Atlantic Canada could soon be dealing with stalled economic development, according to a new report by the Public Policy Forum. The nonpartisan group’s 2026 Atlantic Canada Momentum Index found the region has positive sign in 15 out of 25 indicators. The region’s 2023 report was much more positive with strong momentum in 16 out of 20 indicators. “What we’re seeing this time is a storm warning,” Carole Lee Reinhardt, Atlantic director for the forum, told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis. “We still have momentum. The downward trend is what’s concerning.” Reinhardt cited Atlantic Canada’s sluggish population growth as a possible detriment for economic development. She also noted the region is a popular retirement destination. “Our growth in 2023 was due to more people coming into the region rather than increase in productivity,” she said. “All of these big projects take people to drive them. “You have to get these big projects off the ground. We are short 441,000 workers.” The report found economic inequality, physician access, life satisfaction, housing affordability, poverty rate and community belonging have all worsened in Atlantic Canada since 2023. “People are really struggling,” Reinhardt said. “Translating economic development down to individual prosperity is really important. “It’s not just about jobs.”
