New to the Atlantic Business Summit are the moderated breakout workshops. Entitled "The Future of Atlantic Canada: Demographic Bust to Economic Boom," the Hon. Victor Boudreau will be offering introductory remarks to kick these sessions off.

Victor Boudreau was appointed Minister of Business New Brunswick on June 22, 2009. As minister, his responsibilities include a number of corporate departments such as Service New Brunswick, Communications New Brunswick, and the Regional Development Corporation. He is also Minister responsible for Red Tape Reduction. Boudreau was elected as the Liberal MLA for the constituency of Shediac–Cap-Pelé.

The three workshops will cover:

• Opportunities for an aging population: boomers to zoomers
• Outmigration to circulation: bridging home and away
• The war for talent: training, education and recruitment

At the close of these workshops, Ian Thompson, Deputy Minister, Economic and Rural Development, Nova Scotia will be providing closing remarks.

Ian Thompson is a former reporter, former business owner and a former executive with two energy utilities. He's a Halifax native who graduated from Dalhousie University. He has been involved with local, national and international charitable and business organizations and currently sits on the boards of Nova Scotia Business Inc. and InNOVAcorp. Ian is a member of the College of Fellows of the Canadian Public Relations Society and, in recognition of his volunteer work, he has received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General and an honourary degree from Dalhousie University. He is also a 2006 graduate of the Directors' Education Program from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto.

He joined the Government of Nova Scotia in January 2006, opening the Office of Nova Scotia in Ottawa. As of January 5, 2009, Ian was appointed Deputy Minister, Department of Economic and Rural Development.

The third annual Atlantic Business Summit will be held this week on Friday, June 18th at the MaRS Collaboration Centre, Toronto.