While protestors demonstrated outside and complained that their voice was not being heard inside the conference, AIMS acting President Charles Cirtwill (left) was debating Atlantica with one of the chief opponents of the concept, Scott Sinclair.

The occasion was Atlantica 2007; Charting the Course, the second annual Atlantica conference organized by the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC).

Cirtwill explained that Atlantica is not a free trade zone, it is not about eliminating the minimum wage or unions.

“Atlantica is about people with common needs – in a common neighbourhood – coming up with common solutions,” he said. “The phrase “help yourself by helping others” comes to mind.”

This particular debate received extensive coverage, including this article in New Brunswick’s Telegraph-Journal.

To read Defining Atlantica, the AIMS’ Commentary based on Cirtwill’s remarks to the conference, click here.