Self-sufficiency will not be possible with an economy based on minimum wage retail jobs and $10/hr call center drones.

I think the government has to look a little deeper, to learn why so many people leave the Maritimes for a job and a life elsewhere. It's great to say that you will increase jobs and increase productivity. However, if the public is not willing to work in those sectors, is unable to create or maintain the lifestyle they want from the wages they receive, and fails to obtain the sense of satisfaction and self-fulfillment they desire, then they will continue to leave. Anf if you can't keep the native-born population here, how the hell are you going to attract newcomers?