The Atlantic Almanac | November 2 to November 9

Atlantic Canada’s latest developments centered on defence and energy expansion, questions of political leadership, and debates over major infrastructure projects. New Brunswick introduced a defence growth strategy, while Nova Scotia announced funding to support beef production. Prince Edward Island faced calls for a review of the premier's leadership as the legislature resumed, while Newfoundland and Labrador announced affordability relief for seniors and reported increased offshore oil exploration.

New Brunswick

Defence growth strategy introduced: Premier Susan Holt released a new framework aimed at increasing the province’s defence-related GDP by 31 per cent, from $762 million in 2025 to $1 billion annually by 2030. The strategy is intended to help local companies secure federal defence contracts amid a historic increase in military spending, including around $1 billion for upgrades at CFB Gagetown. Holt said that New Brunswick has “the expertise, the businesses, and the infrastructure” to secure a greater share of federal investment. She also expressed interest in growing the province’s defence sector, which currently employs 14,000 people and has the country’s second-highest per-capita employment rate.

Fracking engagement session held: Around 130 residents attended a public meeting in Sussex to question provincial officials on the potential lifting of a moratorium on shale gas development. The session was part of a five-month review focused on the health, environmental, and economic impacts of renewed fracking. Residents probed whether the government would hold a public referendum before making a decision, with Natural Resources Minister John Herron responding that political considerations would be addressed in January. Wolastoqey Nation expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of meaningful consultation, criticizing the province’s definition of a “First Nations partnership”.

Nova Scotia

Beef producers funding announced: Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow announced a $2.3 million program to help beef farmers expand their operations and meet growing demand for locally produced beef. The funding will support barn expansions, infrastructure upgrades, and cattle purchases as part of the Nova Scotia Beef Initiative, which totals $5.2 million in programs to enhance local beef production. Individual farms can receive up to 25 per cent of eligible projects costs, to a maximum of $250,000. Morrow described the funding as the single largest investment in Nova Scotia’s beef sector and said it will support the growth of the province’s 370 licensed beef producers.

Date centre opinions divided: Over 150 residents attended an open house in D’Escousse on Tuesday night to discuss EverWind Fuel’s proposed date centre in Point Tupper. Some residents raised concerns about Canadian sovereignty and the project’s financing by Anthropic, while others supported its ability to create local jobs and boost the economy. Company representatives said the project is being developed in line with federal guidelines and provincial expectations, with both EverWind and Premier Tim Houston indicating a willingness to put the company’s promises into a formal agreement. A second public engagement session was held on Wednesday, with more sessions expected in the future.

Prince Edward Island

Premier’s leadership review requested: Premier Rob Lantz faced pressure within the Progressive Conservative Party after over 120 members signed a petition calling for a leadership review. The resolution focused on concerns regarding the “rapidly escalating and unsustainable deficit” and weak public support in the polls. Lantz acknowledged the petition but said he would allow the party to follow its procedures while remaining focused on government priorities. He also suggested that some members who had not accepted the results of the February leadership convention were attempting to reverse a democratic decision. PC Party President Robert Larsen said the party was consulting legal counsel to determine the next steps under its constitution, which requires 75 signatures for a leadership vote.

Fall legislative session begins: The provincial legislature returned to Province House on Tuesday for the first time in over a decade, with discussions focused on healthcare, political advertising, and the premier’s leadership. Health Minister Cory Deagle announced that nurse practitioners could operate their own walk-in clinics by January, while acknowledging that physician recruitment had been “underwhelming”. MLAs debated penalties for political advertising violations, with the Liberals proposing the introduction of financial penalties and the Progressive Conservatives favoring the modernization of existing legislation. Green Party Leader Matt McFarlane introduced a motion of no-confidence in Premier Lantz, which, if passed, could trigger an election before Christmas.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Seniors affordability relief announced: Premier Tony Wakeham and Finance Minister Craig Pardy announced a one-time payment for residents aged 65 and older earning $100,000 or less, with cheques ranging from $100 to $500. The government estimates that the program will cost more than $64 million and benefit over 130,000 seniors. Pardy said the initiative will be funded through increased oil revenues, with 20 per cent of additional revenue allocated to affordability measures and 80 per cent directed toward reducing the province’s debt. He noted that the government has not exhausted its funding for cost-of-living relief, and so further measures could be announced as oil revenues remain high.

Offshore oil exploration increased: Shell successfully bid on six offshore exploration licenses off the east and southeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, committing more than $210 million in exploration work. The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator received 10 successful bids overall, marking the largest number of successful bids since 2000. The increase in activity follows Shell’s recent announcement that it would acquire a 30 per cent stake in Equinor’s proposed $14 billion Bay du Nord development. Equinor is expected to make a final investment decision early next year, with the project currently expected to extract more than 400 million barrels of oil.