Congrès mondial acadien 2024 Economic Forum

Interim Chief Executive Officer,
Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ)

Since July 1, 2024, Gwen LeBlanc has been Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ). A native Acadian of Wedgeport-le-Bas, Ms. LeBlanc has been well known and appreciated by the wider CDÉNÉ community for many years. A graduate of Université Sainte-Anne (Commerce), she began her career with CDÉNÉ in 2009 as a Community Economic Development Officer. She has been the Manager of Community Economic Development Services and the Economic Immigration Manager since 2019.

Gwen has been involved in the development of numerous high-impact community projects for CDÉNÉ, and has represented it on provincial, national and international stages. She has also been a volunteer leader dedicated to community development for over 35 years; starting with the Conseil jeunesse provincial, she was heavily involved in the creation and development of the Festival de Thon de Wedgeport, President of the Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas, and Treasurer of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, among others.

President et Vice-Chancellor,
Université Sainte-Anne

With a PhD in education and specializing in the vitality of linguistic minority communities, Kenneth Deveau began his career in 1992 as a science and math teacher at École secondaire de Clare before pursuing doctoral studies in 2000 at Université de Moncton. He is recognized for his many contributions as a research associate with the Canadian Institute for Research on Linguistic Minorities from 2002 to 2013. He joined Université Sainte-Anne in 2004 as a professor in the Department of Education. His career took an administrative turn in 2011 when he was appointed Vice-President, Academic and Research, a position he held until 2021, when he became Development Officer for Research Infrastructure and Entrepreneurship at Université Sainte-Anne. Since 2023, Mr. Deveau has been Executive Director of the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

Recognized across Canada as a passionate and committed Francophone leader, Dr. Deveau has a rich expertise in management, strategic planning, communications, and governance. His ability to work effectively with governments is widely recognized. His involvement in initiatives such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse and Invest Nova Scotia shows his desire to contribute to his region’s economic and cultural development.

Minister of Innovation, Sciences and Industry, Government of Canada

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne was first elected in 2015 as the Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice-Champlain. He has previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister of International Trade.

Minister Champagne is a businessman, lawyer, and international trade specialist with over 20 years’ experience at large international companies in Europe, particularly in the fields of energy, engineering, and innovation.

Before entering politics, Minister Champagne was Vice-President and Senior Counsel of ABB Group, a leader in cutting-edge technology that operates in more than 100 countries. He also served as Strategic Development Director, acting General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer and Member of the Group Management Committee of Amec Foster Wheeler, a world leader in the energy sector.

In 2009, Minister Champagne was named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. He has served on several boards over the years, and was notably President of the Canadian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and the Banff Forum.

After his election in 2015, Minister Champagne served as a parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance until 2017, when he was appointed Minister of International Trade. During his time as Minister of International Trade, the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement entered into force, and Canada signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In 2018, he was named Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and oversaw the federal government’s ambitious $187 billion infrastructure investment plan. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2019, and oversaw the creation of Canada’s Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, which more than 60 countries have endorsed.

Minister Champagne holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Montréal and a Master of Laws in American law from Case Western Reserve University. Minister Champagne also studied public and private international law at The Hague Academy of International Law, in the Netherlands.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change,
Government of Nova Scotia

As the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Timothy Halman has a mandate to lead Nova Scotia’s response to climate change, protect the environment, and to lead work to ensure Nova Scotia has a healthy, clean, and sustainable future. He is also the Chair of the Nova Scotia Treasury and Policy Board

Shortly after becoming Minister, Timothy Halman passed new legislation – the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act – which is Nova Scotia’s Roadmap to sustainable prosperity. The Act’s 28 goals are designed to address the climate emergency by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, grow the green and circular economies, improving the health and sustainability of Nova Scotia’s environment, and move Nova Scotia to clean, renewable energy.

Timothy Halman was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2017 (MLA – Dartmouth East) and was re-elected in 2021. Prior to his career in Government and as a Member of the Legislature, he was a social studies teacher at Woodlawn High School in Dartmouth, where he worked to engage youth in the political process. He helped set up a Student Vote Program at the school, and in 2014 was named Canada’s Everyday Political Citizen of the Year. In 2015, he was nominated by the Halifax Regional School Board for the Superintendent’s Award for Teaching Excellence. His previous community service includes work with Big Brothers/Sisters, the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation, and youth athletics at Prince Andrew High School.

