Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell- An Acadia Broadcasting Podcast

 Discover why Nova Scotia is leading the solar revolution in Atlantic Canada. In this episode of Insights Podcast, we sit down with David Brushett, Chair of Solar Nova Scotia and Manager of Energy Management Services at Efficiency One, to explore the province’s rapid growth in solar adoption. From 13,000 residential installations to commercial projects making up 35% of the market, Nova Scotia now accounts for 75% of all solar energy in the region. We also dive into cutting-edge battery research at Dalhousie University, Tesla’s involvement, and what it means for the future of renewable energy. Plus, learn why solar is projected to hit 1 GW by 2035 and how the upcoming Solar Summit in Halifax will shape the industry. If you care about clean energy, innovation, and sustainability, this episode is a must-listen. 

Discover the remarkable story of David Ganong, one of New Brunswick’s most influential business leaders. In this episode of Insights, we dive into his five decades of leadership at Ganong Bros., Canada’s oldest candy company. Hear how David guided the company through international expansion, innovative product development, and the unique challenges of being the largest employer in a small town.Beyond business, David shares his experience serving on major boards—from Air Canada to Sun Life—and his impact on organizations like the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council and the Conference Board of Canada. Gain practical advice for emerging leaders, learn what it takes to build a lasting legacy, and find out which Premier of New Brunswick tops his list.If you’re passionate about business growth, leadership strategies, and Canadian success stories, this episode is a must-listen.

Join Don and David as they speak with Victoria Belbin, CEO of ACADA, about Atlantic Canada’s booming aerospace and defence sector. With over 11,000 jobs and $1.25B in GDP, the region is home to major players like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Irving Shipbuilding, plus emerging defence tech firms.Learn how the federal government’s plan to boost defence spending to 5% of GDP could unlock massive growth in shipbuilding, MRO, cybersecurity, and more.

This week's episode of the Insights Podcast features a candid, wide-ranging conversation with Andy Fillmore, who recently celebrated one year in the job of Mayor of Halifax. He talks about the challenges of delivering on the mandate he was elected on with the current council governance format and the weak mayor powers. There have been few past mayors elected who have had the kind of relevant experience that Fillmore brings to the job. He was the first urban planner hired by the municipality after spending more than a decade in the US doing urban planning. While at the municipality, he led HRM by Design, the blueprint for the city's development. He was also the Vice President of the Waterfront Development Corporation and played a leading role in the plan to develop what is now Halifax's extraordinary waterfront. He served for nine years as Halifax's MP, during which he transformed Halifax from among the lowest recipients of federal investment to one of the highest, helping attract NATO's DIANA to Halifax and opening up Georges Island to tourism. He brings ambition and big-picture thinking to the job. He has a focus on housing & homelessness, affordability, transit & congestion, urban growth & planning. And he offers his views on the current debate about bike lanes. Don't miss this conversation.

In this episode of the Insights Podcast, we sit down with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston to explore the province’s bold energy ambitions. Premier Houston shares his vision for transforming Nova Scotia into a leading energy producer through offshore wind development—highlighting the Wind West project, which could supply over 25% of Canada’s electricity needs.We also dive into the potential of offshore and onshore natural gas, the strategic importance of unlocking Nova Scotia’s mining resources, and the regulatory reforms needed to accelerate progress. Premier Houston discusses his efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and his government's approach to fiscal management amid growing deficits.This conversation aligns with the themes of bold leadership and national energy strategy outlined in our book Toward Prosperity. If you're interested in Canada's energy future, economic development, and policy innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

 In this episode of the Insights Podcast, we sit down with Ramsay Duff, CEO of MacLeod Group, to explore how this Antigonish-based company is reshaping long-term care across the Maritimes. With 14 facilities, over 1,400 employees, and a strategic focus on smaller communities, MacLeod Cares is addressing a critical shortage of 6,000 beds in the region. Duff shares insights on expansion plans, workforce challenges, and why demand for long-term care won’t peak until 2042. Whether you're in healthcare, policy, or business, this episode offers a powerful look at the future of elder care in Atlantic Canada. 

 Discover the extraordinary journey of Barb Stegemann, a Canadian changemaker who turned a mission of peace into a multimillion-dollar fragrance brand. In this episode, Barb shares how her pitch on Dragons’ Den led to a life-changing investment, how she empowers farmers in war-torn countries through ethical sourcing, and how she became the first Canadian perfumer in Sephora, now selling in over 2,000 stores across 19 countries. With her bestselling book The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, a new Atelier in Halifax, and plans to double her business, Barb’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Tune in for powerful insights, unforgettable storytelling, and a behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming return to Dragons’ Den—this time as a guest dragon. 

In this episode, Don Mills moderates the final plenary panel at the ACG Atlantic Network Conference, a premier event focused on investment opportunities in Atlantic Canada. With over 200 investors from across Atlantic Canada, Central Canada, and the U.S. in attendance, this dynamic conversation explores the region’s economic transformation and future growth.Featuring an all-star panel of industry leaders—Cathy Bennett (Sandpiper Ventures), Lauren Ledwell (PEI BioAlliance), Greg Wanger (Oberland Agriscience), and Michelle Robichaud (Atlantica Energy Centre)—the discussion dives into key themes from the book Towards Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada's Economy, co-authored by Don Mills and David Campbell.Topics include:Energy development and innovationEconomic clusters and regional collaborationCapital attraction and investment strategyBuilding a prosperous future for Atlantic CanadaWhether you're an investor, entrepreneur, policymaker, or economic development professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Atlantic Canada's economy.

This week on Our Insights Podcast, we sit down with Lori Clark, the first-ever female CEO of NB Power, to explore the future of energy in New Brunswick. Appointed in July 2022, Clark brings nearly 30 years of experience within the utility to a leadership role marked by major infrastructure and sustainability challenges.🔊 Listen now to gain insights into:The future of Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, whose license expires in 2032, and the critical decision to refurbish or replace the plant that supplies 700 MW to the provincial grid.The urgent repair needs of the Mactaquac Dam, which provides 20% of New Brunswick’s renewable energy and faces a $7.6–$9 billion overhaul due to premature cement issues.Plans to transition the Belledune coal-fired plant to biomass by 2030, with a projected cost of $100 million.The development of a new natural gas generation facility by the private sector to support renewable energy reliability.NB Power’s strategy to balance affordability, sustainability, and reliability for ratepayers amid these major shifts.🎙️ Clark offers a candid and comprehensive overview of NB Power’s roadmap, the challenges ahead, and the leadership required to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

This special Insights podcast is the last of a three-part series of interviews with exciting entrepreneurs building bioeconomy companies in Atlantic Canada.  You will find the first two interviews with Vyterra Renewables Inc. and Oberland Agriscience in the Insights podcast feed.  This series is sponsored by Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub and Bioindustrial Innovation Canada.  This week we talk with Mark Masotti and his exciting new company, alterBiota.  Mark ‘fell in love’ with anaerobic digestion and has a new technology that uses wood byproducts to create a product that strengthens concrete and at the same time reduces its carbon footprint.  The Verschuren Centre in Cape Breton lured Masotti from Toronto and he raves about the support he received after arriving.  He believes Nova Scotia is an excellent place to build a successful bioeconomy company and he tells us all the reasons why in this podcast.