Economic Engine: Nation Building
Nation Building: Charting Nova Scotia’s Role in Canada’s Economy
Charting Nova Scotia’s Role in Canada’s Economy comes at an exciting time as the new federal government lays out its plans for Canada’s economic future. For Nova Scotia, it’s a chance to attract investments, grow our economy, create new jobs, and show how our province can compete and lead on a national stage. At the Economic Engine, you’ll hear directly about these priorities, explore where Nova Scotia fits in the bigger picture, and leave with practical ideas on how to better position your business to stay ahead of the curve in Nova Scotia’s changing economy.
PROGRAM
Margaret Chapman CAIP
Narrative Research - COO & Partner
Margaret is a co-owner of Narrative Research, and has worked as a consultant since 1999. She has worked with a wide range of private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations in Canada, the U.S. and in Bermuda. As a moderator she regularly conducts focus groups and facilitates engagement sessions and also has extensive experience in conducting quantitative research across a vast number of industries and topics.
Margaret holds a BA from Simon Fraser University, and an MA from the University of Southern California. Margaret is a member of the Canadian Research Insights Council, and is a designated Certified Analytics and Insight Professional (CAIP). She currently co-chairs CRIC's AI Ethical Guidelines & Public Policy Advocacy Sub-Committee.
Economic Transformation in Atlantic Canada - Fireside Chat
The Atlantic Economic Panel is chaired by Don Mills and brings together seven experienced business leaders from across Atlantic Canada with a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s economy. The Panel was launched in November by the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and focuses on identifying transformational opportunities to drive growth, enhance competitiveness, and ensure long-term prosperity for Atlantic Canadians. Our Economic Engine event will host Don Mills and panel member Joyce Carter, President and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority. They will discuss the panel’s objectives, its role in supporting Nova Scotia and the Atlantic economy, as well as key insights from a recently released Atlantic Canada Business Survey.
Joyce Carter
President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority
Joyce Carter is President and CEO of Halifax International Airport Authority, a role she has held since 2014. Under her leadership, Halifax Stanfield’s economic and employment impact in Nova Scotia has grown significantly, with the airport now supporting over 24,000 jobs and generating more than $4 billion annually as a key driver of business, trade, and global connectivity.
A strong advocate for economic development and transportation infrastructure, Carter actively participates in national and international aviation governance, serving on several regional and community boards that span transportation, tourism, and financial services. She was recently appointed to the Atlantic Economic Panel, where she contributes to regional strategies focused on long-term growth and competitiveness. She also serves as Honorary Colonel of 12 Wing Shearwater.
Carter holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University, where she was recently awarded an honorary Doctor of Commerce. She is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an ICD.D designation.
Her leadership has been recognized through numerous honours, including Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Business Leader of the Year Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her contributions to transportation and commerce.
Don Mills
Partner and Director at CABCO, Chair Atlantic Economic Panel
Don is the President of Crane Cove Holdings Limited, his family investment firm, and a partner and Director with CABCO Communications, an IT infrastructure company in Canada. He is a co-founder and partner with Total Marketing & Communications (TMC) in Bermuda and its affiliate Narrative Research Bermuda. He currently serves as Senior Counsel to TMC. He is the co-founder and former owner and CEO of Corporate Research Associates (now Narrative Research), which has an on-going and long-term relationship with TMC. Don sold his company to his senior management team in late 2018 and remained Chair of the Board and Senior Counsel of Narrative Research until early 2023. He is a regular columnist with the MacDonald Report, as well as being a frequent media commentator on public affair issues. He is also the Co-host of the Insights Podcast on the Acadia Broadcasting Network and recently co-authored a book with David Campbell, “Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada’s Economy”. He continues to be active as a consultant in marketing and strategy.
Don has been active as a business leader and community activist, serving on more than two dozen boards over his career including among others as a founding board member of the Halifax International Airport Authority, as a member of the boards of Dalhousie University, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, the Halifax Partnership, the IWK Foundation, the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies, the YMCA, the Arthritis Society, and United Way. He was a founding Board member and a past Vice-Chair of the Canadian Research Insights Council. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the YMCA, and on the boards of the New Scotland Clothing/ Brewing Companies and 100 Seeds.
He is recognized as a public opinion expert by various judicial bodies and is a Certified Research Insights Professional. He was recognized as a Fellow in the market research industry in Canada in 2008 by the national association, the only Atlantic Canadian to be so recognized. He was chosen as Business Person of the Year in 2001 and as a runner up in 2007 by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. He was inducted into the Top 100 CEOs Hall of Fame in its inaugural year in 2005 by Atlantic Business Magazine and received a Merit Award from his alma mater, Bishop’s University in 2009. He was also an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in 2017. In 2022, he inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. He continues to be passionate about Atlantic Canada and an advocate for change in the region.
More Speakers To Be Announced Soon
Thank you to our Partners
Presenting Partner
Advocate Partner
Host Partners
Please contact Josh Creighton, Corporate Partnership Specialist to discuss
(902) 481-1229 or josh@halifaxchamber.com
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 5, 2026
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM AST
AGENDA
11:30 AM - Registration & Networking
12:00 PM - Buffet lunch, special signup lunch with a Minister
12:50 PM - Welcome & open for the day
1:00 PM - Setting the Stage - Economic Update
1:30 PM - Keynote: Impacts of Canada's Defense Spending Plan
2:15 PM - Coffee & Snack Break
2:30 PM - Keynote: Canada's Major Projects
3:00 PM - Nova Scotia's Innovation Ecosystem
4:00 PM - Keynote: Nova Scotia as a Resource Powerhouse
4:45 PM - Closing Remarks
5:00 PM - Event Concludes
Location
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Fees/Admission
Member - $199 / $1,990 for table *Please note that tickets must be purchased by February 27 at 2:00 PM AST, to secure your attendance at the event. This provides the Chamber and the venue a 5-business day required window. Registration will close after this date.
Future Member - $299 / $2,990 for table
25% Discount for Not-for-profit / Student Members available upon registration
**With a variety of event logistics required to make each event a success, we have the following cancellation policy in place: a minimum of one week prior to the event date.
***Please note: your registration gives the Halifax Chamber of Commerce permission to use the photographs taken during the event for any legal use.
Contact Information
Cailin Winters, Event Specialist
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