UPFRONT $25-billion boon for Halifax wins federal combat vessel contract, sparking celebrations across

alifax’s ship has come in — actually, tians and will increase the province’s GDP “On behalf of Hmany ships. Irving Shipbuilding is by almost $900 million during peak produc- celebrating a $25-billion federal contract to tion years. “The future starts here,” Dexter the men and women construct 21 combat vessels for the Royal Ca- said. nadian Navy. And the rest of Nova Scotia is The contract win followed an outpouring of Irving Shipbuilding, CALL FOR NOMINATIONS celebrating as well. of support from both within Nova Scotia and we are honoured “On behalf of the men and women of Ir- beyond. A website for the so-called Ships In just a few minutes, you can give an exceptional Atlantic Canadian business ving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to be Start Here campaign received close to one to be chosen by leader the recognition they deserve by nominating them for Atlantic Business chosen by to build the Navy’s new million views, according to the government. Magazine’s 2012 Top 50 CEO awards. combat vessel fleet for those who serve and More than 10,000 people across Canada Canada to build the we look forward to successful negotiations in pinned messages of encouragement online, Navy’s new combat How easy is it? All you have to do is visit our website and submit the name of the coming months,” said Jim Irving, CEO and lawns were dotted with Ships Start Here your nominee along with their contact information and a couple of sentences of Irving Shipbuilding. signs. vessel fleet.” outlining why you think this person is a top CEO. “We’d like to assure the government of “To every Nova Scotian and Canadian who Canada, and all Canadians, that we will con- put up a lawn sign, put a pin on the electronic Jim Irving CEO of Irving Shipbuilding Eligible nominees must lead a company or organization whose head office is in tinue to devote our efforts to building quality map or sent us words of encouragement, we Atlantic Canada, or who is in charge of a provincial/ regional head office. vessels for our men and women in uniform can’t thank you enough — the workers of Ir- and delivering best value to Canadians for ving Shipbuilding are incredibly touched by Following the close of nominations, we will contact each nominee and request that this important investment, one that will pro- your interest and your support,” Irving said. they submit a detailed nominee information form. This form will ask questions vide economic benefits across Canada.” The Harper government took great pains related to the nominee’s: proven managerial abilities; responses to challenging The combat package was the biggest to stress that the shipbuilding decision situations; innovative leadership; corporate/organizational growth over a chunk of a massive shipbuilding infrastruc- would be made on merit by the civil service, three-year period; commitment to industry and community development; and, ture pie up for grabs. Vancouver Shipyards treading gingerly around a potential political voluntary activity. Co. Ltd. was the other winner, securing an landmine. In fact, Prime Minister Stephen $8-billion package for non-combat vessels. Harper himself only found out the results Ottawa says the work is expected to span 20 15 minutes before the formal announcement, Winners will be profiled in our May/June issue. Their accomplishments will to 30 years. According to the feds, this is “the according to a tweet from spokesman also be celebrated at a formal red-carpet reception, dinner and awards gala. largest procurement sourcing arrangement Andrew MacDougall. Finally, one of the 50 is singled out for the additional honour of being named in Canadian history.” (A Quebec shipyard Irving Shipbuilding will now enter CEO of the Year for all of Atlantic Canada. was the only bidder to come away empty- into contract negotiations with the federal handed.) government. Shipbuilding production could But none of that will happen without you. So submit a nomination. Today. Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter called start by the end of 2012, the province says. Workers (above) celebrate the announcement the announcement “a defining moment in The Halifax shipyard has been in that Irving Shipbuilding has won a $25-billion Nova Scotia’s history.” According to provin- operation since 1889. It’s a long history, and federal contract to build combat vessels. A Nominate online: frigate (below), built cial government estimates, the contract will a future that now seems secure. by Irving, slices through the ocean. Photos www.atlanticbusinessmagazine.com mean an additional 11,500 jobs for Nova Sco- —Rob Antle courtesy Government of Nova Scotia

