TORONTO - Business leader, lawyer, Premier, ambassador: all these roles were visible in Frank McKenna's keynote address at the 2008 East Coast Connected Atlantic Business Summit. Speaking in the Rotman School of Management's Fleck Auditorium with a passion that has not diminished over the years, McKenna was at turns funny and furious. Blasting myths and presenting a burning need for future improvements, the core of his message was clear: "Atlantic Canada stands out as the most blessed place of all," but change is needed to preserve the love ex-patriots and residents have for the region.

Stressing regional cooperation as the cornerstone of any development policy, McKenna opined that there is more Atlantic cooperation than anywhere else in this country. Interprovincial cooperation on issues of education, research, trade and health were all foundations upon which further advances could be made, he asserted.

McKenna's pride in the midst of this dynamic network of unique East Coast cultures was palpable. The lists of accomplished Atlantic Canadian leaders from all sectors – business, politics, arts and entertainment – seemed to stretch on for minutes at a time. "We should never, ever, for one minute, think that we are not a region of extraordinary accomplishment," he proclaimed. "The strong regional economy, health and educational networks, and infrastructure are not part of "your grandparents' Atlantic Canada."

Never one to rest on his laurels, McKenna turned the tables by saying, we can do better. With the centre of gravity shifting towards Western Canada and the gradual economic hollowing out of Central Canada, McKenna sees risky times for the Atlantic region unless change is imminent.

"Adversity is something we should embrace," McKenna advocated and noted that on a global scale, Atlantic Canada must do even more to keep pace. "How good or how bad we do is something we decide for ourselves," McKenna pronounced. Citing the examples of Finland, Japan and Ireland, each of which experienced adverse economic and developmental forecasts in recent memory, only to turn the situation around, McKenna clearly emphasized the challenges ahead.

McKenna's list of areas and policy requiring improvement was nothing short of comprehensive. Citing specific examples for reform, with the proviso that not everyone will agree he could not be faulted with a lack of vision or ambition. Trade barriers, energy, pension plans, securities regulation, unemployment insurance, port authorities, tourism, urban centres, immigration, universities, and taxation – strong proposals that captured every attendee's attention.

Controversial, passionate, and insightful, his speech was a fitting end to the inaugural East Coast Connected Atlantic Business Summit.

- Alexander J. Willis