Head of World Legal Services,
Acadian Seaplants Limited

Scott Pickup is the Head of World Legal Services for the Acadian Seaplants Limited group of companies. Before joining Acadian Seaplants, Scott was a specialised lawyer with Stewart McKelvey and senior counsel for Irving Shipbuilding. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Global Innovation Advisory Council, one of the world’s leading legal innovation societies. Scott earned his diploma in Political Science from Acadia University and graduated from Université de Moncton’s School of Law. Scott comes from an Acadian family in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and is proud of his Acadian heritage. He is pleased to work with a company that embodies the spirit of the Acadian people.

President,
Comité organisateur du Congrès mondial acadien 2024

Allister Surette has been President and Vice-Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne since July 2011.

Prior to this, he was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature and held political office as Minister of Human Resources and Minister of Acadian Affairs. From 1998 to 2003, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Collège de l'Acadie, Nova Scotia’s only French-language community college. Beginning in April 2000, Mr. Surette played a key role in the creation and development of today’s Université Sainte-Anne, a French-language post-secondary educational institution resulting from the merger of the former Université Sainte-Anne and the Collège de l’Acadie. In 2003, he was named Université Sainte-Anne's VP Development and Partnerships, a position he held until his nomination as President and Vice-Chancellor in 2011.

Allister has been and continues to be active on numerous Boards and committees at the provincial, regional, and national level. He is currently Chair of the Fondation canadienne pour le dialogue des cultures (“Canadian Foundation for Cross-Cultural Dialogue”), Chair of the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse, and Chair of the organizing committee of the next Acadian World Congress that will take place in Southwestern Nova Scotia in 2024.

President & CEO,
Conseil du patronat du Québec

Experienced manager with over thirty years of experience in the business and political spheres, Karl Blackburn has been President and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec since June 2020. Prior to his role at the CPQ, Mr. Blackburn held the position of Senior Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Canada at Resolute Forest Products, following a career in politics with the Quebec Liberal Party.

As a voting member of the business sector of the Commission des partenaires du marché du travail (CPMT) and a member of the employer group of the Comité consultatif du travail et de la main-d’œuvre (CCTM), he is highly active in advocating for Quebec employers’ interests regarding both current and future labor market needs.

In addition to his significant role within the Quebec business community, Karl Blackburn is deeply engaged in social initiatives. He serves on the boards of several organizations, including Forces AVENIR, an organization supporting activities that encourage and recognize students’ community engagement; and the Quebec Cancer Foundation (FQC), which provides daily support to thousands of Quebecers affected by cancer and their families.

Holder of a bachelor’s degree in administration, with a focus on Law and Management from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), Mr. Blackburn is also a graduate of the School ELS International Language in London and has participated in the master’s program in Organizational Management at UQAC.

Professor at the École des hautes études publiques,
Université de Moncton

Pierre-Marcel Desjardins has taught economics at Université de Moncton since 1990. He has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Texas (Austin). He graduated from Université de Moncton with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in economics.

He is currently researching regional and rural economic development, public policy, language, and economics, as well as trade. He has been an economic development expert for the governments of Canada, Vanuatu, and New Brunswick, as well as for the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Pierre-Marcel sat on the board of directors of the financial cooperative UNI between 2008 and 2024 and was its chair between 2012 and 2024. He sits on the board of directors of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick (“NB Economic Council”) as an economic advisor since 2017. From 2021 to 2023, he was the treasurer of the Réseau international des Chaires Senghor de la Francophonie (“International Network of Senghor Chairs of la Francophonie”). He chaired the Atlantic Premiers' Panel on Impacts of Changes to Employment Insurance and was a member of the Province of New Brunswick’s Working Group on Pensions. From 2001 to 2012, he was the chair of the Pays de la Sagouine’s Management Board. He also chaired the board of directors of the Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE-Canada) from 2021 to 2023.

