Defying Expectations - video transcript

Atlantic Canada.

It’s not what you might think it is.

Moncton, Charlottetown, Halifax and Fredericton are among the fastest growing cities in Canada right now.

And the fastest of all is Sydney, Cape Breton.

Atlantic Canada is now a vibrant, entrepreneurial, younger, more diverse, technology driven economy and that’s attracting people and investment.

With its unique strengths, Atlantic Canada is making a big impact on Canada and has the potential to do even more.

This is a modern Atlantic Canada.

This is an Atlantic Canada that’s educated.

This is an Atlantic Canada that’s innovative.

This is an Atlantic Canada that’s more diverse.

There’s a leadership in in innovation, ocean technology, and various aspects of society that’s happening here.

Tech hubs and innovation centers have sprung up across the region.

Places like the Genesis Center in St. John’s, Volta in Halifax and Planet Hatch in Fredericton are nurturing startups and fostering innovation with resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment for tech entrepreneurs.

Atlantic Canada boasts a thriving startup scene with 816 startups in 2023, and that’s growing.

These start-ups Drive innovation attract investment and strengthen the region’s economy.

This growth also contributes to making Canada’s economy stronger and more diversified.

The new Atlantic Canada to me is one that’s a dynamic hub for innovation and technology advancement really.

Atlantic Canadian companies are change makers globally.

Companies like Verafin, a leader in financial crime management software and Smartskin, specializing in production line sensors are making a global impact right from their Atlantic Canadian headquarters.

This is a very important or a great support that we appreciate that we’re getting.

I see that in Atlantic region there is a very good growth in health sector, mainly.

Over 12 years ago, we founded Somru right here in PER from PEI.

We are proud to export to 26 different countries.

Atlantic Canada has the potential to become global hub for bioscience and technology innovation.

Our tech sector is growing rapidly, but Atlantic Canada still faces economic challenges like managing unprecedented population growth, access to housing, rural urban disparities and limited access to business financing.

But the region’s resilience and commitment to innovation provide a strong foundation for overcoming these obstacles.

There must be a favorable prejudice that exists in Ottawa with the Prime Minister so that he insists that big ticket items take place in favor of Atlantic Canada.

The growth of an innovation economy is supported by strong government initiatives and world class educational institutions.

The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the four Atlantic provincial governments, has launched several programs and funding initiatives to attract and train a skilled workforce, foster tech adoption, spur innovation, connect technology with business, support startups and create high paying jobs across the region.

Atlantic Canada has as much startup potential as it does coastlines.

The bridges that have been built between governments, incubators, universities, investors and support programs have fostered and propelled startup founders and their companies.

It is a place where you can be yourself, you can find meaning and purpose and do amazing things.

Beyond its thriving tech industry, Atlantic Canada offers an exceptional quality of life.

Yes, our heritage is important to us, but we’re not stuck in the past.

The energy has changed significantly over the last 10 years.

If you take a look at Atlantic Canada today, you will see a younger, more diverse Atlantic Canada.

That’s our story.

I think the new Atlantic Canada is an area that really has got some of the best economic potential in Canada

And the landscape of Atlantic Canadian business is thriving and growing.

I’m proud to say our Mi’kmaq communities are at the center of the development.

Atlantic Canada’s tech driven economy is thriving.

We are at the cutting edge in ocean tech, clean energy and cybersecurity.

Clean energy innovations like offshore wind, green hydrogen, small modular reactors, and a growing energy storage battery cluster show how Atlantic Canada is doing its part when it comes to decarbonization.

Atlantic Canada is poised to significantly advance Canada’s journey to net zero and establish the nation as a clean energy leader, creating opportunities for future generations.