The idea of uniting the Maritime provinces is not new. In fact, it was the original reason for the 1864 conference in Charlottetown that ultimately led to the creation of Canada. The central Canadians had a bigger idea, one which history suggests may not have always been better for the Maritimes. And let’s not forget, in the early days of European settlement, the region was all one. Every so often, and with surprising regularity, someone suggests it should be that way again. A study in 1970 recommended the merger of the three provinces into one. The idea was rejected by the politicians of the day, but they did agree to create the council of Maritime premiers and some very successful regional agencies. As recently as 2012, three Conservative senators – one from each province – again advocated to create a single province in the interest of efficiency and influence. For reasons driven by politics and provincial identity, a political union of the Maritimes seems highly unlikely. But it’s also unnecessary. An economic union, including Newfoundland and Labrador, is a different matter. And that’s essentially what’s being recommended by an independent, private sector-led panel. In its recent report, the group concludes: “Many of our opportunities are too large for any one province to pursue. We must look beyond provincial borders and act like a connected economic region… It is time for a one Atlantic Canada approach to deal with the region’s common economic challenges.” Among other things, the panel recommends removal of all trade barriers, faster approval of major projects and the creation a single, integrated entity to develop and distribute electricity. Regrettably, reports of this kind often generate a lot of immediate interest before being promptly forgotten. This one shouldn’t be. You may not agree with everything in it but it’s worth reading and most of it is worth doing. Because while the idea isn’t new, the time has never been more right and the need greater for the integration of Atlantic Canada’s economic interests, resources and opportunities, particularly given this week’s election outcome in Quebec. Let’s put prosperity and potential ahead of provincial and personal political interests and create an Atlantic economic community. Four proud distinctive provinces in one great common cause. And let’s get on with it.