President and CEO,
Roy Consultants

Michel Dufresne (eng.) has been involved with the Board of Directors of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick inc. (CÉNB – “NB Economic Council”) since 2019. He is currently the president of the CÉNB Board of Directors. He was elected to sit on the RDÉE Canada Board of Directors. RDÉE NB is the CÉNB’s economic development division. Michel is a civil engineer and the president and CEO of Roy Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm that makes concrete contributions to the development of many New Brunswick communities through active participation in public infrastructure projects, job creation and various social initiatives.

President,
Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Suzanne Roy (MBA, ICD.D, FEA) is the President of the CDÉNÉ since 2023 and a member of the Executive Committee since 2018. She has a Bachelor of Political Science degree from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from McGill University. She was the Strategy Director for the Sécor Group in Montreal before coming to Nova Scotia to join Acadian Seaplants in 1990, which was then an emerging small family business. She led research and market development, and targeted and established niches worldwide. She was also the Communications Director, establishing a reputation for the small business, and led strategic planning for many years. She took a step back from operations, while continuing to lead various strategic files for Acadian Seaplants and other sectors. A proud Acadian of Franco-Manitoban descent, she has long been enthusiastic about the development of small business and family-run business and is a committed volunteer on many levels.

Chief Executive Officer,
Western Regional Enterprise Network

CEO since August 2014 – Angélique LeBlanc has a natural ability to lead teams and develop partnerships. To strengthen this innate talent, Angélique has dedicated herself to gaining both education and experiences that provide great value to her regional economic development contribution.

Her economic and business development experience in Nova Scotia have equipped Angélique with an acute understanding of the challenges faced by local business communities.  She has built a solid network of regional and provincial contacts and has worked with all levels of government in the process.

A native, bilingual Nova Scotian, Angélique also spent 6 years teaching abroad, and acquired a global perspective along with the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.

Angélique has an MBA through Université de Moncton.

Director, Northern New Brunswick Field Unit,
Parks Canada

Since 2014, Géraldine Arsenault has held the position of Director of the Northern New Brunswick Field Unit for Parks Canada, which manages, among others, the National Historic Sites of Grand-Pré, Beaubassin, Fort Beauséjour-Fort Cumberland, Monument Lefebvre, Boishébert and a few other historical designations. She is also the Director of Kouchibouguac National Park. She has always worked in the protected sites sector, both within government and the private sector, and especially in coastal tourism areas. Some of her day-to-day concerns include sustainable development and the approaches that the places managed by the Parks Canada Agency can adopt to green their operations while relevantly addressing visitors’ requests. Géraldine holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in environmental studies, both from Université de Moncton.

Géraldine served on the organizing committee for Congrès mondial acadien 2019 and is currently on the board of trustees for The Landscape of Grand-Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When she is not working, Géraldine likes spending time with her husband and family. She likes playing music with her friends, savouring great dishes, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Founder and Lightkeeper - Tourism Transformation,
TouriScope

Attracted to the world of travel for as long as she can remember, Camille Derelle Aubut (Lightkeeper – Tourism Transformation) graduated from the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières with a master’s degree in Leisure, Culture and Tourism.

While working as an analyst with the Tourism Intelligence Network of the Transat Chair in Tourism at ESG UQAM, Camille developed a passion for strategic intelligence and the study of tourism trends. After working as assistant director of the Musée des religions du monde (« Museum of World Religions ») in Nicolet, she fell in love with Atlantic Canada and settled in the Moncton area.

In 2016, she founded TouriScope and since then, she has been a lightkeeper in tourism transformation. She can now fully explore her areas of expertise: tourism industry governance and management, organizational transformation, experience enhancement and local development. She is equally at home working with government bodies, tourism associations and small and medium-sized businesses.

Tourism & cultural entrepreneur
Director of public relations at the
Laura Plantation in Louisiana

For over 25 years, Joseph Dunn’s deep knowledge of Louisiana’s distinctive cultures, languages and heritage has enabled him to work at the highest levels of the State of Louisiana’s tourism and cultural industries.

