Federal Budget 2019 Misses the Mark for Business
Puts businesses on the sidelines, misses chance to fix fundamental flaws
in our economy.
(Windsor NS) – March 20, 2019 – The federal budget released yesterday fails to address the fundamental issues undermining the ability of Canada’s business owners to create more jobs and economic prosperity for all Canadians, according to an analysis by both the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“While the Budget delivers on some of the advocacy priorities identified in the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce recent member survey, particularly in the areas of skills and infrastructure, it fails to provide concrete measures to address the tax and regulatory burden on businesses,” said Sheri Somerville CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Until these issues are addressed, we will struggle to grow our economy, create meaningful employment for more Canadians, and generate the revenues we need to sustain our roads, healthcare and education systems.
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is pleased that the Budget did deliver on some of the initiatives identified by its members as key to growth in Atlantic Canada including investments in Canada-wide highspeed internet and the extension of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project in support of regional population growth.
However, the Budget did not address a key issue identified by the more than 16,000 members of the chamber network in Atlantic Canada which is to reduce the budget deficit of $19.8 billion.
Heading into the 2019 Federal Election, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and Chamber network will continue to engage with Federal representatives to focus on priorities identified by our members to support the growth of our regional economy.
About the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
As the strong, credible and unified voice that influences an environment where business in Atlantic Canada succeeds, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) represents more than 16,000 businesses through its network of 93 chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the four Atlantic provinces. ACC is a catalyst to influence, educate and advocate on policy related issues to support business, deliver high-value services and opportunities to our members, and to support and promote initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
For more information:
Patti Colson
Coordinator, Communications & PR
1-902-694-2210
patti@atlanticchamber.ca
