David McNeil

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DAVID MCNEIL

My work sits at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Energy, Defence, Ocean Industries, and Mining—sectors shaping Canada’s economic resilience, industrial capacity, and national security.I serve as Senior Advisor at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) where I lead policy and advocacy on Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Energy, and Defence for the Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Office. My role focuses on strategic intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and identifying opportunities that strengthen Canada’s industrial and innovation ecosystems.On the Artificial Intelligence and Quantum files, I support adoption across Atlantic Canada’s industrial sectors. I contributed to the Ocean AI Insights Report (Ocean Supercluster) and the Atlantic Canada Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Action Plan and have moderated panels, roundtables on AI at conferences including the Digital Offshore Conference.In Defence and Aerospace, I previously served at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as regional lead for the defence sector in Atlantic Canada, advancing the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy with industry and the ITB Branch. I was also part of the team supporting the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) program, managing the propulsion systems file involving Pratt & Whitney and the GE/Rolls-Royce consortium while supporting Canadian participation in the F-35 global supply chain.I led Government of Canada industry missions to defence exhibitions including DSEI (London) and Eurosatory (Paris) and was a member of the federal team responsible for the National Shipbuilding Strategy, one of Canada’s largest defence procurement initiatives.My experience in Energy and Mining includes work on major projects such as Hebron, Muskrat Falls, and the Alderon Kami Iron Ore Project. My energy work spans conventional and clean energy, including policy work related to offshore wind and green hydrogen.From 2018–2021 I served as national policy lead for the oceans sector at ISED, contributing to Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy and working closely with the Ocean Supercluster and national stakeholders. I continue to engage with Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean industries cluster.I also served as a member of ACOA’s Pan-Atlantic Productivity and Competitivness Team, supporting regional economic performance.Across these roles, I focus on aligning policy, industry capability, and emerging technologies to strengthen Canada’s strategic sectors and long-term competitiveness.