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Online extras: atlanticbusinessmagazine.com | 9 UpfRONT INVESTMENT plANNING N.B. launches agency to attract outside businesses t was an announcement a year in the Imaking. New Brunswick Premier David Alward recently hopscotched across the province to unveil Invest NB’s business plan framework and board of directors — and, he hopes, begin the process of providing a Mother Teresa much-needed boost to the economy. “New Brunswick needs a re-energized approach to economic development and investment attraction,” Alward said in making the announcement. “To that end, Invest NB has a fresh focus on identifying and aggressively pursuing businesses that will succeed in our province and create jobs.” “ New Brunswick needs a re-energized approach to Congratulations to economic development and investment attraction.” 50 people who inspire Premier David Alward Invest NB will be focused on using public money to attract outside investment, creating high-salary jobs and developing the economy. hundreds more. The goal is to increase the province’s gross domestic product by $293 million over the next three years. The government is promising performance measurements that will relate to real economic growth and greater wealth for people in New Brunswick. The corporation’s efforts will be supported by the expertise of its private-sector-led Last May, over 50 executives were honoured at the prestigious Atlantic board of directors. Those 11 board members Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO Awards. Are we surprised there are come from industries ranging from telecommunications to the financial sector to so many talented, accomplished, highly successful business leaders in academia. this region? Not at all. “We have the right combination of dedication, drive and experience in place at With over 20 offices in Atlantic Canada, we see clients every day at Invest NB,” Economic Development Minister Grant Thornton LLP who demonstrate the wisdom and enterprise Paul Robichaud said. that are the hallmarks of top executives. The establishment of Invest NB was a central pledge of the Alward Conservatives in As sponsors of Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2011 Top 50 CEO Awards, the election campaign that saw them ascend we congratulate the winners. You’re an inspiration to all who work with to power in the fall of 2010. you to achieve their best—for their company and their community. The four key planks of Invest NB’s mandate are: to promote New Brunswick as an attractive location for business investment; identify and nova scotia new brunswick pursue opportunities for strategic and prince edward island newfoundland commercially-viable investment; negotiate and provide financial assistance when www.GrantThornton.ca Audit • Tax • Advisory required and as appropriate to secure investments; and manage portfolios of Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd investments.

10 | Atlantic Business Magazine | November/December 2011

This ad prepared by: ryan edwards ClienT: granT ThornTon File name: gT Top Ceos 2011 ad #: gT 11-086 publiCaTion: aTlanTiC business magazine Trim size: 4.625” x 7.125” Colours: Colour UpfRONT fORUM fOR dISCUSSION Event organizers hope to brand Halifax as ‘global meeting place’ through security conference

alifax is again preparing to welcome This is the forum’s third year. Past ha five-star array of senior government attendees include former U.S. Secretary of officials, top-ranking military officers, State Condoleezza Rice, Sen. John McCain thinkers and writers for discussions on a (the Republican nominee for U.S. president broad spectrum of issues. in 2008) and defence ministers from The Halifax International Security Forum Afghanistan, New Zealand, Colombia and runs from Nov. 18-20. Among the topics on Belgium. This year, U.S. Defense Secretary Defence Minister Peter MacKay of Canada and former U.S. this year’s agenda are the Arab Spring, the Leon Panetta will be among those coming Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attended the 2010 global financial crisis, and the post 9/11 world. to Halifax. Halifax International Security Forum. Submitted photo But while the issues discussed may be “It’s a great opportunity to look back at the global, organizers say the forum has a past calendar year, what’s happened, why it Fast forward to this August, and the significant impact that is regional and local. happened, how it has happened, what can announcement that officials with the two There are economic benefits, which are in be taken forward into the next calendar year countries were working together to test the process of being studied. “More than to help make good decisions going forward,” the Israeli screening model in the United that, what we’re doing is regenerating the Van Praagh says. States. “We do know that this conversation word ‘Halifax’ as a global word, as a global He notes that discussions initiated at the started in Halifax,” Van Praagh says. meeting place,” says Peter Van Praagh, forum have had concrete impacts in the Van Praagh says it’s important for the president of the Halifax International past. region that there is a venue in Atlantic Security Forum. “And that is something Last year, according to Van Praagh, Canada where serious people can come that is very important. What we’re trying to U.S. and Israeli officials (including together to discuss important issues. And do is actually brand Halifax as synonymous Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak) decisions springing from those discussions, with global meeting place where important publicly discussed a controversy over he notes, can affect people everywhere and decisions and plans get made.” enhanced screening at American airports. their day-to-day lives. —Rob Antle

