Why Abacus Data is Investing in Halifax: A Bold Step for Atlantic Canada

I believe in the power of opportunity, foresight, and strategic partnerships to drive success—and that’s exactly why we’re investing in Halifax.

This city is buzzing with momentum, optimism, and the drive to innovate. Every visit to Halifax leaves me inspired, and it was clear that this energy is something Abacus wanted to be part of in a meaningful, lasting way. Now, under the leadership of Kelly Bennett , we’re expanding our team and capabilities to bring a new level of market and public opinion insights to Atlantic Canada.

As Canada’s most sought-after and influential market research agency, Abacus Data has consistently led the way in helping organizations uncover unmet needs and navigate complex challenges.

What sets us apart is not just the quality of our research (which is best in class - just as our clients), but our commitment to customized, forward-thinking solutions for each client. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches—every organization, timeline, and budget is unique, and we’re committed to tailoring our solutions to meet those specifics.

We also have built the largest community of any polling firm through our newsletter and social channels. That's because our content - whether public or private - goes deeper, is more relevant, and better understands the context. Lear more about our team and the amazing work being done by our senior researchers Ihor Korbabicz , Eddie Sheppard , Richard Jenkins and Oksana Kishchuk .

By expanding into Halifax, we’re here to bring this agile, insight-driven mindset to a city we see as brimming with untapped potential and ambition. 

Why Halifax, Why Now?

Halifax is a city on the rise, and we want to help our clients here lead that rise. The region’s business landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by both generational and technological changes, and this change brings a crucial need for deeper, more actionable insights. Whether it’s understanding the shifting priorities of the workforce, tackling economic and social challenges, or navigating an increasingly complex marketplace, businesses and organizations in Halifax and throughout Nova Scotia deserve data that doesn’t just report what’s happening, but what’s next.

Our approach is more than just research. It’s about equipping leaders with the tools they need to stay ahead and make confident, informed decisions. Through a robust mix of qualitative and quantitative research tools, Abacus helps clients see around corners, spot trends before they materialize, and take the pulse of Canadians, Americans, and anyone else anywhere on issues that matter most.

With Kelly at the helm, we’re excited to bring our toolkit of services—everything from in-depth surveys and focus groups to online research communities and omnibus surveys—to a market that’s hungry for insights and ready to act on them. 

Redefining Market Research and Polling in Halifax

Our aim isn’t just to join the Halifax market; we’re here to raise the bar. Our team thrives on working with clients who are as curious and forward-thinking as we are. We’re here for businesses, associations, unions, governments, and non-profits that want to move from reactive to proactive, and we’re ready to bring the same excellence in data and strategy that we’ve delivered to clients our clients nationwide (We also have offices in Toronto and Ottawa and are planning to expand into British Columbia and the Prairies soon). Halifax deserves research and insights that don't just answer the same questions that have always been asked but uncovers opportunities, identifies unmet needs, and creates a path forward.

The world is changing fast, and so is Halifax. Organizations here need a research partner that can keep up—and we’re excited to disrupt the status quo. Our track record shows that we’re not only experts in market research and polling; we are strategic thinkers and storytellers who help organizations turn insights into action. Through our work, we help leaders deepen relationships with customers, understand the road ahead, and make better decisions.

What We Bring to Halifax and Atlantic Canada

1. Unmatched Depth and Breadth of Insights – Every week, we interview thousands of Canadians, asking them hundreds of questions, which gives us an incredible vantage point on how people react to events and trends shaping their lives. We bring this knowledge directly to our clients, helping them anticipate where things are going before anyone else.
2. Customized Solutions for Every Challenge or Opportunity – Our research is not a product off the shelf. We aren't lazy. We don't expect you to write the questions or do the analysis. Whether through in-depth interviews, focus groups, or large-scale surveys, we build each project around the specific needs of the client. This flexibility and focus on customization are what organizations in Halifax can count on as they navigate growth and change.
3. A Strategic Advantage in Every Engagement – We’re more than data providers; we’re your strategic partners. We help clients identify unmet needs and respond first, which is often the difference between success and missed opportunity.

Looking Ahead: Nova Scotia’s Future

Our expansion couldn’t come at a better time. With the Nova Scotia election in full swing, we’re ramping up our commitment by offering in-depth research into what Nova Scotians are thinking, feeling, and prioritizing as they decide on the future of their province. The work we’re doing in Atlantic Canada is about more than data—it’s about empowering organizations, communities, and leaders to thrive in a fast-changing environment.

Abacus Data’s presence in Halifax is about more than growth; it’s about investing in a community that is doing big things. And while we may be Canada’s most sought-after research agency with a national reach and profile trusted by news organizations, global brands, and national associations to help them navigate their worlds, we’re also an Atlantic Canadian company, registered in New Brunswick.

We’re proud to bring our experience, expertise, and unique perspective to Nova Scotia —and we’re just getting started.

Please reach out to Kelly Bennett or I ( 📊 David Coletto 🌎 ) if you'd like to chat and find out more what we're up to and more importantly, what you're up to.

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