Correction notice: the initial newsletter included a draft version of Don Mills’ letter to the editor. The final version is below.
Dear ABMInsider,
When I chose to title my January column as “Despicable, Cynical Me”, I knew I was going to get some critical reactions.
The column was my response to ACOA’s November announcement of a business-led Atlantic Economic Panel. The six corporate volunteers were tasked with meeting “with people and businesses across Atlantic Canada in 2026 to hear what is working, what is holding the region back and where Atlantic Canada can win. They will identify not only sector-specific opportunities, but also the structural, regulatory, and cultural barriers that may be limiting the region’s full economic potential.”
My reaction, as you can likely tell from the column title, was less than enthusiastic—not for the panel members (I have nothing but huge respect for them all), but for the process. Both before and during my ABM-life, I’ve had considerable exposure to these types of consultations over the years. I’ve been part of, and witnessed, multiple instances of government-led public consultations, with everyday folks and community leaders vocalizing their thoughts and ideas for a more prosperous future… but ultimately no resources to back them up. Was I cynical about this latest announcement? Yes. Yes, I was.
It was no surprise, then, when panel chair Don Mills called to say how disappointed he and the panel—one of whom is an advertiser, and another who is an event sponsor—were with my comments. The crux of his argument was that I wasn’t giving them the benefit of the doubt. That my cynicism was, in fact, damaging to their cause.
He asked for equal space for a rebuttal in our March issue, and I agreed. I’m pasting it here as well (see below).
I’d also like to know what you think—either about the panel, your ideas on how Atlantic Canada can overcome what’s holding us back, or even whether you agree that my initial column was unfairly cynical. There’s nothing I would like more than to be proven wrong and I firmly believe that if anyone can do it, it’s this panel—provided their efforts get the support they deserve.
Action Over Cynicism
By Don Mills, Chair, Atlantic Economic Panel
A recent op-ed (Despicable, Cynical Me, January/February 2026) by Atlantic Business Magazine's executive editor and co-owner Dawn Chafe exemplifies a challenge we face in Atlantic Canada. You'll remember our former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's 2002 comment accusing us of having a "culture of defeat." While the outrage was understandable, many quietly acknowledged he'd touched a nerve. The real issue wasn't defeat—it was dependence on government. Unfortunately, Chafe's op-ed echoes that same defeatism, essentially arguing that no matter what our panel recommends, it won't make a difference and is therefore a waste of time.
This raises a critical question: Is cynicism a better strategy than trying and possibly failing? As a business owner, I learned that survival requires tenacity, resilience and determination. One thing I know for certain—nothing improves by doing nothing.
The Atlantic Economic Panel has been hard at work since long before our formal announcement on November 24th by Minister Sean Fraser. We've assembled a proven business panel with demonstrated track records of success. We've developed a comprehensive consultative process across multiple phases. We've undertaken a full sectoral review of economic activity and trends across the four provinces. We've engaged with all sector councils and associations to seek written submissions on the best economic opportunities. We've taken a similar approach with major business associations and economic development agencies. We've held in-person engagement sessions in each province, with more than 30 presentations from key stakeholders. We've conducted CEO Roundtables in all four provinces. We've consulted with national leaders in major capital investment organizations. We have an expert sub-group examining tax competitiveness. We've had numerous one-on-one meetings with key business leaders. We've surveyed both the business community and public on economic development opportunities and attitudes toward our future. These surveys remain available on our website (www.aep-peca.ca) along with opportunities for written submissions from any interested individual, business or organization.
We've also established an Expert Advisory Council to provide specialized guidance on both key opportunity sectors and critical subjects to inform our deliberations and final recommendations.
We heard it loud and clear from some of the most influential CEOs and organizations in the region: we're at a pivotal moment. Not only does the economy have momentum, but the rapidly evolving and unstable geopolitical environment creates unprecedented opportunities for our provinces to achieve greater prosperity and secure our future. This is the time for bold ambition and decisive action.
But here's what makes this time different. Our recommendations won't sit on a shelf because we're building stakeholder buy-in before we finalize them. We're not producing another report—we're creating an action plan with the business community ready to implement it. This panel has a time-limited mandate with clear accountability, and we're designing recommendations for immediate implementation, not long-term consideration.
However, success requires commitment beyond our work. Atlantic Canada needs three fundamental shifts. First, governments must commit to responding to recommendations within 90 days, not 90 months. Speed matters when global opportunities have short windows. Second, we must break down the interprovincial barriers that fragment our economy and prevent us from competing as a unified region. Third, the business community must lead implementation rather than wait for government action. This is a business-led initiative that requires business leadership to succeed.
We face a unique moment where global instability creates unprecedented demand for what Atlantic Canada offers—strategic geography, established infrastructure, university talent and most importantly, credibility as a reliable and trusted partner. The question isn't whether our work will lead somewhere. The question is whether Atlantic Canadians will seize this moment or let cynicism become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Atlantic Business Magazine has long championed regional prosperity. I invite Dawn and your readers to hold us accountable to delivering actionable results—and to demand the same from government and business leaders when we present our recommendations in early summer 2026.
Feedback? Send it to dchafe@atlanticbusinessmagazine.ca
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Dawn Chafe Co-owner & Executive Editor |