Ontario MP leads Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency again

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is once again led by an MP from Ontario. This change has raised concerns similar to those expressed during the previous Trudeau administration. At that time, there was criticism from Atlantic Canada about having an Ontario MP overseeing ACOA. Mark Carney's new cabinet has consolidated the responsibilities of the regional development agencies under one minister, Anita Anand. Last Friday, it was announced that ACOA would be part of her new Innovation, Science and Industry role. This decision has upset many in Atlantic Canada, where business leaders have consistently argued for local representation in key regional positions. Critics believe that having an Ontario MP in charge has caused delays in funding and decision-making for Atlantic Canada. A 2017 report indicated that processing times for economic development money had increased significantly under an Ottawa-led approach. Local businesses feel that having a minister from the region leads to better understanding and quicker responses to their needs. In 2021, the Trudeau government appointed Ginette Petitpas Taylor, an MP from New Brunswick, as ACOA minister in response to these concerns. This change aimed to show that the government was listening to the needs of Atlantic Canadians. Rob Moore, a Conservative MP, emphasized the importance of having a minister from the region, saying that only someone who lives there can truly understand its needs. Dominic LeBlanc, a senior cabinet minister from New Brunswick, is now defending the decision to again have an Ontario MP lead ACOA. He argues that a smaller cabinet can increase government efficiency. LeBlanc also highlighted that the importance of regional agencies will grow as they help businesses affected by trade issues. Anita Anand’s team pointed out her connections to Atlantic Canada. She was born in Nova Scotia and has returned to the region for her education. Her spokesperson claimed Anand understands the challenges Atlantic Canadians face and will advocate for their economic growth. The government assures that ACOA will remain crucial for driving innovation and job creation in the region.