One Atlantic region economy needed to save ‘burning platform,’ ex-N.B. premier says

Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna believes there is sufficient political will to establish a unified Atlantic Canada economy, which he describes as a "burning platform" in need of salvation. McKenna made these remarks as a group of distinguished business leaders released a comprehensive 181-page report advocating for a significant economic transformation across the four Atlantic provinces.

According to the Atlantic Economic Panel, the region could become one of the country's most prosperous areas by pooling their abundant human capital and resources into a single economic entity. However, the panel also cautioned that the report would be rendered ineffective without proactive measures from provincial governments, businesses, and residents.

McKenna, a former ambassador to the United States, emphasized that provincial leaders should be highly motivated to bring about change due to ongoing fiscal deficits and the adverse impact of the Canada-U.S. trade war. He added that the premiers have been given a valuable opportunity by the report and must now capitalize on it by implementing the suggested recommendations. McKenna stated in a recent interview that the premiers "have been handed a bit of a gift."