LISTEN: Atlantic Canada's food service sector shows resilience while defence innovation accelerates and major energy projects advance across the region

Atlantic Canada's food service industry reported 0.6% real per capita sales growth, driven by the GST/HST holiday and increased domestic tourism, though operators face mounting labour costs and immigration policy uncertainty. Federal support continues with ACOA providing nearly $1 million for New Brunswick's VIMY Forge defence innovation accelerator, while Premier Tim Houston promoted Nova Scotia's offshore wind potential to global investors in New York.

Nova Scotia implemented substantially higher penalties for illegal fishing targeting $400 million in unreported lobster catches, and a potential $10-15 billion LNG mega-project off Newfoundland's coast represents one of the largest proposed industrial investments in provincial history.

Highlights:

Trade mission to Mexico – Minister Dominic LeBlanc leading 370 delegates to diversify trade amid US tariff threats.

Offshore wind promotion – Nova Scotia Premier Houston addressed global

New Brunswick wage increase – Provincial minimum wage rising to $15.90 per hour effective April 1st.

Premier Rob Lantz sworn in – PEI Premier returns to leadership role following ceremony at Government House on February 9th.

Canada Summer Games impact – 2025 event delivered approximately $193 million in economic activity across province.

"This report is based on publicly available reporting from regional, national, and industry news sources."

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LISTEN: Federal housing strategy accelerates while Nova Scotia launches groundbreaking 2% down payment program for first-time buyers

Ottawa has introduced legislation transforming Build Canada Homes into a Crown Corporation focused on affordable housing delivery, with direct build projects advancing in Dartmouth and other Atlantic Canadian cities. Nova Scotia launched a first-time home buyer program requiring just 2% down payments to help renters struggling to save deposits, while signing a three-year energy cooperation agreement with Massachusetts covering offshore wind development.

New Brunswick restructured its Atlantic Immigration Program with applications now entering a monthly candidate pool, and announced plans to discontinue using Elon Musk's X platform for routine government communications. Newfoundland and Labrador is closing its Boston office to save approximately $1 million annually, while Premier Tony Wakeman reaffirmed commitments to healthcare improvement, tax relief, and safer communities after 100 days in office.

Highlights:

Atlantic Fisheries Fund renewal urged – Atlantic Chamber of Commerce calls for federal renewal before March 31st deadline while welcoming Canada-China agreement extending reduced tariffs.

Nova Scotia-Massachusetts energy cooperation agreement – Three-year memorandum covers offshore wind development and power sharing.

Atlantic Immigration Program restructured – Applications enter monthly candidate pool rather than first-come processing.

Family doctor relationships with health authority strained – Physicians express concerns about working conditions affecting primary healthcare delivery.

Premier reaffirms commitments after 100 days – Healthcare improvement, tax relief, and safer communities priorities include frozen tuitions and tax relief plans.

"This report is based on publicly available reporting from regional, national, and industry news sources."

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LISTEN: Nova Scotia leads Canada in clean energy deals while internal trade barriers cost national economy $210 billion

Canada's Premiers and Prime Minister renewed commitments to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers costing the economy nearly $210 billion annually, with Atlantic provinces positioned for significant gains. Nova Scotia overtook Alberta as Canada's most active market for corporate clean energy agreements, procuring 262 megawatts of new wind capacity while advancing toward coal-free electricity by 2030.

New Brunswick prepares for fiscal transformation as Premier Susan Holt requests 10-15% departmental budget savings—potentially exceeding $1.4 billion in reductions—while Port Saint John reports a 153% surge in Ontario export volumes. Prince Edward Island implements new personal service business regulations and tax changes delivering $20 million in additional household income, while St. John's housing market continues climbing with 9.6% annual price growth despite national cooling trends.

Highlights:

Rogers expands satellite connectivity – All 5G plus plans now include Rogers satellite service across Atlantic Canada, enhancing rural business continuity.

Retail cannabis revenues climb through 2025 – Nova Scotia leads Atlantic Canada, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, reflecting steady consumer demand.

Nova Scotia leads Canada in clean energy deals – The Province overtook Alberta in 2025 as most active market for corporate renewable procurement.

Port Saint John export volumes surge 153% – Ontario shipments underscore port's growing role as national trade gateway, supporting jobs across marine services.

New regulations for personal service businesses – Salons and aesthetics operators must register, formalizing oversight for the growing sector.

St. John's housing market defies national trends – Canadian Real Estate Association reports 9.6% price growth the highest five-year increase.

“This report is based on publicly available reporting from regional, national, and industry news sources.”

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