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Online extras: atlanticbusinessmagazine.com | 11 UpfRONT ThE ART Of ThE MATTER Award born from family’s love of Canadian art

or Rob Sobey, the love of Canadian art eligible, an artist must be age 40 or under, fhas been a family affair spanning a half- and have exhibited in a public or commercial century. It began with his grandfather Frank art gallery within 18 months of being and grandmother Irene, who took an interest nominated. in Canadian work and began to build up a This year’s winner, announced in mid- collection. His father Donald also “got bitten October, was the duo of Daniel Young and by the bug” — an interest Donald then Christian Giroux representing Ontario. The passed on down to Rob. award is managed and administered by the Nearly a decade ago, Donald Sobey Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on behalf of the saw a void in the celebration of Canadian Sobey Art Foundation. A collection of work contemporary art. To fill that gap, in 2002, by the shortlisted artists will remain on the Sobey Art Award was born. exhibition at the gallery until early January. “We thought it was important to continue Rob Sobey stresses that the award is The 2011 Sobey Art Award winners, Christian Giroux (left) to give back,” Rob Sobey now recalls. “You’re run separately from the family’s iconic and Daniel Young (centre) of Ontario, are pictured with always looking for different avenues, and business holdings. “This is a private Sobey Rob Sobey (right). Submitted photo this one, given the family’s interest in art family endeavour, through its privately- that goes back decades, we thought, ‘Hey, held art foundation, nothing to do with the to where we are. And hopefully it will help we’ll try this out.’ And it’s really exploded.” business.” you understand how to work our way out of The award has become Canada’s pre- He says it’s a great avenue to support two some of these other big challenges. eminent award for contemporary Canadian “critical elements” of Canadian society — “What I like about the arts is, almost by art. It is an annual prize, with significant education and the arts. very definition, it nurtures creativity — and cash at stake: a total of $70,000, with “Education forms people. Critical that’s big.” And that’s something that could $50,000 going to the winner and $5,000 thought, exposure to new ideas, exposure to also be said about the award itself. to each of the other four finalists. To be history. It helps you understand how we got —Rob Antle

“ It’s not what we make. It’s what we make possible.” Competing and winning major contracts in the fi ercely competitive defence, security and offshore industries is tough. Halifax-based Marener Industries does it every day. Marener’s reputation for quality and superior technical standards in steel fabrication and marine repair has been a decade in the making. Through initiatives outlined in jobsHere, the provincial government’s plan to grow the economy, including trade missions and vendor development work, Marener is winning contracts beyond Nova Scotia’s borders. Today, industry leaders like Irving Shipbuilding look to the 100-employee fi rm to help them compete for major international contracts. One local company supporting another to be globally competitive.

BUSINESS FINANCING | TRADE DEVELOPMENT | VENTURE CAPITAL | INVESTMENT ATTRACTION | www.nsbi.ca

Connect with NSBI: Darren Comeau employee at Marener Industries Ltd., Halifax

12 | Atlantic Business Magazine | November/December 2011 UpfRONT MOVING TO ThE 4fRONT Initiative seeks to generate success for Atlantic region in new global economy

