The federal government has created a new Atlantic Economic Panel to capitalize on economic growth opportunities in the region.

Two Newfoundlanders, former finance minister Cathy Bennett and lead director of the Bank of Canada Anne Whelan, are among those appointed to the panel which will be chaired by co-founder of Narrative Research, Don Mills.

Minister of ACOA Sean Fraser says the panel members will meet with people and businesses across Atlantic Canada in the year ahead to hear about what is working, what is holding the region back, and identify areas where the region can excel.

Details on the panel’s activities will be released in the new year.