Before going into tourism and cultural entrepreneurship in 2014, Joseph was the Executive Director of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) from 2011 to 2014. He had previously held senior positions at the Consulate General of France in New Orleans; at the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor of Louisiana; at the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development; at the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association; at Laura Plantation; and at the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Between 1996 and 2005, he worked as the Marketing and Public Relations Director of Laura Plantation. In 2004 and 2005, Joseph was invited as a consultant in interpretation to lead bilingual training workshops (French/English) for guides and interpreters belonging to the Canadian national parks system. In the wake of the hurricanes that struck Louisiana in 2005, his bilingual skills brought him to work in different agencies of the Louisiana government where he participated in the reconstruction of the state’s tourism and cultural industries.

During his term with the Office of Cultural Development and then with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Joseph played a vital role in the development of the World Cultural Economic Forum, the Lieutenant Governor’s flagship project. He was a member of the Louisiana delegation to the 2008 Sommet de la Francophonie in Quebec. Later, as CODOFIL’s Executive Director, Joseph led the renegotiation of the bilateral agreements on culture and education between Louisiana and the governments of France and the French Community of Belgium. During the mission to re-sign the agreements in Paris in 2012, he discussed Louisiana’s place within la Francophonie with S.E. Abdou Diouf, then Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). In 2018, Joseph was part of the editorial committee for the application file that enabled Louisiana to become an observer member of the OIF.

Currently Laura Plantation’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing, Joseph participates in research and the construction of an interpretive narrative for the heritage site. He regularly collaborates on a variety of projects focusing on the social, professional, and economic enrichment of French-speaking and Creole-speaking Louisianans. He regularly contributes to articles in various publications and lends his voice to television and radio shows where he recalls, defends, and promotes the historical and contemporary diversity of Louisiana’s French- and Creole-speaking populations.

Recognised as an opinion leader on these questions, Joseph Dunn is a Knight of the Ordre national du Mérite (France), a member of the Ordre des francophones d’Amérique (Québec) and Honorary Consul of Canada in New Orleans.

Manager of International Development,
Stratégie de promotion des artistes acadiens sur la scène internationale

Yannick Mainville is Manager of International Development for the Société de Promotion des artistes acadiens sur la scène international since November 2022. He’s responsible to organize Pavillon Acadie in Louisiana and France also responsible for the International Export Program at the Francofête en Acadie. Yannick has previously held the positions of Director of Tourism Development for the Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission (Tourism Division) between 2017 and 2022, Assistant Director General of the Société des Jeux de l'Acadie, Coordinator of the Éloizes in 2010 and 2012, in addition to Programming and Youth Event Project Manager at the 2009 World Acadian Congress. Yannick has a bachelor's degree in tourism management from the University of Moncton. Originally from Caraquet NB, Yannick is well known for his professional and community involvement. He has served on several boards as of the Bathurst Regional Airport Authority, Acadie Love and the Festival des arts visuels en Atlantique.

Culinary Chef & Entrepreneur

Shane Robicheau was raised in small-town Clare, Nova Scotia, but has traveled the world as part of his culinary education. 

Shane began working in his family’s restaurant when he was 14 and immediately knew it was how he wanted to spend his life. Throughout the years working alongside his parents, they were able to elevate the restaurant to a must-stop popular destination in Southwest Nova Scotia. He then attended the culinary arts program at the Kingstec Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College and trained under some of the province’s most accomplished and esteemed chefs. The expertise they passed along to him is what continues to inspire Shane.

Upon graduation from the program, Shane was selected to be part of Canada’s U-25 Culinary Team, competing in the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

Today Shane provides private chef services in his hometown & surrounding area. Fall 2020 Shane opened his first food truck in Saulnierville. Recently Shane has opened up 2 (shipping container) Airbnbs to create for a unique getaway in his hometown & has hosted a first of its kind free community meal on Christmas eve for those in need most. Shane is an accomplished chef and community-minded resident of Clare who has brought the importance of food security to the forefront of our municipality. He is also the President of Clare Share Fridge Communautaire Society, but his acts of service go well beyond his organizational responsibilities. He averages 20 hours per week opening and closing the community fridge, restocking the fridge, food shopping, doing paperwork, networking with partner businesses and organizations, analyzing statistics and organizing community cook days.