t was the most fitting of locations I— Pier 21 in Halifax, a gateway of opportunity for generations of immigrants entering the country. There, beneath a United Nations array ThE EVE Of of flags dangling from the rafters, CONSTRUCTION the region’s economic and business leaders gathered in October to discuss Convention centre set for how Atlantic Canada can move to the expansion in St. John’s forefront of success in the new global economy. planned $45-million expansion to the The Canadian ambassadors to ASt. John’s Convention Centre should India, Russia, Brazil and the United help the city compete for bigger and more Nations (who was formerly posted in Roughly 200 business leaders from Atlantic Canada participated in the lucrative events, according to proponents of Mexico) discussed global opportunities. 4Front Atlantic Conference in October. the recently-announced project. Governor General David Johnston “We believe the expansion of the St. John’s touched on regional success stories Convention Centre is critical to compete in such as the College of the North federal government in 2009, was one the highly competitive convention market Atlantic campus in Qatar and Provincial of the speakers. Lynch was born in and ensure St. John’s remains a destination Aerospace Limited’s operations in the Cape Breton and educated at Mount of choice for local, regional, national and Caribbean and the Middle East. Allison, and maintains family links to international meetings and conventions,” “Despite the challenges posed by the Atlantic region. St. John’s Mayor Dennis O’Keefe said. demographics and the shifting global It’s vital, he said in an interview, The province, feds and city will each chip economy, Atlantic Canada can compete to figure out how to leverage Atlantic in $15 million to fund the initiative. with any region in the world,” Johnston Canada’s human resources and other Officials said the convention centre’s noted. advantages “not to sell goods into current setup is too small — or inappropriately “Innovation often happens at the Philadelphia, but to sell them into Sao configured — for many conventions the city intersections between communities, Paulo or Rio.” might otherwise attract. They said expansion universities and businesses, and all That’s especially important when of the facility is expected to double the three exist in abundance in Atlantic you look at the numbers — nominal number of large meetings and conventions Canada. The quality is very high. Come GDP growth is expected to tick in at the centre holds each year. together and good things will happen.” four per cent in the U.S. and Europe, The St. John’s announcement follows The 4Front Atlantic Conference was but 14 per cent in dynamic markets. similar ones across the region. O’Keefe the first in a planned series of three “If you want to grow your business, said the local expansion will help keep the such events, with the last set for 2013. do you want to put all your eggs in the Newfoundland and Labrador capital on a The organizers believe economic and four per cent market, or do you want to level playing field with other cities. political power is shifting to emerging start to diversify?” Lynch noted. “And if “Approximately $35 million is invested nations like China, India and Brazil, you want to start to diversify, it doesn’t in the city as a result of meetings and away from traditional powers like happen overnight. You’ve got to build conventions on an annual basis,” O’Keefe the United States. The conference’s the relationships and you’ve got to look noted. “The economic benefits the city and raison d’être is to recognize and seize five, 10, 15 years out.” local businesses receive from these events the opportunities presented by this He stressed that the issues being (are) substantial. We are a very popular changing world order. discussed at 4Front are not just destination for meetings and conventions Conference co-chair John Risley, important to business leaders in the because of our unique culture, heritage and president and CEO of Clearwater Fine region, but also the average Jack or natural environment, but as convention Foods Inc., said the region is at an Dianne in Truro or Gander. “Because centres in the other three Atlantic provinces “important juncture in our history,” I think that if we’re successful in are already undergoing expansions it is and thanked the attendees for their expanding our markets, there’s a heck critical that we stay competitive to attract this interest. “We’re here to mobilize for of a lot better chance their job is going business to our region.” change,” Risley said. to be more secure and their salary The project is expected to take five years to Kevin Lynch, the vice-chair of BMO is going to be higher, and their kids’ complete. When it’s finished, useable space Financial Group and Canada’s top civil prospects are going to be much better.” in the facility will more than double. servant before his retirement from the —Rob Antle

