The Atlantic Almanac | October 13 to October 19

Last week, the Atlantic provinces saw a mix of energy investments, policy announcements, and political controversies. New Brunswick elected a new Progressive Conservative Party leader and received federal funding for energy infrastructure. Nova Scotia announced plans for a new data centre, while Prince Edward Island faced criticism over a government video advertisement. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador saw Premier Tony Wakeham deliver a state of the province address and recommendations to increase politicians’ salaries.

New Brunswick

Progressive Conservative leader elected: Daniel Allain won the New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Party leadership, defeating rookie MLA Don Monahan by 2,543 votes to 1,797. Allain, who is a former cabinet minister and an Acadian, said he would not consider asking a sitting PC MLA to step aside to give him a seat in the legislature until next year. He also emphasized his ability to improve the party’s competitiveness among francophone voters, which was an area where former leader Blaine Higgs struggled to gain support. Monahan promised to support Allain and run with him in the 2028 provincial election, with the two meeting on Monday “to mend the fences”.

Federal energy funding announced: The federal government announced close to $270 million in funding to improve the province’s energy resilience, including a $219 million loan to NB Power for preliminary work on extending the life of the Mactaquac Dam. CEO Lori Clark noted that the utility is still looking for a private-sector partner to reduce the overall cost of $9 billion, while Premier Susan Holt emphasized the dam’s importance for renewable energy supply across Atlantic Canada. Ottawa’s investment will also support engagement with First Nations, with Kingsclear First Nation Chief Justice Gruben calling for Indigenous communities to have opportunities for training, employment, and procurement.

Nova Scotia

Data centre plans confirmed: EverWind Fuels revealed plans to build a data centre in Point Tupper to power artificial intelligence company Anthropic’s Claude models and meet growing demand. The project is valued at $10 billion, including $8 billion to build and operate the data centre and $2 billion for four onshore wind farms to support electricity generation. Premier Tim Houston said the investment demonstrates “what is possible” in the province, while EverWind also intends to establish a community benefits program. A consortium of Mi’kmaw communities, led by Membertou First Nation, is negotiating a nine per cent equity stake in the project.

Offshore wind investment committed: Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson announced $100 million for Nova Scotia’s Wind West offshore wind project to support data collection on offshore wind speeds and ocean conditions, as well as planning for transmission lines to Quebec and Ontario. The first phase, which is estimated to cost $60 billion, could generate five gigawatts of electricity as early as 2033. Premier Tim Houston suggested that the investment would shorten development timelines and give potential developers more confidence in the project. Hodgson also indicated that Ottawa is working towards a single Maritime electricity operator to allow provinces to share renewable energy resources.

Prince Edward Island

Government video advertisement criticized: Opposition Leader Hal Perry accused the PEI government of violating the Government Advertising Standards Act, with a video promoting the Island Essentials Benefit that features Premier Rob Lantz and Finance and Affordability Minister Jill Burridge. The provincial legislation prohibits government advertising from including the name, voice, or image of a cabinet or legislature member. Perry called for the video to be withdrawn and taxpayers to be reimbursed, while the premier’s office said no public money was spent on the advertisement. The Liberal Party plans to introduce amendments during the fall session that would require a governing party found in breach to refund the entire cost of the advertisement.

Farmland protection program reviewed: A report on the province’s Land Identification Program found that protections to preserve farmland and coastal areas from development are temporary and risk creating the impression that the land is permanently protected. The program allows non-development agreements to be attached to certain land sales, but a change in 2015 meant that all agreements would expire after 10 years. Review commissioner Rory Francis estimated that more than 182,000 hectares, equivalent to about one-third of the Island, will have lost these protections by 2036. Green Party Leader Matt McFarlane criticized successive governments for failing to establish a comprehensive land use plan.

Newfoundland and Labrador

State of the province address delivered: Premier Tony Wakeham marked the one-year anniversary of his election victory with a state of the province address, noting his government’s progress on campaign promises to improve healthcare, lower taxes, and strengthen public safety. While acknowledging the rising cost of living, Wakeham revealed that measures to eliminate income tax on the first $15,000 earned and make a reduction to the provincial gas tax permanent would be implemented during the fall legislative session. He also highlighted the new Churchill Falls agreement, expressing confidence that Quebec Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon would support the proposed deal.

Politicians’ salary increase recommended: A report from the province’s Members’ Compensation Review Committee recommended increasing annual salaries for MHAs from $95,357 to $117,000 by April 1, 2027. Salaries for elected officials in Newfoundland and Labrador have been frozen since December 2009, leaving politicians with the second-lowest base pay among provincial legislators. While Speaker Paul Lane recognized that politicians’ compensation is a sensitive issue for taxpayers, he argued that fair pay helps attract qualified candidates to public office. The recommendations will be reviewed by the House of Assembly Management Commission, with a briefing scheduled for Wednesday.