Business and Entrepreneurship Services Manager,
Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse

André LeBlanc is an experienced manager with over 30 years of expertise in the consultation and management industry and in the financial services sector. Throughout his career, he has shown a remarkable ability to lead teams and implement effective strategies in sales management, commercial lending solutions and structures, banking operations, change management and business strategies.

His extensive experience in credit analysis and financial planning is supplemented by over 20 years of leadership in the financial services sector, where he held various positions at the regional and national levels, with a focus on commercial and retail banking services. This deeply rooted knowledge and expertise have made him a natural candidate for the position of manager of CDÉNÉ’s business and entrepreneurship team, a position he has held since 2014.

As a seasoned professional, André is known for his constant commitment to innovation and continuous learning. He is continually seeking new opportunities to improve his skills and knowledge in an industry constantly undergoing change. He is also a certified Level 1 Career/Life Skills Resources Inc. Personality Dimensions® facilitator, a title that highlights his abilities in team development and leadership.

His work reflects his willingness to promote business growth and entrepreneurial success. André is committed to supporting and promoting the interests of the communities and businesses served by his organisation, by constantly striving to have a positive impact in business development, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Chief Administrative Officer,
Municipality of Argyle

Alain Muise has been the chief administrative officer of the Municipality of Argyle since 2006. He joined the municipality after 11 years of experience with Grant Thornton LLP and his predecessors, leaving the firm as its senior manager.

Alain was part of a team of experts that advised the province as it developed its Regional Enterprise Network system and championed the creation of the Western Regional Enterprise Network, the first of its kind in the province and one of its most active. In 2018, the idea of an Aquaculture Development Area was accepted by the province. This concept and project pilot sought to reduce the time required to complete a request for an oyster or sea plants farm in Argyle. This concept is unique and represents the first “ADA’ in Canada.

Thanks to his experience and education, Alain has led several other municipal projects over the course of his 18 years as CAO, including the construction of a new administrative building (net zero energy consumption) and a new track and field in Tusket. He also supports the teamwork to expand the Mariner Centre, a partnership between the three municipalities of Yarmouth County, representing an investment of 38 million dollars for a new aquatic centre, gym and walking trail.

Research Chair Professor of artificial intelligence for supply chain management,
Université du Québec à Rimouski

Loubna Benabbou is Research Chair Professor of artificial intelligence for supply chain management at the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR). Her research focuses on the development and application of machine learning and operations research approaches to data-driven decision-making. She is interested in the application of these approaches to supply chain management, digitalization of industrial processes and climate change risk mitigation. Loubna Benabbou has participated in several research projects with industry and is a member of scientific/technical committees of international journals and conferences. Her research in these fields has been published in international scientific journals and conference proceedings. She is an industrial engineer from the École Mohammadia d'Ingénieurs, and holds an M.B.A and a PhD in Machine Learning and Decision Sciences from Université Laval.

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Comeau’s Sea Foods

Noël Després, known both for his success in the business world and for his many community contributions. Since 2014, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of Comeau's Sea Foods, a dynamic company that harvests, processes and markets seafood products. and which is recognized as a cornerstone of the regional economy of Southwestern Nova Scotia.

Mr. Després has an extraordinary knowledge of the business world and spends much of his time sharing his experience with companies and organizations across Eastern Canada. Among other responsibilities, he is President of the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia and Vice President of Perennia. He previously also served as Chair of the Assumption Life Board of Governors in Moncton, NB, and as a Nova Scotia Board Member of the Canadian Manufacturers Association.

In addition to his professional activities, he is also very committed to the community: he is a member of the Clare Health Center Foundation and the Sacred Heart Parish of Saulnierville, with whom he has been involved for over 20 years. Between 2005 and 2011 he served as vice-president of the Clare Acadian Festival and has been involved in various organizations that benefit the region's youth, including the Clare Preschool.

Moreover, Mr. Després has always played an active role with his alma mater. For nearly a decade he has served on the Board of Governors of Université Sainte-Anne both as a member and President, and from 2007 to 2012, he was President of the Université Sainte-Anne Alumni Association. In 2016, Université Sainte-Anne awarded him an honorary doctorate in administrative sciences.

