A vision for the ages; honouring Purdy, and upcoming events not to be missed

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The 2015 Chairman’s Dinner was a success. We are grateful to the Honourable John Manley for providing strategic insight on Canada’s long-term future. Manley’s wisdom, ability and quips kept the 200+ crowd engaged, inspired and reflective of brighter days ahead for our great country. Topics covered throughout the evening, many of which revealed some hidden passions for the former Cabinet Minister, included immigration, trades and training, economic policy, foreign trade and development, education, and last but not least, global competition.

Upon reflection, the road ahead for Canada is fraught with world oil prices falling, international and domestic security dominating headlines around the world, and global technology outpacing Canadian pedagogical priorities. The news is not good, and you need not be living under a rock to know it. But if Manley made any point worth repeating, it is that Canada must forge a new way of developing and thinking on a globally competitive scale when educating our youth and future workforce. Canada is slipping into obscurity because we are falling behind other countries who, as Manley commented, prioritize numeracy and literacy on the same scale we value the success of our national hockey program. It is a sobering contrast, and one that should resonate with all policymakers and legislators.

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “doing what needs to be done may not make you happy, but it will make you great.” If Manley’s message meant anything, it is that before we try to solve all of the country’s historical and present problems, the long-term vision must be designed through innovation and parallel optimism, meaning the solutions may be uncomfortable in the short run, but the road ahead will hold the promise of a greater society of principle and economic prosperity when we think bigger, act bolder and respond smarter.

Nova Scotia is one such example of expanding opportunities through immigration. Through efforts of the One Nova Scotia Coalition and Nova Scotia Department of Immigration, the province has revamped its provincial nominee program, embraced express entry as a means for recruiting skilled labour, and is the only jurisdiction in the country to receive federal approval for more nominations. Community leaders like Wadih Fares and Dr. Colin Dodds – both stalwarts in immigration policy and reform – have led the charge with their experience and depth of knowledge on immigration issues. Both men have contributed to broader immigration reform in the province and continue actively to work with government to develop long-term economic opportunities.

As the province creates new synergies with post-secondary Nova Scotia assets, the provincial imperative to attract and retain more international students is tangible. In the last 14 months, Nova Scotia has created a direct pathway for international students to stay in Nova Scotia under the skilled worker stream. Nova Scotia _is also leading the country with two more new business immigration streams – one of which will be the first of its kind in the country – exclusively focusing on international students.

As Nova Scotia turns the corner on immigration, we are reminded of Manley’s message: our long-term success begins with competing to be the best, not just in our region or country, but in the world.

For a copy of Mr. Manley’s speech, please click here.

Marco Navarro-Genie
President and CEO


Tribute to AIMS Chairman Emeritus

The 2015 Chairman’s Dinner was an opportunity to honour AIMS’ tenacious champion, Purdy Crawford, who inspired thousands through his incredible foresight and contributions to Atlantic Canada and to the country.

Purdy Crawford was a driving force during the formative years of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. He was our passionate fundraiser, our spirited Chair, and one of our greatest champions. Purdy believed that ideas matter, that good ideas must be effectively communicated, and that they need to be supported with facts. AIMS is the embodiment of that belief.

At the Chairman’s Dinner, we were fortunate to have among us Mr. Gordon Pitts, author of Fire in the Belly: How Purdy Crawford rescued Canada and changed the way we do business. Pitts offered some vivid remarks and observations about Purdy, and was one of the highlights of the evening. We are also extremely grateful to have had David Crawford, son of Purdy Crawford, among our dinner guests.

The Purdy Crawford Fund

In 2013, Purdy Crawford, together with AIMS’ current Chairman, John Risley, established The AIMS Purdy Crawford Fund to ensure the continuity of the institute, and to ensure that AIMS would have the resources needed to carry on providing evidenced-based research and ideas that supports the prosperity of the Atlantic Region.
Those interested in honouring this fierce Atlantic Canadian advocate and one of Canada’s most respected businessmen through a contribution to The AIMS Purdy Crawford Fund, please click here to our Donation Page to dedicate your donation to this legacy-building fund.


Upcoming Events:

Public Participation in Quality Health Care and Policy Reform

In May, the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies (AIMS) convened a forum to discuss citizen participation in health care. People came from many disciplines including medical practitioners, former civil servants, business people, researchers, policy experts and consultants, and academics from medicine, nursing, philosophy, history and English. There was a collective will, among the May forum participants, to bring forward community-based solutions to improve quality healthcare and realize effective policy reform.

The forum members recommended that we hold a broader community consultation with representation from illness-specific groups and to gather input from the public at large.

To this end, AIMS has partnered with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council to hold a full-day Public Participation in Quality Health Care and Policy Reform Forum on October 13, 2015 at Halifax Central Library – O`Regan Hall. The participation of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is living evidence that concerns about stagnation and lack of innovation in delivering better, more efficient care for Nova Scotians cuts across many perceived ideological and social divides.

The purpose of the October 13th forum then is to determine if there is a consensus of what reforms need to be made, and to develop an action plan to:

1. promote improvements in health literacy
2. grant patient access to their own information
3. grant public access to information about health system performance, including waiting times, the benefits and harms of interventions, and error rates to make thoughtful personal and political choices.

The questions the October 13th forum will address are: How can we go about addressing these issues? What policies need to be in place in order to facilitate change? What information do we need to gather? And what research do we need to do to garner support for the necessary changes and initiatives?

Healthcare Forum - 1

To RSVP for this event, please contact AIMS at:

[email protected]
(902) 429-1143

Hydraulic Fracturing as Green Technology: The case for sustainable prosperity

Michael BinnionThe case for hydraulic fracturing in New Brunswick will receive a new boost this October as the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS) invites renowned energy expert Michael Binnion to discuss fracking as the best green technology available in today’s energy market.

Titled Hydraulic Fracturing as Green Technology: The case for sustainable prosperity, the current president and CEO of Questerre Energy Corporation will address greater regional prosperity through increased investment and jobs for New Brunswickers. Binnion will also discuss environmental concerns, drawing attention to water and seismic data and general safety issues.

The luncheon event is scheduled for Friday, October 30 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Moncton. Only 200 tickets will be sold at a price of $50.00. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. People are encouraged to register online at www.aims.ca.