
The Atlantic Initiative
Building a sustainable, technology-based knowledge economy to increase living standards for all Atlantic CanadiansThe east coast of Canada is experiencing a moment. Now, it is critical to define what the opportunity will be, and how the region can capitalize on it.
As a national applied think tank with long-standing connections to the region, and a base for activities available through our partnerships and the Frank McKenna Fund, PPF is well-positioned to play a role in identifying and mobilizing levers of change to amplify new and under-appreciated winds of change blowing through the eastern end of the country.
Public Policy Forum sees three key pillars for action: people, technology and enablers.
- People: Through hard work and coordination, the negative population trends are starting to reverse in the region, but more needs to be done. Ensuring a growing and productive labour force is critical to building an economy that raises living standards for all Atlantic Canadians.
- Technology: A growing population is a positive, but without the training, skills and adoption of critical technology, Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs, businesses and service providers will be left behind their counterparts.
- Enablers: In addition to people and technology, fostering education and training, understanding and adapting to trends including work from home, and optimizing the regulatory framework to support a strong knowledge economy will either enable or dis-enable a positive path forward.
- Dis-enablers: Atlantic Canada does not operate in a bubble. It is not immune to the threats to growth and prosperity. An eye towards healthcare, housing, transportation and infrastructure is important when understanding the environment for inclusive growth for all Atlantic Canadians.
In year 2 of PPF’s Atlantic Initiative, we will seek to build on the 2030 goal by focusing on people, technology and enablers. We will also build on the findings of The Atlantic Canada Momentum Index.
GOALS AND OUTCOMES
PPF’s Atlantic initiative will seek to achieve three things:
- To deepen policy capacity in the region by training existing leaders and building a network of new and emerging leaders focused on improving their communities
- To convene leaders from all four Atlantic provinces on national and regional issues and opportunities in the spirit of shared collaboration, problem solving and growth
- To increase the voice of Atlantic Canada within the national policy landscape, and to foster the sharing of success and opportunity in the region
HOW WE’LL WORK
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
As we shift our engagement in Atlantic Canada to a sustained physical presence, we welcome partnership from organizations likewise engaged and committed to long term Atlantic prosperity.
THANK YOU


- Arthur, Sandra and Sarah Irving
- Joyce Family Foundation
- Hon. Margaret McCain
- Hon. Frank McKenna
- Oceans Capital Investment Ltd.
- Gerry Pond
- Joseph Shannon
- McInnes Cooper
- TD Bank Group