Despite regional, domestic and global circumstances that have curbed economic development in Atlantic Canada over past decades, evidence from recent years reveals an economy which has continued to diversify and progress. This diversification has resulted in the industrial character of Atlantic Canada being notably different today from what it was two or three decades ago.
Primary sectors continue to have an important role in the economy of the region.
However, new growth industries are having a positive impact. These include machinery and aircraft manufacturing, food processing, energy, trade and distribution, finance and insurance, business services, recreation and tourism. Importantly, Atlantic Canada entrepreneurs have been responsible for many of the success stories in these emerging industries. Possibly even more significant is that private investors from other provinces and countries have begun to recognize the many attributes of Atlantic Canada and to pursue opportunities in keeping with the growing potential of the region. The results of this study add to the information base for Atlantic Canada available to potential domestic and foreign investors.