Current Events

Keynote Speaker

Herb Emery, has been the Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics at the University of New Brunswick since 2016.  Prior to 2016, Herb was a Professor in Economics and Research Director for The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.  From 2010-2015, he served as managing editor of Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de politiques, Canada's foremost journal examining economic and social policy.

Patrick is the Senior Researcher for the Atlantic Economic Council. He has been active in economic and business analysis for over 25 years.

He is a leading voice on the issues impacting the economy of Atlantic Canada. Patrick recently directed reports on immigration and diversity in Atlantic Canada. He is currently leading a new two-year research series on the importance of health care to the region’s economy.

Patrick is a frequent speaker at events discussing the economic and investment outlook for Atlantic Canada and is passionate about the continued success of the region.

Director of Immigration Programs
Nova Scotia Government’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) Expertise: Immigration (Immigration in Canada), Settlement Topics (employment skills), IEHPs (foreign credential recognition, nursing, general, physician, other)

Omar is a seasoned Human Resource Management professional focusing on employer immigration, currently the Director of Immigration Programs for the Nova Scotia Government's Department of Labour Skills and Immigration (LSI) - Immigration and Population Growth Branch (IPG). Holding the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) credentials, he was honoured as one of Atlantic Canada’s 2020 Most Inspiring Immigrants for his exemplary contributions and leadership in the community.

Omar's career took off in Canada as the Program Lead for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) at the Cape Breton Partnership (CBP) in 2017. He innovatively addressed labour shortages by connecting Cape Breton industries with immigration-led solutions and programs. His client-centered approach significantly improved accessibility to immigration procedures for local employers, earning him an expanded role as the Labour Market Development & Immigration Officer. Here, he provided strategic insight to key stakeholders through planning, engaging federal and provincial government departments, and executing programs that directly contributed to the sustainability and growth of local businesses and communities.

In December 2021, Omar joined the Health Association Nova Scotia as an Immigration & International Recruitment Consultant, where he crafted the international recruitment

pipeline for a centralized recruitment and retention program targeting Nova Scotia's Continuing Care sector. In March 2023, Omar joined the Province of Nova Scotia as the Director of Healthcare Recruitment, where he applied his expertise in immigration, licensing, and credentialing systems to attract healthcare professionals. However, recognizing his broader capabilities, the province soon transitioned him to his current role as Director of Immigration Programs in July 2023.

As Director, Omar oversees many responsibilities, including strategic design, planning and deployment of economic immigration programs. His leadership ensures alignment with labour market needs and provincial objectives. He is also instrumental in managing human and financial resources to meet program and funding requirements.

Gabriel Williams is the Director of Immigration Operations with the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Gabriel holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University (2008) and a Master of Arts in Global Governance from the University of Waterloo (2013). He has a passion for international and domestic migration policy, settlement, and the federal-provincial relationship concerning immigration. Gabriel previously co-authored several publications on migrant rights, migrant health, migration governance, and international students, and worked with the International Migration Research Centre in Waterloo, Ontario.

President and CEO, Halifax Partnership

Wendy Luther is a leader in economic and export development, with vast experience promoting Nova Scotia and its assets globally.

Halifax Partnership is Halifax’s public-private economic development organization. Wendy joined as President & CEO in 2019. In 2023, Halifax Partnership was honoured with four Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) including Gold for Economic Development Organization of the Year.

Prior to joining Halifax Partnership, Wendy was President & CEO of EduNova, a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally. Under her leadership, EduNova was honoured with the prestigious international PIEoneer Association of the Year Award in 2017.

Earlier in her career, Wendy worked in export development with the Atlantic Canada World Trade Centre and Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) where she led trade missions to over twenty countries and has mentored and advised hundreds of Nova Scotian exporters on how to be competitive in international markets.

At NSBI, through her role as Nova Scotia’s first Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO), she was appointed by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank to connect entrepreneurs and institutions to opportunities funded by International Financial Institutions.

Wendy has served on and led numerous boards and committees including advisory boards for two private sector companies (Canada and U.S. based). Currently, Wendy serves on the Board of Directors and the Management Resources and Compensation Committee of Canadian-owned LED Roadway Lighting; the Board of Directors and as Vice Chair of the Governance Committee of Mitacs, a national not-for-profit organization focused on increasing Canada’s innovation competitiveness; and is Membership Chair on the Executive Committee of the International Women's Forum (IWF) Atlantic Chapter.

Born in Vancouver, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. She holds a Certified International Trade Professional designation (CITP) and is an alumna of the Caribbean Canada Emerging Leaders Dialogue and Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) Program. In November 2023, she attained her ICD.D designation through the Institute of Corporate Directors, Director Education Program and is really geeking out on governance! In March 2023 Wendy was honoured with Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business award.

ISANS Chief Executive Officer

As the CEO of Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), the largest immigrant-serving agency in Atlantic Canada, Paula draws on her own experience as an immigrant to Nova Scotia to champion the settlement support needs of newcomers who make Nova Scotia their home.

A seasoned public and private sector leader, Paula has been instrumental in driving social impact through a commitment to partnership and her innate ability to build common purpose across diverse stakeholder groups. Paula’s experience spans affordable housing, health and technology, leading large and complex organizations in the areas of strategy, business transformation, communications, and service delivery.

Paula’s commitment to community building has been recognized nationally and she is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, Canada 150 Women in Business and Microsoft’s Chairman Award.

Jim Murphy previously worked as an educator in Newfoundland and Labrador for thirty years. In the settlement sector, he has held various leadership roles with the Association for New Canadians, including Director of LINC Training Centre, Director of Employment Services and more recently, Senior Director of Programs. In his current role, he is responsible for funding proposal submissions, program oversight and reporting for IRCC and provincially supported projects. He also provides oversight for employment services and the ANC’s Provincial Satellite Offices.

Executive Director, Immigrant & Refugee Services Association (IRSA) PEI

Dean Constable is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience making a difference in nonprofit organizations. As Executive Director of IRSA, he’s all about creating welcoming spaces, building community connections, and empowering newcomers to thrive in PEI.

Before IRSA, Dean led Reach Foundation, helping young people in recovery find purpose and opportunity. He also spent years at Confederation Centre of the Arts, bringing creative projects to life and managing big budgets (and even bigger ideas).

With an MBA from UPEI and a knack for strategic growth, Dean knows how to turn vision into action. He’s a firm believer in diversity, inclusion, and the power of community. When he’s not championing newcomer services, you might find him speaking at events, collaborating with partners, or dreaming up new ways to make PEI a more inclusive place for all.

Bamford de Gante, Lisa
Executive Director, Multicultural Association of Fredericton Inc.

Lisa Bamford De Gante is the Executive Director at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton Inc. (MCAF). She works with a committed team of MCAF Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to develop and implement a continuum of settlement programming to facilitate the full participation of immigrants in Fredericton. In the 30 years that Lisa has worked with MCAF, the organization has grown from no paid staff and a small shared office to a thriving organization with over one hundred staff, who speak 42 languages, 300 community partners, 456 volunteers and placements serving over 6,852 clients from 80 countries last year, a 39% increase from the preceding year.

As MCAF celebrates its 50th anniversary, Lisa’s dedication has been instrumental in its growth and success. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programs and services. Highlights of MCAF’s initiatives include purchasing 3 reception houses to welcome refugees, a licensed daycare and the Newcomer Scholarship Fund that has awarded 128 scholarships valuing $204,500 to date. Next MCAF plans to build an apartment building co-located with community programming to support newcomer settlement. These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving needs of newcomers ensuring that MCAF remains a pillar of support and inclusion within the community.