• Only firm approved to explore for N.S. offshore oil and gas misses deposit deadline

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-27 15:34:46.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Energy, Resources, Economy, Industry]

  Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced that Inceptio Oil and Gas, led by James Edens, missed the Monday deposit deadline to put down $50 million for its approved $210-million offshore exploration bid. Inceptio required the deposit and a subsequent exploration licence before initiating activities like seismic testing and drilling. This marks a setback for Nova Scotia's offshore fossil fuel sector, which has seen no activity since the Sable and Deep Panuke gas projects shut down in 2018.

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• Nova Scotia committee to discuss $10B AI data centre planned for Cape Breton

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-27 12:36:41.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy, Environment]

  Nova Scotia’s standing committee on natural resources and economic development is scheduled to discuss EverWind Fuels' controversial $10-billion artificial intelligence data centre project planned for Cape Breton. Announced on October 16, the project features a 20-year lease signed by U.S. artificial intelligence firm Anthropic for an 18,600-square-metre facility in Point Tupper that will draw 95 megawatts of electricity during its initial phase. Opposition parties and legislative witnesses—including Richmond County officials and provincial energy and environment deputy ministers—will examine potential environmental impacts, local water supply strain, and electricity rate implications. Premier Tim Houston’s government maintains that sufficient checks and balances will govern the project and has asserted that household power rates will not increase.

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• N.S. government announces funding to grow boatbuilding industry

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-26 19:55:08.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Economy, Industry, Trade, Defence, Fisheries]

  The Nova Scotia government is investing over $350,000 from its Community Economic Development Fund into the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association to help local boatbuilders and repair businesses expand into new markets. The funding will be used to promote local companies at trade shows, in trade publications, and through online communications and strategic partnerships. Established in 1998, the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association aims to diversify the industry beyond the domestic fishing boat market, helping local firms compete internationally for naval contracts and meet national defence priorities.

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• High Liner Foods to be bought by Umios in deal valued at $804 million

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-26 15:40:21.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Economy, Industry, Trade, Fisheries]

  Nova Scotia seafood processor High Liner Foods Inc. has signed an agreement to be acquired by Japanese company Umios Corp. in a transaction valued at $804 million, paying $27 per share in cash. Under the deal, which requires 75 per cent shareholder approval and a court-approved plan under the Nova Scotia Companies Act, Umios will establish High Liner Foods as the core platform for its North American business while maintaining its headquarters in Nova Scotia, its workforce, and operations. Thornridge Holdings Ltd., holding a 41.4 per cent stake in High Liner, has agreed to support the transaction, which is expected to close in early 2027 following a December shareholder vote.

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• Boon or boondoggle? N.S. weighs $10B data centre’s promised economic benefits

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-23 12:02:20.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Industry, Economy]

  EverWind has announced a $10 billion private investment to build an 18,600-square-metre artificial intelligence data centre campus and associated wind projects in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia. The facility will be leased for 20 years to the American AI company Anthropic, starting with a 95-megawatt capacity in the first phase by late 2027 and a planned 325-megawatt expansion by mid-2028. The project is projected by EverWind to create 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent positions offering salaries ranging from $135,000 to $185,000 per year across the data centre and four power-generating wind farms.

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• ‘They shouldn’t be surprised’: Nova Scotians take stand against major data centre project

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-17 19:56:27.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, Environment, Economy]

  Energy and infrastructure company EverWind announced a $10 billion private investment to build a major data centre campus at its Point Tupper site in Nova Scotia, which will be leased and operated by AI development company Anthropic. The project is planned to launch with an initial 95-megawatt phase in late 2027, expand by 325 megawatts in 2028, and ultimately reach a 420-megawatt capacity, generating up to 2,000 construction jobs and 215 operational roles. However, local residents and protest organizers have expressed strong opposition due to potential impacts on local water supplies from Landry Lake, energy consumption, and lack of community consultation, prompting plans for further demonstrations.

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• EverWind announces $10B investment in N.S. data centre campus, wind projects

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-16 15:57:09.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Municipal, Infrastructure, Energy, Technology, Economy]

  Energy and infrastructure company EverWind has announced a $10 billion private investment to construct an AI data centre campus and associated onshore wind projects at its Point Tupper site near Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. The project includes $8 billion for the data centre and $2 billion for $2 billion in onshore wind development, aiming for an initial 95-megawatt phase in late 2027 and a full build-out capacity of 420 megawatts by 2028. EverWind has reached a long-term lease agreement with an artificial intelligence company and is negotiating a potential ownership stake with a First Nations consortium led by Membertou Development Corporation. The facility will employ a closed-loop cooling system—using an estimated 100,000 litres of water daily in phase one and 500,000 litres daily at full capacity—while EverWind funds all electricity infrastructure costs to prevent ratepayer impact and generates 2,000 construction jobs and 215 permanent operating roles.