Executive Director,
Maritime Fishermen's Union

Originally from Shediac, NB, Martin Mallet completed his master's degree in biology at the Université de Moncton, after which he began his career in research and development with the Maritime Fishermen's Union (MFU). In 2004, he became head of Homarus Inc., the new scientific subsidiary of the MFU involved in R&D projects related to the optimization of the lobster resource. It is in these functions that Martin Mallet, with the help of his team and various collaborators, including indigenous groups, was able to set up a range of projects such as: lobster seeding, the creation of artificial reefs, a stock assessment program, research to better understand the interaction between the lobster and its habitat, the development of alternative baits and the addition of an educational component with the creation of the Homarus Center in Shediac. Since 2016, Martin has assumed the role of Executive Director at the Maritime Fishermen's Union, a role that has brought him closer to inshore fisheries management and its many challenges.

Director of the Marine Research Center & Director of the Lobster Quality Center,
Université Sainte-Anne

Michelle Theriault is the Director of Université Sainte-Anne’s Marine Research Center and satellite campus in Petit de Grat, NS, and has over 25 years of experience in the lobster industry. She completed a BSc. in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University and an industry sponsored Masters of Science in Veterinary Medicine from UPEI. Michelle spent the first 10 years of her career as a lobster biologist and biology manager at a live lobster storage facility in Nova Scotia, as part of a team responsible for quality and inventory management for several millions of pounds of lobster per year. Michelle was instrumental in establishing Université Sainte-Anne’s Marine Research Centre, a self-funded Centre known for specialization with American Lobster. This Center conducts applied research and training to support economic growth and development within the fishing and aquaculture industries in Nova Scotia, including the development and delivery of the Nova Scotia Lobster Handling Courses.

Director,
Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité du Nouveau-Brunswick

In 2015, Marie-Eve Michon began her adventure with the Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité du Nouveau-Brunswick (RDÉE NB) as a community development officer. Her passion and dedication enabled her to rise quickly through the ranks, becoming an Economic Development Manager. For six years, she worked tirelessly, proving her commitment to the Francophone and Acadian communities. In 2022, her determination and leadership propelled her to the position of Director, where she continues to inspire and guide others with the same passion that has characterized her career from the outset.

Marie-Eve stands out for her ability to forge strong links with various provincial and national players. Today, her vast network of partners is an asset for all the province’s Francophone and Acadian communities. Always ready to think outside the box, she proposes innovative projects tailored to the needs of minority language communities. Her commitment is particularly evident in initiatives aimed at the sustainability and innovation of French-speaking businesses, capacity-building for job seekers, the promotion of local products and youth community involvement.

Hailing from Tracadie, New Brunswick, Marie-Eve graduated from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières with a Bachelor of Science degree. Beyond her expertise in medical biology, she has extensive experience in project coordination. Outside of her professional activities, she shares her time between her 10-year-old son, sports and outdoor activities, as well as CrossFit. In everything she undertakes, Marie-Eve embodies passion, innovation and commitment.

Chief Executive Officer,
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Kendra MacDonald is the CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, which is responsible for the accelerated development and marketing of the innovation that will solve some of the world’s greatest ocean challenges. Kendra is at the forefront of the culture change in ocean business from one ocean to the other, by increasing collaboration between the ocean sectors and by growing Canada’s ocean economy digitally, sustainably, and inclusively. In recognition of her leadership in creating Canada’s Ocean Supercluster from the ground up, Kendra was named one of the fifty best CEOs in Atlantic Canada by Atlantic Business Magazine over the past four years and one of Canada’s best leaders in sustainable development by Clean50 in 2022.

Before heading Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Kendra was a partner in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory Services group and head of auditing at Deloitte Global.

