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Voltagrid Nathan Ough (Image: submitted to Insights)

Powering the Future: Can Saint John Become Canada’s Next Data Centre Hub?

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Our guest on this week’s episode of the Insights Podcast is Nathan Ough, President and CEO of Texas-based VoltaGrid.   Born and raised in Saint John, Ough is now looking to put a large-scale data centre in the port city, bringing several hundred high-paying jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue to the city and provincial government. A partnership with Beacon AI Centres, the $2+ billion project involves an innovative ‘behind the meter’ approach to meeting the large electricity needs of the data centre.  Ough claims the project will have no negative impacts on the province’s electricity grid or the city’s water supply.  Data centres are among the fastest-growing industries across North America, as they are necessary to provide the computing power and storage for the emerging artificial intelligence boom. Will Saint John be at the front end of this industry in Canada? Download and listen to our conversation with Nathan Ough to find out.

Rob Lantz

Inside PEI Leadership: Premier Robert Lantz on Challenges, Change, and Canada’s Future

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On this week’s Insights podcast, we are continuing our series of conversations with the region’s premiers. 

Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Lantz joins Don and David to talk about his whirlwind introduction to provincial leadership.  (This podcast was recorded before Lantz stepped down as PEI’s Premier in December of 2025 to run for the PC party’s permanent leadership) 

On the job for only 10 months, Lantz has faced a number of challenging files, as well as being appointed Chair of the Council of the Federation (COF), the group that speaks for the provinces and territories.

The conversation ranges from the decline in population growth and in international student numbers to his government’s efforts to boost housing development and public service access. 

Lantz provides insight into new economic development opportunities and his concerns related to trade with the United States.  His government has made record investments into infrastructure, including the new Faculty of Medicine at UPEI. 

At the end of our conversation, we asked him about his political future.

NB Premier Susan Holt

How New Brunswick Plans to Win: Susan Holt on Economic Strategy, Talent & U.S. Pressure

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On Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt shares a candid year‑one report and her blueprint to grow the province’s economy.

We dig into the new Growth Office—designed to coordinate opportunities across multiple departments—and the province’s critical minerals development plan, a pillar of NB’s emerging industrial strategy. 

Premier Tim Houston

Best of Insights: Nova Scotia’s Bold Energy Future with Premier Tim Houston (Replay)

This standout episode of the Insights Podcast takes you inside Nova Scotia’s ambitious plan to become a global energy leader. Premier Tim Houston shares his vision for transforming the province through offshore wind development—including the groundbreaking Wind West project, poised to supply over 25% of Canada’s electricity needs.

You’ll also hear candid insights on:

  • Unlocking offshore and onshore natural gas potential
  • Strategic mining opportunities fueling economic growth
  • Regulatory reforms to accelerate progress
  • Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers
  • Managing fiscal challenges amid rising deficits

If you care about Canada’s energy future, economic development, and bold leadership, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in now for one of our most impactful episodes of the year!

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How a 193-Year-Old Sawmill Is Using AI to Reinvent Rural Development in Atlantic Canada

Discover how Freeman Lumber—a family-owned sawmill since 1832—is reinventing rural development in Atlantic Canada. In this episode, COO Marcus Zwicker and CFO Georg Ernst share insights on tariffs, export diversification, Crown land harvesting, and innovative uses for biomass. Learn how this resilient company, which has weathered hurricanes and fires, is investing millions and leveraging AI to build a world-class mill. A must-listen for anyone interested in natural resources, sustainability, and economic growth in rural communities.