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• Nova Scotia to host massive data centre to power Anthropic's AI assistant Claude

  Source: CBC Politics
  Date: 2026-10-16 14:00:00.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Infrastructure, Technology, Energy, Environment, Economy]

  EverWind Fuels is developing a massive 420-megawatt artificial intelligence data centre in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, designed to power Anthropic's AI assistant Claude under a 20-year lease agreement. The project involves $8 billion in private capital funding for the facility and an additional $2 billion for four planned onshore wind farms to supply renewable energy. The two-stage facility will feature a capacity of 95 megawatts in phase one (online by late 2027) and 325 megawatts in phase two (2028), utilizing a closed-loop water-glycol cooling system drawing an average of 100,000 to 500,000 litres of water per day from Landrie Lake. Additionally, a consortium of Mi’kmaw communities fronted by Membertou First Nation is negotiating a nine per cent equity stake in the project.

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• Nova Scotia premier defends changing his stance on welcoming data centre proposals

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-15 18:08:28.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy, Governance]

  Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has defended his policy reversal regarding the approval of data centre operations in the province. In June, Premier Houston stated that data centres would not be approved until major energy generation projects—such as the Wind West offshore wind farms—were completed to handle their high electricity demands. However, in late September, the premier softened his position, citing the federal government's new rules and focus on data sovereignty as the primary catalyst for becoming more open to considering high-tech data centre proposals.

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• Atlantic Fisheries Fund Renewed, Applications Being Accepted

  Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
  Date: 2026-10-15 17:40:13.0
  Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, National, Fisheries, Economy, Industry]

  The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada, and the provincial governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island have jointly renewed the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) with an investment of more than $300 million. The fund supports fishing and aquaculture projects across the Atlantic region to drive innovation, enhance market development, and ensure industry sustainability. The renewed program operates under four distinct pillars: market diversification, innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships, with applications currently being accepted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and partner jurisdictions. This funding launch follows a record-breaking performance in 2025 where Newfoundland and Labrador's fisheries and aquaculture sector generated $2.11 billion in market value.

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• Fisheries sector fund gets $300 million extension from Ottawa, Atlantic provinces

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-15 17:07:20.0
  Tags: [National, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Fisheries, Economy, Trade]

  Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced a five-year, $300 million extension of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, aimed at supporting the fish and seafood sector across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The federal government is contributing 60 percent of the funding, with the four Atlantic provincial governments providing the remainder. Originally introduced in 2017, the renewed fund will invest in industry research, infrastructure, advertising, industry branding, and market research to help harvesters and growers expand global markets and improve resilience against international trade disruptions.

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• First Nation in N.S. launches joint venture using sea water to produce jet fuel

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-14 18:08:49.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Indigenous, Technology, Energy, Environment, Economy]

  The Eskasoni First Nation has launched a joint venture called eFuels Mi’kmaq Limited with Sydney, Nova Scotia-based clean technology startup Aeon Blue to produce low-cost eFuels for the aviation and rocket sectors. Eskasoni First Nation is investing $1.5 million into the $4-million pilot-stage project, securing a majority ownership stake. The facility will utilize saltwater electrochemistry to split hydrogen from seawater and capture carbon dioxide from the air to manufacture the fuels, with the project projected to create approximately 80 jobs and provide engineering and management opportunities for community members.

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• Atlantic Canadian businesses can now apply for nearly $40M in AI funding

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-14 18:00:00.0
  Tags: [Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, National, Technology, Economy, Industry, Finance]

  The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has launched a federal funding program offering nearly $40 million for small and medium-sized businesses pursuing large-scale artificial intelligence projects costing at least $1 million. The funding supports two primary tracks: adopting AI into internal business operations, such as proposal development tools utilized by Cabco Technologies, or developing new AI solutions to bring to market. Applications for the program remain open until November 20. The initiative aims to address a regional adoption gap highlighted by the Atlantic Economic Panel, which reported that approximately 15 per cent of Atlantic Canadian businesses with 10 or more employees use AI, compared to 20 per cent nationally.

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• Provinces call on Ottawa to expand mining credit

  Source: Global News Politics
  Date: 2026-10-10 12:17:12.0
  Tags: [National, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Taxation, Economy, Resources, Mining, Finance]

  Nearly half of Canada's provinces and territories—specifically Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon—are urging the federal Liberal government to fulfill its 2025 election promise to expand the mineral exploration tax credit to include engineering and feasibility study costs. The Association for Mineral Exploration and the Nunavut and N.W.T. Chamber of Mines argue this measure is crucial to help junior mining companies navigate the late-stage 'valley of death' financing gap. An Ernst & Young report commissioned by the association indicates that covering feasibility and economic viability studies could generate between 14,000 and 34,000 jobs and add $5.2 billion to $12.2 billion in GDP over 10 years. While Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office highlighted recent federal initiatives such as the Productivity Mega Deduction and the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, federal expenses under the Canadian exploration expenses framework still exclude economic assessments and feasibility studies.

