Highlights from the 2026 Atlantic Social Impact Summit
Earlier this month, Austin from the R&R team spent three days in Dieppe, NB, at the Atlantic Social Impact Summit. Social enterprise leaders, funders, and community builders from across Atlantic Canada gathered to share insights on what is working, what is not, and what could be possible together.
Thank you to the organizers and presenters for such a rich showcase of the work happening across the region.
Shared pressures across four Atlantic provinces
A common thread that resurfaced across conversations was a desire for more connection, with a focus on understanding the distinct challenges each province faces, and ways to support each other. Infrastructure and regulations vary widely across the Atlantic provinces, and at the same time, every province described the same pressures. A stronger regional network and a collective voice would help amplify the sector’s advocacy and deepen its impact.
Attendees were looking for better ways to stay connected and collaborate across the region. What that looks like, who funds it, and what it would do are still unresolved questions. The energy to work towards something together, though, was unmistakable. With funding pressures felt across the sector, this is a moment to come together and shape how systems work.
Growing without waiting for permission
In hallway conversations, people repeatedly noted that they want to scale, and are tired of waiting for the government to make that possible. Sessions explored pathways to greater financial independence, including social enterprise, foundations, social finance, community economic development funds, and asset building. The common thread was self-reliance. This was not a rejection of the government's role. It was a recognition that the pace of government leaves too many good ideas sitting on the shelf.
From favour to partnership: reframing the sector’s value
There was a clear call to change how the sector is seen. Too often, public funding is framed as a favour to the non-profits. The reality is closer to the reverse. Community organizations deliver services governments are responsible for. Housing, transportation, healthcare, food security. They do the work that keeps communities healthy, and they step in when people fall through the cracks of the public systems. Much of this work happens in spite of the systems around them, rather than with their support.
In his keynote, Kelly Lamrock offered a sharp critique of how public systems operate today, drawing on his recently released report, Buying the Ticket. He argued that bureaucratic rules have replaced common sense, where “we don’t have a program for that” has become a familiar answer for organizations and people in need.
Early intervention is one of those common-sense answers. And at the same time, governments often call for more evidence and more studies before investing in it. Those same questions are rarely asked when responding to a crisis, even though crisis response is typically far more costly than intervening early.
Where to go from here
It was inspiring to see what is already happening across Atlantic Canada, and energizing to witness a shared desire to build something bigger together. Many questions remain, but the R&R team is excited to keep exploring them alongside partners across the region. If you were at the summit, and/or want to talk about ways to support regional connections, we would love to hear from you.