Online extras: atlanticbusinessmagazine.com | 13 UpfRONT

Scotia lose by getting me here? Show me thewORK loss. I say a INfamily pof ROGRESSfive from Lebanon mayImmigration come here and programslive in a one-bedroom imperfect, but still important for population growth apartment. They can live on $300 a week becausehough they Atlantic are used Canada to living has on less.a history That increase its own tax base and bolster its own once their paperwork is complete, PNP Tsamestrongly family willtied saveto theenough ebb moneyand flow in two of economy, promoting immigration has been programs are also a great way to increase migration,or three years the to region buy their lags own behind business.” the rest of an official regional policy since 2005. At that immigrant retention, decreasing the chance theFares country leans when back it incomes his chairto attracting and ponders fresh point the Atlantic premiers, “in recognition that newcomers will move to Toronto or faces.a while. His mother and father are now gone. of the benefits of increased immigration and Vancouver after they settle in Atlantic TheyImmigrants lived out theirmake days up inonly Lebanon, 3.75 onlyper its role in addressing demographic and labour Canada. centoccasionally of the making Atlantic the population,crossing for muchvisits market challenges in the Atlantic provinces ... However, these programs have proven belowto Halifax. the nationalStill, as twoaverage of his of three 18 per children cent. agreed to collaborate on initiatives designed difficult to oversee. The auditors general “Whilework for it the is familyhome concern,to 7.2 pertime’s cent spinning of all to recruit and retain increased numbers of of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Canadians,wheel has, in the a way, region come received full circle. only Now 2.6 he’sper immigrants to the region.” Brunswick have both warned, in the past centthe one of whoimmigrants does for otherscoming as othersto Canada once didin As a tool to boost recruitment, each three years, that provincial programs 2009,” saysfor him. Constantine Passaris, professor province established a provincial nominee suffered from a lack of due diligence. and“I chairtell you of something,the Economics my friend,”Department he says, at program (PNP). These are exactly what they Additionally, unless prospective immigrants theflashing University a sidelong of New glance. Brunswick. “Nobody would sound like — agreements negotiated with have family or substantial monetary funds, leaveThis his is country,because immigrationhis family, hisis aparents, federal the federal government whereby provinces provincial nominee programs are not process.his friends, Citizenship his life to come and to a Immigrationstrange land are allowed to nominate individuals for particularly helpful. Canadabecause he(CIC) is lazy. is Aresponsible lazy person fordoesn’t giving do citizenship — drastically reducing the wait Michael Mersereau, coordinator of citizenshipthat. He comes and permanentfor a better residencelife. And paperspeople time when applying to the CIC. the Miramichi Regional Multicultural towho individuals dream of ona better a national life, and basis. strive That for more one Nominee programs differ from province to Association (MRMA) says that in the area thanfor themselves 90 per cent and of those new aroundCanadians them settle are, province, but generally they provide a way for his organization serves, Northumberland inby definition,Alberta, British good people.”Columbia, Ontario and people with money to invest, those with job County, provincial nominees are few and far QuebecHow isthe not heck really did their Wadih problem. M. Fares get offers, and in some cases immigrants with between. Not only that, but the number of here?However, that hasn’t stopped any of the family already in Canada, to skip towards the people coming as permanent residents “out Mayann Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, was so impressed with Wadih Fares’ contribution to the Atlantic“That’s provinces how . . . fromIn a beautiful, trying to changeimpossible the frontprovince’s of the business line. and volunteer communities, she hostedof a thespecial blue” dinner is declining in his honour. as (L-R):well. Wadih Fares, statusdream.” quo. | ABM LieutenantGiven that Governor any ofMayann the three Francis requirements and Cathy Fares. The group that is seeing substantial While every province is in the game to are likely to keep individuals in the province growth, according to Mersereau, is people

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14 | Atlantic Business Magazine | November/December 2011 Online extras: atlanticbusinessmagazine.com | 113 “ We believe that some national policies ... actually are a hindrance to provinces such as ourselves.” Premier David Alward

“coming as temporary foreign workers ... they come here on work permits ... and then they start the immigration process.” One reason for the shift might be changes made to the federal immigration process. Based on new rules which came into effect on July 1 this year, only individuals who fall under one of 29 eligible occupations (notwithstanding an offer of permanent employment) can apply for permanent residence as a skilled worker. The program is limited to 10,000 applications per year, with each occupation capped at 500. Never mind that 500 x 29 equals 14,500 — 10,000 is the limit. This program, commonly referred to as the “cap program”, has New Brunswick Premier David Alward talking about the need for more provincial control over immigration. “The needs in New Brunswick are very different than the needs in Ontario or the needs in British Columbia. We believe that some national policies ... actually are a hindrance to provinces such as ourselves. A New Perspective • Innovative Ideas And if we were able to work with the federal International Connections • Creativity and Talents government, had more involvement in them, we believe we would be able to have more Growth and Opportunities success going forward.” Alward pointed to long distance truck driving and ICT (information and communication technologies) as two examples of areas where he would like to see growth. Neither are eligible occupations under the federal skilled worker program. This is why when Donnelly Farms Ltd., a family-owned trucking company based in Lansdowne, N.B., needs to hire foreign workers, it hires them through the temporary foreign worker program. Ethel McAllister, director of driver recruiting, says foreign Nova Scotia workers make up approximately 25 per cent IMMIGRATION of her drivers. Though they come into the country with temporary work permits, she says that most stay. “I would say that 90 per cent of people that come here and into a trucking position, there’s such a need for it here ... they might Nova Scotia go home for a vacation but they would stay IMMIGRATION here in Canada.” Connect your Business Grow your Market Explore your Opportunities Provincial nominee programs might I I be comparatively puny, but the fact that www.novascotiaimmigration.ca individuals coming in on temporary work Connect with us: permits want to stay should be taken as a good sign. —Martin Connelly

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