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• Halifax hosting defence firms at record-breaking conference amid protests

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-07 20:12:16.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Defence, Industry, Economy, Infrastructure]

  Halifax is hosting DEFSEC Atlantic 2026 at the Halifax Convention Centre, drawing over 3,000 attendees as Nova Scotia's defence and aerospace sector contributes $2.7 billion to the provincial GDP and supports 17,000 jobs. The record-breaking conference coincides with a generational wave of federal defense spending, highlighted by Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of $3 billion in new infrastructure and defence funding for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, including over $2 billion dedicated to modernizing infrastructure and building facilities for new warships and aircraft. Meanwhile, the three-day event faced protests outside from groups such as the Halifax Committee Against Imperialist War And Genocide, who criticized the gathering as an arms expo profiting from global conflict.

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• Emera inks Canadian Utilities merger deal with ATCO to create $72B energy ‘powerhouse’

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-06 18:16:49.0
  Tags: [National, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Energy, Infrastructure, Economy]

  Halifax-based Emera Inc. and ATCO subsidiary Canadian Utilities Ltd. have agreed to an all-stock merger to create a $72 billion energy utility powerhouse, marking what is expected to be the largest merger in Canadian history between two domestic companies. Under the agreement, existing Emera shareholders will own approximately 60 percent of the combined utility, while former ATCO and Canadian Utilities shareholders will own roughly 40 percent. The combined entity will maintain corporate and operational headquarters in Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, and Perth, Australia, while ATCO's industrial services, housing, and defence businesses will be spun out into a separate public company led by ATCO CEO Nancy Southern.

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• Minimum wage hikes set to begin across 5 provinces

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-10-01 12:34:05.0
  Tags: [National, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Labour, Economy, Affordability]

  Minimum wage increases ranging from 25 to 40 cents take effect in Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, bringing their respective rates to $17.95, $17.30, $17.00, $16.40, and $15.70 per hour. Ontario has tied its adjustment directly to the rising cost of living. With these changes, Alberta maintains the lowest minimum wage in the country at $15.00 an hour, having not increased it since 2019, while Nunavut leads the country at just over $20.00 an hour following an increase at the beginning of September.

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• Atlantic business leaders call for regional policies and more natural resource development

  Source: Prince Edward Island - Regional News
  Date: 2026-09-25 21:34:13.0
  Tags: [New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Economy, Trade, Energy, Resources, Mining, Industry]

  The Atlantic Economic Panel, chaired by Don Mills and commissioned by federal Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Minister Sean Fraser, released a strategic growth plan calling for the creation of a $1 billion Atlantic prosperity fund to help regional companies scale up. The report recommends greater regional integration, including the establishment of an independent electricity system operator across the four Atlantic provinces, the elimination of interprovincial trade barriers, coordinated immigration policies, and streamlined regulatory processes for major projects. Furthermore, the plan urges a 50 per cent expansion of the region's natural resources sector, bolstered by recent provincial policy shifts such as Nova Scotia lifting bans on fracking and uranium mining and approving five new mines.

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• Eastern Canada business leaders call for ‘single economy’ between Atlantic provinces

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-09-25 14:16:00.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Economy, Trade, Labour, Infrastructure, Energy, Immigration]

  The Atlantic Economic Panel, appointed by federal minister Sean Fraser and chaired by Crane Cove Holdings Ltd. president Don Mills, released a report calling for the creation of a 'One Atlantic Canada' single economy by 2035 across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. To combat low productivity, labour shortages, and regulatory barriers, the report outlines seven major recommendations, including a $1-billion Atlantic Prosperity Fund, a $25-billion integrated electricity system managed by a region-wide independent system operator, the removal of all trade and labour mobility barriers, and regional infrastructure partnerships. Additional targets include growing the region's population past 3 million with a 1.8 percent annual growth rate, doubling exports to Europe to over $30 billion, mobilizing $100 billion in new natural resource investments, and enhancing the aerospace, defence, shipbuilding, and artificial intelligence sectors.

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• Nova Scotia’s government spent a record $1.9 billion outside of the budget process

  Source: Nova Scotia - Halifax & Regional News
  Date: 2026-09-24 17:50:09.0
  Tags: [Nova Scotia, Finance, Economy, Emergency]

  The Government of Nova Scotia announced that it spent a record $1.9 billion outside of the regular budget process through additional appropriations during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Finance Minister John Lohr stated that this off-budget spending contributed to a record-high provincial deficit of $1.4 billion, driven by total spending of $19.4 billion against revenues of just under $18 billion. Specific unbudgeted expenditures cited include $40.4 million for public works projects and $13.8 million for emergency management related to the 2025 wildfire season.

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