. Tex takes pride in the fact that he is instrumental in the creation of Sports opportunities for Mi’kmaw youth in Nova Scotia and the creation of a Mi’kmaw Sport delivery system. His moto in life is simply, “There is tremendous potential among Mi’kmaw youth, however potential remains dormant without opportunities.”
Martina Kelades is a multi-passionate Artist in Halifax. She is a Vulnerability Speaker in the area of Mental Health, an Actor, Author, Podcast Host on the Life Out Loud Podcast, and CEO & Founder of Life Out Loud — Mental Health Consulting & Creatives, a unique service promoting mental health and wellness in workplaces and life in general. Martina’s roots are grounded in sharing stories that have been silenced to serve communities and individuals in living a life on purpose - using various platforms to tell life stories to educate and support personal awareness for individual and organizational mental health and wellness.
Martina has been an active member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce since 2018; she was a Business Leader of the Year finalist (2018) for the Halifax Business Awards and has served as a judge for the Business Awards over the past three years.
A respected academic, educator and administrator, Robert Summerby-Murray was appointed Saint Mary’s University’s 34th President in July 2015. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, Dr. Summerby-Murray holds a PhD in geography from the University of Toronto, is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and holds an associate’s diploma in pipe organ performance from Trinity College of Music, London. Before joining Saint Mary’s, Dr. Summerby-Murray served as the Dean of Social Sciences at Mount Allison University (2003-2010) and as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Dalhousie University (2010-2015).
Dr. Summerby-Murray serves a vibrant, diverse community of more than 7,500 faculty, students and staff and is an enthusiastic champion of Saint Mary’s University. He spearheaded the development of the university’s 2017-2022 strategic plan and currently leads initiatives to build on Saint Mary’s strengths of entrepreneurship and innovation, accessibility, community engagement, research achievement, philanthropy and global connectedness. In 2018, he was named one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s ‘Top 50 CEOs’ and in 2020 was renewed as Saint Mary’s president for a second five-year term.
Paula Minnikin, ICD.D is an experienced governance and technology leader working in Canada, the US and Europe. Paula’s governance thought leadership has been published in Director magazine, the Globe and Mail, and several other publications. She has provided expert commentary on governance on national television and radio, and, notably, was the New York Times quote of the day on the subject in June of 2017.
One of four co-founders of the Atlantic Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Paula has served on Private, Family, Crown Corporation, Foundation, Not-For-Profit, and Community Boards. Paula writes a weekly column for AllNovaScotia.com and continues to be very involved in governance, start-up, volunteer, music, basketball and sailing communities.
William A. Black is a highly successful business leader and community member in Halifax. He spent 34 years at Maritime Life, becoming President and CEO in 1995. The company grew significantly under his leadership, with 3,000 employees and $15 billion in assets under management by 2004. Mr. Black prioritized strong employee relations and customer satisfaction, leading to Maritime Life's regular inclusion among the top 50 employers in Canada.
He has served in leadership positions on various boards, including the IWK Health Centre, Symphony Nova Scotia, and the Bank of Canada, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015.
Don Mills is currently the President of Crane Cove Holdings Limited, his family investment firm, a partner and Director with CABCO Communications, an IT infrastructure company and Total Marketing & Communications, a Bermuda based company he co-founded. He is the co-founder and former owner and CEO of Corporate Research Associates (now Narrative Research). He is a regular columnist with both the Saltwire Network and Brunswick News, as well as being a frequent media commentator on public affair issues. He is also the Co-host of the Insights Podcast on the Huddle Network.
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 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 continues to be passionate about Atlantic Canada and an advocate for change in the region
A native of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, David came to Enterprise Canada from the Office of Ontario Premier Doug Ford where he was Executive Director of Strategic Communications responsible advertising, branding and public opinion research activities. David co-authored Ford’s 2018 election platform and wrote the communications strategy and narrative for both of Premier Ford’s winning campaigns (2018, 2022).
He reprised that role in Nova Scotia, crafting Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s 2021 election campaign narrative and served key roles in the Premier’s issues management and debate preparation teams. He served as speech writer to former Premier Dr. John Hamm and as a Communications Strategist in the Office of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Jason has extensive experience in senior government roles and inside campaign war rooms during federal and provincial elections. He worked in the Prime Minister’s Office under Stephen Harper, served as Executive Director of the Conservative Resource Group, and held senior roles in the office of former Ontario Premier Mike Harris.
Jason is a regular commentator for several media outlets including CBC, CTV, Macleans, and The National Post.
Laura leads Enterprise Canada’s Ottawa office and federal government relations practice. Previously, Laura was a senior team member of the Prime Minister’s Office for the Trudeau government providing high-level strategic advice, and held key leadership roles on the 2015 and 2019 elections campaigns.
Prior to joining Enterprise Canada, Laura was the general manager of the largest feminist investment fund in the world, the Equality Fund. She oversaw operations and advised the Co-CEO’s through the fund’s design and build after a $300-million investment from the Government of Canada. Laura is a regular commentator and panelist on the CBC’s Power and Politics.
Dave has decades of combined experience in communications, politics, and digital strategy, focused on helping brands and institutions develop an impactful online voice that resonates with their audience. Dave was Head of Politics and Government at Instagram in Washington, DC, where he advised global political leaders, government agencies, NGOs and IGOs.
He served as Deputy Director of Communications, Digital, for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa. From the history-making 2015 federal election campaign to 2019, Dave led the team responsible for all of the Prime Minister’s video, web and social media properties, conceiving, writing and producing all digital products in the PMO. He worked as a reporter, editor and producer in various Canadian radio and TV newsrooms, including CTV National News.
Dennis Matthews is the President of Creative Currency, an advertising agency and content studio in Toronto. Dennis leads a team that works with major leaders, brands and causes to tell their story and move public opinion. He was an advertising advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a veteran of numerous political campaigns, and remains a frequent media commentator on advertising, digital and political issues.
He was recently recognized as an Adweek Magazine Toronto Brand Star and is a member of the Board of Directors of Destination Ontario and the Marketing and Communications Committee of the Michael Garron Hospital. Dennis is also a partner at Enterprise Canada, a national strategic communication firm.
Tuesday May 9, 2023
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM ADT
Tuesday, May 9
9:30am - 5:30pm
Agenda
9:30am Registration and Networking
10:00am Opening Remarks
10:10am Keynote: The Sustainable Future with Trent Vichie, EverWind Fuels
10:40am Debate: Public vs. Private Healthcare
11:40am Coffee Break
12:00pm Keynote: Alfred Burgesson, Tribe Network
12:35pm Lunch
1:20pm Fireside Chat: Momentum in Atlantic Canada with Edward Greenspon, President and CEO, Public Policy Forum
2:00pm Panel: Indigenous Business Growth in Nova Scotia
2:45pm Coffee Break
3:00pm Panel: The Business of Politics with Enterprise Canada
4:30pm Minister Round Tables - additional RSVP required
5:30pm Event Ends
Detailed Agenda
Member - $199 / $1,990 for table
Future Member - $229 / $2,290 for table
25% Discount for Not-for-profit / Students available upon registration
Contact Sandra Thomson with any questions or concerns about registration.
**Please note: your registration gives the Halifax Chamber of Commerce permission to use the photographs taken during the event for any legal use.
Sandra Thomson, Event Specialist, (902) 481-1226
Send Email
Printed courtesy of www.halifaxchamber.com – Contact the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for more information.
32 Akerley Blvd Suite 100, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1N1 – (902) 468-7111 – info@halifaxchamber.com