Today’s release of the long-anticipated report from the Atlantic Economic Panel, Bolder Ambitions: Greater Prosperity for All, is another step toward setting electrons free in Atlantic Canada. Following the release of Powering Canada Strong, the collaboration agreement on Maritime electricity cooperation, and the Churchill Falls settlement between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, Bolder Ambitions proves the momentum in the region is real.
The panel’s report is aligned with the main message behind Electrifying Canada’s Case for Regional Electricity Systems: coordinating and connecting grids that are currently constrained by jurisdictional boundaries creates a resilient, more affordable energy system for all Canadians. Nowhere is this truer than in Atlantic Canada, which, as observed in the report, remains one of the least connected regions in North America.
At the heart of the report is a call for greater economic collaboration among all four Atlantic provinces, powered by an integrated electricity grid to drive the region’s economic success. “A single, integrated electricity system is the foundation everything else is built on,” said Atlantic Economic Panel Chair Don Mills. “[It’s] the region’s best chance to build a stronger Atlantic economy and help make Canada an energy superpower.” This is the kind of thinking that will expand our grid, power the energy transition and position Canada to lead in the future economy.
Expanding clean electricity systems, especially in Atlantic Canada, can provide a boost for economic growth and high-quality jobs in the region. The benefits extend directly to households — an expanded grid supports the electrification of home heating and transportation, lowering overall energy costs for families across Atlantic Canada.
The panel’s recommendations link increased electrification, expanded regional integration, and economic development and affordability, reflecting a clear vision for an electrified future. Concrete next steps set out in the report include the creation of a fully integrated Atlantic electricity market governed by a Regional Independent System Operator, and an investment fund to help mobilize $25 billion for regional electricity infrastructure by 2035.
The report goes on to outline how federal investment can support regional collaboration over isolated planning, helping build a more integrated electricity system that delivers reliable, affordable power across the Atlantic provinces. It reflects increasing alignment on regional collaboration, building on statements of support from provincial governments and utilities, the federal government, and now, the business community.
These recommendations are just a start. Now, we need to maintain momentum and work together to deliver the affordable, reliable electricity Atlantic Canada needs to thrive. As Electrifying Canada continues to engage in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Electricity Cooperation Initiative and other efforts, we will work with our partners to ensure that the region leverages its clean electricity advantage to support its economic future.
It’s time to set electrons free.