LISTEN: A new report projects Atlantic Canada will need 441,000 workers over the next decade, grocery prices climb sharply across the Maritimes, and two Atlantic provinces prepare to table their provincial budgets

This week on the Atlantic Canada Business Report, host Peter McCully covers workforce projections, cost-of-living pressures, legislative milestones, and fiscal developments across all four Atlantic provinces. A Public Policy Forum report projects the region will need to fill 441,000 jobs between 2025 and 2035, with immigration identified as the primary driver of recent youth workforce growth. Statistics Canada data shows grocery prices rose 5.7% in February year-over-year, with whole chicken, beef, and coffee among the sharpest increases. Atlantic Canadians cite rising costs and healthcare as their top concerns.

Nova Scotia's spring legislative session concluded after a record 27 sitting days, with the 2026–27 budget and the Powering the Economy Act both passing. New Brunswick launched its wildfire season ahead of schedule following a dry winter. Prince Edward Island's fuel price regulator is reviewing its pricing formula after pump prices hit $1.98 per litre. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Valentine Gold Mine posted a strong first quarter, Marble Mountain concluded a standout ski season, and the province's first budget under Premier Wakeham is expected after Easter recess.

Highlights:

Atlantic Canada - A Public Policy Forum report projects Atlantic Canada will need to fill 441,000 jobs between 2025 and 2035, with roughly 265,000 representing replacement roles. Recent youth workforce growth has been driven almost entirely by immigrants and international students.

Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia's spring legislative sitting concluded after a record 27 days — the longest session since 2018. The 2026–27 budget passed with a projected $1.24 billion deficit, including measures to hold the small business tax rate at 1.5%.

New Brunswick - New Brunswick has launched its wildfire season ahead of schedule following a winter with record low precipitation. The province is investing $6.7 million to strengthen response capacity, converting 74 seasonal forest ranger positions into year-round roles.

Prince Edward Island - Premier Rob Lantz has confirmed the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission is reviewing its gasoline pricing formula after pump prices reached $1.98 per litre — an increase of nearly 35% since the Middle East conflict began.

Newfoundland and Labrador - Finance Minister Craig Pardy is preparing to table Newfoundland and Labrador's first budget under Premier Wakeham's government, with the deficit for the closing fiscal year projected at $948 million and net debt approaching $19.9 billion.

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