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Showing posts with label atlantic canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atlantic canada. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Acadia Podcast Insights with Don Mills & David Campbell - Kent Building Supplies - Atlantic Canada - 50th Anniversary

 At this link:  Kent Building Supplies is the Largest Building Supply Company in Atlantic Canada. from Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell- An Acadia Broadcasting Podcast | Podcast Episode on Podbay


Our Insights Podcast this week features a conversation with Rannie MacDonald, the VP of JD Irving's Retail Division and Patrick O'Neil, the General Manager of Kent Building Supplies that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since its founding in Bouctouche (Kent County), Kent has become the market leader in the region in building supplies. Most Atlantic Canadians have shopped at a Kent's at one time or the other. The company has 48 retail outlets ranging in size from its large big box stores of up to 125,000 square feet to its smaller 24,000 square foot sized traditional stores located in smaller communities. Kent has become one of the region's largest private sector employers, with 3,700 full-time employees generating more than $200 million in wages that are mostly spent in the region. It supports nearly 1,400 vendors in the region, spending $300 million a year on local goods and services. It has a major 560,000 square foot distribution centre in Moncton with over 25,000 product skus and sources the vast majority of its products from Canadian manufacturers. Indeed, only 10 percent of their products come from US suppliers. It has spun off Atlas Structural Systems that now has 11 locations and an incremental 600 employees, as well as Industrial Commercial Supplies with another 100 employees. It is proudly an Atlantic Canadian success story and one that you will enjoy learning more about.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with Brett Plummer, Chief Nuclear Officer and Vice President at NB Power



"Chernobyl and Fukishima 
were completely preventable." 
- Brett Plummer


"Huddle Archives - Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell." 56 minutes 16 minutes podcast

"Don Mills and David Campbell have had a series of conversations this year about the transformation of the energy sector in Atlantic Canada as it looks to decarbonize our economy and foster a strong regional economy.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could be an important source of electricity production that provides essentially carbon-free energy that, unlikely many other sources of green energy, provides baseload stable power production whether or not wind is blowing or the sun is shining.

SMRs are smaller, less complex, lower cost and should be far faster to deploy compared to earlier, larger-scale nuclear energy facilities.

Earlier this year, they spoke with Brett Plummer, Chief Nuclear Officer and Vice President at NB Power about the potential of SMRs not only to address energy needs in New Brunswick and possibly around the region but also as a catalyst for regional economic development.

If all goes to plan, potentially hundreds of businesses in the supply chain will develop expertise here that could be exported around the world. The plan is to have an SMR providing power to the New Brunswick electricity grid by 2030.

“As we build out the infrastructure around the Small Modular Reactors, we’ll influence everyone in Atlantic Canada and elsewhere in Canada,” he says. “We’ve already had some engineering companies open up offices in New Brunswick in Saint John around the [SMRs] and we’re seeing more and more interest almost weekly. It’s building a tremendous amount of momentum.”

You can listen to their conversation in the player above or download the show on your preferred podcast platform.

The “Insights” podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region."


At this link:  'Best Of Insights': The Big Opportunity For Small Modular Nuclear Reactors - Huddle.Today  

[ Introduction by Mark Leger December 28, 2022 ]



Facebook:  Huddle | Saint John NB    Huddle cancelled itself in 2023... why?

More here:  Nuclear energy boss is leaving N.B. Power, MLAs told in sudden announcement | CBC News

"An American who received his training as a nuclear operator in the U.S. navy, Plummer was hired in 2015 to try to sort out operational problems at Lepreau.  

The nuclear plant failed to perform as hoped following a refurbishment that ended in 2012 and was three years behind schedule and $1 billion over budget. It suffered numerous breakdowns and maintenance problems that began to drag on N.B. Power's finances almost immediately.

N.B. Power hoped Plummer could fix that track record, and it paid top dollar for his expertise. 

He was the highest paid employee at N.B. Power during his eight years, earning more than all three presidents he served under. Earlier this year, the utility revealed he was being paid more than $100,000 per month in 2023. "

More here with Maine USA's Brett Plummer:  Brett Plummer - Énergie NB Power | LinkedIn

and here:  Brett Plummer | | Canada


A day at the beach in southern New Brunswick... more here:

... Aboiteau Beach - Regional Town of Cap-Acadie

and here:

... Aboiteau Beach – Cap‑Pelé, NB - Plage Aboiteau Beach

Climate change counter-postering for rational minds in "net zero" obsessed Sackville N.B.


