ATN Strategies

01/30/2026

We’re growing our team at ATN Strategies!

We’re excited to announce several key additions and changes that strengthen our work in community partnerships, engagement, and evidence-based decision-making across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

🔹 Lezlie Lowe joins us as Senior Director, Partnership and Transformation, leading our new Communities, Partnerships, Outreach and Communications practice. Lezlie is an accomplished author, journalist, instructor, and strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations tell their stories clearly and effectively.

🔹 Jillian Ramsay steps into an expanded role as Senior Director, Engagement and Insights, leading our expanded engagement practice. With a background in law, research, marketing, finance, and government, Jillian brings deep experience working in complex sectors like aquaculture and health care.

🔹 Addie Burkam joins ATN as a Research Analyst, focused on engagement. Addie brings strong project coordination skills and a background in the social and environmental impacts of climate change, municipal affairs, and community resilience.

“These changes represent an important investment in ATN’s ability to support communities and clients through thoughtful, evidence-based engagement and clear, effective communication,” says Waye Mason, President of ATN Strategies.

Learn more about our work: https://atn-strategies.ca

01/22/2026

We are hiring!

We are looking for a Research Analyst with strong writing and analytical skills to join our team to support research, outreach and engagement, business planning, strategic analysis, and policy review for our clients.

Key responsibilities will include tasks such as:

• Managing your research activities and tasks across multiple research projects
• Conducting secondary research, including jurisdictional scans, literature reviews and best practice reviews
• Assist with copy-editing, formatting and presentation of reports and slide decks that clearly communicate evidence-based findings
• Qualitative data analysis and interpretation of statistical insights
• Questionnaire and discussion guide design
• Research report writing: Preparing insightful, narrative-driven client reports
• Utilizing customized AI tools for research purposes
• Assist with preparing proposal submissions
• Coordinate and organize research participants, and bilateral and focus group sessions
• Occasional client communication

About You

You are an aspiring research professional looking to make an immediate impact in a wide range of communities and organizations. You are a highly skilled writer who enjoys digging into a topic and thinking analytically about how to solve problems. You enjoy learning about emerging trends and tackling new subjects regularly. You have a curious mind, and if there is a question to be answered, you have research skills and commitment to find the answer. You are passionate about helping organizations understand their goals and how to strategically achieve them.

More info and how to apply here:

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01/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Sackville Heights Junior High for the Affordable Housing Association NS Middle Sackville community engagement session.

More than 60 community members came out to learn about the proposed six-storey mixed-income building and to share their perspectives.

We heard thoughtful feedback and questions about:

- Wetlands and site drainage
- Runoff and environmental protection
- Pedestrian safety and traffic impacts
- Transit access, including a potential new bus stop
- The history and ongoing presence of the African Nova Scotian community

A key focus of the evening was how this project can meaningfully recognize and reflect the historic community of Maroon Hill and its descendants.

The insights shared last night will help AHANS and their partners refine the design, landscaping, and community elements for this site.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate, ask hard questions, and help shape this project. The What We Heard report will be made available on both the AHANS project site and the engagement page sometime in the next week.

To learn more about the AHANS Middle Sackville development, visit: https://engageatn.ca/ahans

12/16/2025

In November, ATN President Waye Mason had the privilege of presenting the Miramichi Homelessness Strategy at Miramichi’s 2025 Housing Forum.

The ATN team was honoured to work alongside the Greater Miramichi Strategic Committee (GMSC) Community Advisory Board, local community members, businesses, and service providers to co-develop this strategic framework for the region.

This collaboration reflects the community’s commitment to practical, local solutions that prevent and reduce homelessness while strengthening housing stability and support services.

You can read the full Miramichi Homelessness Strategy here:
https://atn-strategies.ca/our-work/miramichi-homelessness-strategy/

12/08/2025

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Waye Mason to President of ATN Strategies.

Waye Mason joined ATN Strategies as Executive Vice President in February 2025, bringing his more than 30 years of leadership in economic development, strategic planning, and community building to the company. As an experienced consultant and business leader with a proven track record in sustainable development, municipal planning, and stakeholder engagement, Mason has demonstrated an inclusive and collaborative leadership style throughout his career.

Recognized as a strategic planner, entrepreneur, educator, and former Halifax Regional Councilor, Mason is known for his innovative approach to developing and implementing strategies that drive real-world results. Based in Halifax, he leads ATN Strategies in delivering high-impact, evidence-based solutions for public sector organizations, nonprofits, and businesses across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

“I’m excited to continue working with the talented team at ATN and inspired by the community building projects we are undertaking with our partners across the Atlantic region” said Mason. “I am committed to supporting our strategic partnerships and delivering personalized, results-driven service that helps our clients achieve and exceed their goals.”

“We’re delighted to have Waye step into this new leadership role,” said Heather Dalton, m5 Group Partner. “His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as ATN Strategies continues to grow and deliver meaningful impact for clients across the region and the country.”

ATN Strategies helps clients create clear, evidence-based strategies through intensive research, close collaboration, and meaningful engagement. We specialize in inclusive economic development, workforce planning, and strategic communications, supporting sectors such as health, arts and culture, immigration, fisheries, and more.

ATN Strategies is part of the m5 Group of Companies, one of Canada’s largest independent marketing, communications and research groups with offices in Halifax, NS, Saint John & Moncton, NB, Charlottetown, PE and St. John’s, NL.

11/24/2025

Waye Mason, Executive VP at ATN, spoke at Dalhousie's Master of Resource & Environmental Management class about how municipalities can drive green initiatives. Thanks for the engaging questions!

11/20/2025

Waye Mason, our Executive Vice President, recently delivered a "What We Heard" report to the Mayor and Council in the Town of Shelburne, signifying the conclusion of our discussions concerning their proposed town plan. Our approach involved carrying out a survey, organizing a public forum, and setting up individual interviews. We gathered input from over 170 participants. The results reveal that although there are some apprehensions, the residents of Shelburne are ready to embrace change and development.

10/06/2025

ATN staff had a great time visiting Shelburne twice in September to meet with residents about the proposed Town plan changes, both in one-on-one interviews and an open house at the community centre.

If you missed us, the survey is still open, and you can still let the Town know how you want to see Shelburne grow!

https://s.mqoresearch.com/S2/35/TownofShelburne/

09/12/2025

We’re proud to have sponsored the Canadian Evaluation Society Nova Scotia Chapter’s Watch Party, “Won’t You Be My Neighbour? Building beloved community through evaluation.”

We’re especially excited to celebrate Gladstone Deklu, ATN's Manager of Projects and Operations and CES-NS Student and Emerging Evaluator Representative and Professional Development Co-Chair, for his leadership and dedication to our evaluation community.

Dr. Monique Liston’s keynote reminded us that evaluation can be a tool for justice, care, and meaningful change. At ATN Strategies, we believe in putting people, relationships, and accountability at the centre of our work. We’re honoured to support this important conversation!