Director of INNOV,
Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick

Jeanne Charbonneau is currently the Director of INNOV, CCNB’s Centre for Innovation and Applied Research for Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. She holds three master’s degrees and has studied in seven countries. As a social entrepreneur in sustainable development, she has worked on creating projects, businesses, and organisations in the field of sustainable development for over fifteen years. Some of the projects she has involved in establishing include Ashoka Québec, Vire-Vert, Roulons Vert, Association sénégalaise des étudiants en environnement (“Senegalese Association for Students in Environmental Studies”), the Mauricie branch and youth sector of the Canada Green Building Council, Gite du lac à la Tortue and Vélonautique. She has served as a part-time member of the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (« Public Environmental Hearing Office ») as an Occasional Commissioner and has held management positions at Vire-Vert, Roulons Vert, Fonds Municipal Vert (« Municipal Green Fund ») and the Town of Shawinigan, always with a focus on business development, sustainable development and marketing. She was a Director for Special Projects at the Centre national en électrochimie et en technologies environnementales (« National Centre for Electrochemistry and Environmental Technologies ») et co-founded and ran Escouade Énergie, a group of twenty-two technology access centres which seek to support Quebec in its energy transition. Throughout her professional life, she has received several awards, including the 2024 Quebec Renewable Energy Woman of the Year Award, the Michel Jurdant Award in Air and Climate Change from Réseau Environnement, the McConnell Foundation Award for Canadian Social Innovation, the Hommage relève award from Mauricie’s Conseil regional d'économie sociale (“Social Economy Regional Council”) and the award for new business of the year from the Trois-Rivières Youth Chamber of Commerce. She is also very involved in tourism associations and has chaired the Fonds d’action québécois pour le développement durable (“Quebec Action Fund for Sustainable Development”) which manages the Eco-Leader Fund.

Global Engineering Director,
Acadian Seaplants

Jean-Luc Deveau is the Global Engineering Director of Acadian Seaplants and runs a team of 10 engineers in North America and Europe. He is responsible for plant expansions and modernisations, as well as for continuous innovation and improvement of technologies and efficiencies in processing, cultivation, harvesting and other types of centres and processes. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Queens University, as well as certifications in Business Administration and Project Management. He previously worked for Honeywell Aerospace in Canada and Asia, developing technologies for product testing and quality control of specialized equipment. A proud Acadian from Dartmouth, NS, he was educated in the CSAP network and has always been very active in his community. 

Vice-President, Nova Scotia,
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Chuck Maillet was appointed the Vice-President for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for Nova Scotia in 2017, having been with the Agency since 2002.

Before joining ACOA, Chuck spent a number of years working in both the private and non-profits sectors, where he gained valuable insights into the challenges of starting and growing businesses; however, his learning journey still continues. Chuck is passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting innovation and technology development in Nova Scotia.

President,
A.F. Theriault

Gilles Theriault is President of A. F. Theriault & Son Ltd., a boat building and repair business that was founded in 1938 by his grandfather, Gus Theriault. Gilles is a third generation Theriault who manages the company’s day to day operations with his cousin David. He also oversees activities at their hardwood sawmill. His father, Arthur, Uncle Larry and his uncles Ernest (deceased) and Russell (deceased) retired a few years ago. 

Gilles plays an active part in promoting the company.  He attends trade shows and prepares promotional materials showcasing the boat building and repair facilities available at A. F. Theriault & Son. The enterprise continues to attract local, national, and international clients.

Gilles prides himself in giving A. F. Theriault clients the great customer service that they deserve as well as delivering the required specification, whether it be a boat repair or new build. He also has a keen interest in advanced technologies in the marine industry. Furthermore, employee education and training, safety and innovation in the workplace are all things he values very much – a tireless champion with a vision to continually develop the company into the best it can be.

In February 2017, Gilles was inducted into the Atlantic Canada Marine Industries Hall of Fame. He is also the Chair of the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association.

Gilles is married to Christine and they have a son, Régis.

Department Chair of the Department of Administrative Sciences,
Université Sainte-Anne

Yalla Sangaré is an associate professor at Université Sainte-Anne. He is Chair of the Department of Administrative Sciences. As a researcher, consultant and engaged citizen, he has worked with several Nova Scotian Acadian organisations. He sits on the Board of Directors of several provincial and national organisations.

Mr. Sangaré lives in Clare with his family.