More here:  Tim Ball……..tells the TRUTH Part 1 | The Big Green Lie

and here:  Tim Ball tells the TRUTH….Part 2 | The Big Green Lie


Many do seem averse to really understanding this climate change grifter scam.. perhaps it is because their paycheques depend upon them going along with the "con". #netzerocultists 

#UNexit 


Sunday, July 26, 2026

Canada's Ismaili Community - Aga Khan Development Network in 2026 and Atlantic Canada [Acadia Podcasts Don Mills & David Campbell]

 In 2026 here:  The Ismaili Community Has a Growing Interest in Atlantic Canada from Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell- An Acadia Broadcasting Podcast | Podcast Episode on Podbay

"Our podcast this week features an educational conversation with Dr. Moez Rajwani, the Executive Officer for the Aga Khan Council in Canada representing the interests of the Ismalili community across the country. There are between 100 and 125,000 Ismailis living in Canada. They are part of the Shia Muslim community that follow the Aga Khan as their Iman, the hereditary leader of the Ismailis,and  their spiritual leader. There are between 12-15 million Ismailis in the world. The Ismaili community has had a focus on Atlantic Canada in recent years and has held two Atlantic Canada Trade Mission Forums with their communities in Toronto and Vancouver in the last six months or so to highlight the investment opportunities in our region. These forums were well attended and generated significant interest in Atlantic Canada. The alignment of the values of Atlantic Canada to those of the Ismaili community is well recognized by the Aga Khan Council and one of the key reasons for interest in our region.. The Council is also focussed on developing a bigger community of Ismailis in the region and is currently working to bring refugee families to our region and has a well developed strategy to support those resettlement efforts by ensuring access to affordable housing, healthcare, language training as well as assisting in the integration into the local community. These efforts contribute to higher retention rates."





2014 Openinng of the Ismaili Centre Toronto... here:

Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Toronto - Aga Khan September 12, 2014


Aga Khan's legacy and connection to Canada ... here:

Remembering the Aga Khan’s legacy and connection to Canada - YouTube



More here with Steve Paikin, on the Aga Khan's Special Bond with Canada.. on his passing:

The Aga Khan's Special Bond with Canada | The Agenda

"Feb 10, 2025 The Aga Khan's Special Bond with Canada.

The death of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, or Aga Khan IV as he was better known, has led to an outpouring of tributes. The spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, more than 80,000 of whom reside in Canada, was known for his philanthropic efforts around the globe. Here to reflect on his legacy: Arif Lalani, former Canadian diplomat who also led the diplomatic department of His Highness the Aga Khan."

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Whatever happened to " Huddle Today " an online news site in New Brunswick ? "Huddle Your Business Stories" based in Saint John NB

On X here:  Huddle (@HuddleToday) / X

More here:  About - Huddle.Today

"Huddle is a Maritime business publication that tells the stories of the creative, innovative, and interesting entrepreneurs working in the Maritimes. We have journalists in Halifax, Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton who report on the issues and events that help or hinder their ability to create wealth and employment.

Huddle has a broad definition of entrepreneurship, knowing that it exists in many sectors, including but not limited to IT, energy, agriculture, tourism, food and beverage, health and culture. We are a news site, and a gathering place for people with ambition who, through their companies and communities, want to help build stronger economies. That includes owners and operators of businesses, people who work for them, and people invested in the success of local companies and communities.

At Huddle, our philosophy is simple: we believe that business is good.

Business creates jobs, opportunities and wealth, things we need more of here in our part of Canada. Business is creative, powerful and a force for positive social change.

We’re passionate about the entrepreneurs making a difference in our region. Too often business in the Maritimes is viewed with suspicion or even resentment. That’s holding us back, so we want to help change that mindset.

So please join us on this journey. Let us know what you think about Huddle on Twitter or Facebook – we’d love your feedback." 

Podcast archives here:  Podcast Archives - Huddle.Today



At this link:  Frank McKenna Says N.B.’s Digital Transformation Requires Better Networking - Huddle.Today


More here:

Serge Zably Says International Students Can Build New Lives And Careers In N.B. - Huddle.Today



John Lafford article here:

Moncton's Next 'Three Sisters'-Style Development? - Huddle.Today


More here;

McKenna Miracle: The Great undoing? - Huddle.Today

"For the decade Frank McKenna was premier of New Brunswick, he put a relentless focus on economic development. A big part of that was convincing national and international firms to set up export-focused operations in the province.

These companies had names like FedEX, UPS, RBC, Fairmont, Marriott, Air Canada, CIBC, and ExxonMobil. By my count, there were around 30 multinational brands that had customer service and back-office operations in New Brunswick.

There were also efforts made to attract other industries, like IT and manufacturing, but the most success by far was in the call centre business."


More here: 

Patterson's Owner Mulls Sale And Retirement After 27 Years - Huddle.Today

"Patterson, the co-owner of Patterson’s Family Restaurant, said he’s had a few local nibbles after putting the restaurant up for sale for $1.4-million.

Patterson bought two houses and converted them into the restaurant that today sits at 16 Mallard Dr. He said he’s changing his mind a lot about the prospect of selling the restaurant.

“I listed it, but good God, it’s a big move. I’ve been here at Patterson’s for 27, going on 28 years,” he told Huddle in an interview.

Patterson also worked at his mother’s restaurant, the former Eva’s Place, for 12 years. He said it’s a rewarding line of work but that he’s been considering retirement for the last few years.

“My wife retired at 55 but I’m the type of person who can’t sit still for one minute, so I wouldn’t have been able to retire at 55. She wants to travel and I’d like to golf–and we can keep ourselves busy with our grandkids and stuff,” he said.

“It’s a big move, but what do you do, you know? I know a couple of guys who worked until they died–I don’t want to do that. I’d like to go golfing and traveling and just need the freedom of retirement. But, when I get up in the morning, it’s nice to have a purpose to come here and do this. It’s just back-and-forth, but it’s out there and if it sells I’m probably going to sell, if they pay what I’m asking.”

Although he preferred not to name any of the people considering a purchase, Patterson said he doesn’t anticipate much changing about the restaurant.

“They don’t even want to change the name,” he said, adding that some of the potential buyers want him to stick around for a year or so to help out.

I’m willing to do that–I’m not going to be here seven days a week, but I can certainly give them guidance and help out. I live in Sackville and I’d help anyone who took over, to keep it going.”

Patterson’s, which sits a stone’s throw from where the Trans-Canada Highway passes town, attracts a gamut of patrons. Patterson said about eight out of ten diners are locals and regulars.

“We’re not known for anything in particular. Everything on the menu sells well,” he said, referring to a broad menu that features anything from breakfast staples and sandwiches, to seafood platters.

Patterson noted the pandemic had little to do with his decision to put the family restaurant on the market. He said he pivoted to takeout to cope with restrictions and that they’re well underway to a full recovery from Covid-19’s economic impacts. The only other impact was seen with staff, when he had to reduce a roster of 47 employees.

At the time of writing, 24 people were working at Patterson’s.

Patterson, who co-owns the restaurant with his cousin, Carl Ward, said Ward will be selling his stake in the restaurant if they find a buyer.

“About five years ago I sold half of it to Carl. He and I both own it but he doesn’t work here – he’s got a hydraulics and fire safety systems business out west. He comes home for a couple of weeks at a time and might come to eat here, but that’s it,” said Patterson.

“He said, ‘The only reason I bought half the restaurant is because you wanted me to. If you’re selling, I’m selling my stake too.’”


On Facebook here:  Huddle | Saint John NB | Facebook

Phone listed at 506-214-5598

Good bye post here:  

Today is Huddle’s final day.
Effective today, Acadia Broadcasting has announced the closure of its Maritime business publication Huddle. We want to thank you, our readers and subscribers for your support of Huddle over the years.
The Huddle archive of more than 10,000 stories will remain available on the Huddle website, and Huddle’s Insights Podcast, hosted by Don Mills and David Campbell, will continue under the Acadia Broadcasting banner. Listeners can continue to find the show on their favorite podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, or directly at https://huddle.today/category/podcast/insights/
Read our goodbye ➡️

On Instagram:


Goodbye Atlantic Canada article here:


"Today is Huddle’s final day.

Acadia Broadcasting announced today the closure of Huddle.

Acadia Broadcasting President Chris Pearson acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to close the publication and the team’s hard work and commitment over the years. “It’s been an honour to share in Huddle’s dedication to quality journalism since Acadia Broadcasting’s acquisition of Huddle in 2019. Unfortunately, the advertising landscape has become increasingly complex over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we’ve had to make a necessary yet difficult business decision,” Pearson said.

Huddle’s Insights Podcast, hosted by Don Mills and David Campbell, will continue under the Acadia Broadcasting banner. Listeners can continue to find the show on their favourite podcast platform or online.

“David Campbell and I look forward to working with Acadia Broadcasting to bring listeners exclusive interviews with those making an important economic impact in our region and to continue to broaden our audience,” Mills said.

Huddle has had a class of extremely talented reporters and interns pass through our newsroom. Each one came with a special set of skills that made us better. There are many others, including Huddle’s founders, who played important roles in our history.

But even more than all of them, Huddle owes everything to you, dear readers. Your interest, engagement, and feedback gave life to the publication and everyone who worked here.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

As we say goodbye, we leave you with a list of some of our most read stories. You’ll find a fitting showcase of the Huddle’s work in this collection.

Long-time readers will recognize at least one story from the earliest days of the publication. You’ll also see some of our pandemic-era commentary, a few of our bread-and-butter retail stories, some of the good-news stories we built our publication around, and even some of our accountability journalism.

So please, enjoy a bittersweet trip down memory lane with us.

And thank you again, Atlantic Canada. We’ll miss you dearly."


Please listen to their April 26, 2023 podcast with Fredericton's Pat Whalen co-founder and CEO/President of Luminultra's Global Reach here with David Campbell and Don Mills:



More reporting here on the "coviet scammers" at "Luminultra" from 2020:


April 2003 official beginnings of Luminultra in Fredericton N.B. P.J. Whalen and Associates was Pat Whalen's Dad's company.



July 25, 2023 Huddle says goodbye .. August 11, 2023 Podcasters of Huddle continue on...