Welcoming Growth: Why Immigration is Essential for Atlantic Canada

In this op-ed, the CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce shares the challenges that Atlantic Canada will face if we slow down immigration.

It feels like I have been sent back to 2015, a time when I had to explain that immigration was a good thing! Unfortunately, here we go again. Influences from the outside have stoked the protectionism fire at a time when Atlantic Canada stands at a demographic crossroads. With one of the oldest populations in the country and declining birth rates, our region faces an urgent challenge: how to sustain our businesses and secure our economic future. The answer, in large part, lies in welcoming more immigrants—not replacing Atlantic Canadians, but as partners in building a vibrant, prosperous future together.

Let’s be clear—this is not about taking jobs from locals.

In fact, if every working-age person in Atlantic Canada were fully employed, we would most likely still face labour shortages in specific sectors. Healthcare, agriculture, hospitality, and tech are currently searching to fill positions. These shortages hinder business growth, stall infrastructure development, and delay essential services. Immigration is not a nice to do —it’s a necessity for Atlantic Canada.  And as for our aging infrastructure (transportation, housing, healthcare etc.), let’s not blame immigration for that, we saw this coming decades ago!

Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) have helped address these shortages by attracting skilled workers tailored to regional needs. These programs have proven effective, yet recent federal decisions to reduce immigration allocations disproportionately harm Atlantic Canada, threatening our progress. We urge the government to reconsider these reductions and recognize that our demographic reality demands a different approach than the rest of Canada.

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about embracing a diverse community. Immigrants bring new experiences, new ideas, and cultural richness to our towns and cities. They open businesses, raise families, volunteer, and breathe new life into schools and neighbourhoods. But we must do better at welcoming them. Retention rates in Atlantic Canada—especially in rural areas—remain low. Retention a shared responsibility. It means offering better support, services, and a genuine sense of belonging.  

A great initiative for business leaders to get involved in supporting newcomers is the Connector Program. With programs in NS, NB, PEI and NL. I have recently signed up as a Connector with AMAL Family and Youth Centre’s new connector program, to continue to welcome newcomers to my community.

To the people of Atlantic Canada: your work ethic, resilience, and sense of community are the bedrock of our region. Immigration doesn’t diminish that—it strengthens it. Growth doesn't have to come at the cost of our tradition. By welcoming newcomers, we ensure that our values, industries, and communities continue to thrive for generations to come.

Now is the time for the federal government to examine regional differences and implement policies that reflect them. Let’s work together to ensure Atlantic Canada remains not only a beautiful place to live—but a sustainable, forward-looking one. Immigration is not the problem. It’s part of the solution. If we do not get this right, can the last Atlantic Canadian, please turn off the lights off on your way out!

National Employer Response to Union-led Advisory Table Report

We recently joined 15 other employer organizations from across Canada to endorse a national employer response to the Union-led Advisory Table Report. Our collective message to Minister Hajdu is clear: better outcomes are achieved when business, labour, and government work together. This response ensures a more balanced view of the labour market and reflects the real needs of both employers and workers. We look forward to continued collaboration to build a stronger, more productive, and inclusive economy.

English Response

French Response

Our Statement on Latest Tariff Threat from U.S.

On July 10, 2025, President Trump issued a letter of notice to Prime Minister Carney declaring the United States' intent to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1, 2025. The U.S. administration has also warned of further increases should Canada choose to retaliate.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce will engage with federal partners and stakeholders to assess the potential economic impact on our region and advocate for clarity and fairness in trade policy.

"This proposed tariff could threaten the stability of Atlantic Canada's supply chains and the competitiveness of our businesses. We are asking the federal government to act swiftly to protect the interests of our exporters, workers, and communities." Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

We will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates. Should you have questions or wish to discuss specific impacts on your business, please don’t hesitate to contact Brandon Ellis, VP of Policy brandon@atlanticchamber.ca. 

Legislative Update: What Bill C-5 Means for Business

On June 26, 2025, Bill C-5: The One Canadian Economy Act received Royal Assent—marking a significant win for Canadian businesses.

This legislation removes long-standing interprovincial trade and labour mobility barriers, hopefully making it easier to do business across Canada. Here’s how it could benefit business:

Skilled labour moves more freely
Red Seal-certified tradespeople and professionals can now work across provincial borders without unnecessary re-certification.
Example: An electrician from Nova Scotia can begin working in Alberta right away—helping address national labour shortages.

Products and services face fewer barriers
Regulatory differences between provinces are being reduced or eliminated.
Example: A food producer in New Brunswick can sell directly in Ontario without having to meet duplicate packaging or ingredient rules.

Expanding your business just got easier
You’ll face less paperwork and duplication when entering new provincial markets.
Example: A PEI-based contractor can now bid on projects in Manitoba without layers of re-registration or local compliance.

Reduced red tape = lower costs
Streamlining regulations means businesses can focus more on growth and less on navigating bureaucracy.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Atlantic Chamber as we track how this new legislation is rolled out. Learn more here.

ACC's Position on Immigration

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce expresses serious concerns about recent reductions in immigration allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which disproportionately impact Atlantic Canada. These cuts undermine the region’s ability to address its unique demographic and economic challenges, including labor shortages and population decline.

Atlantic Canada has long relied on tailored immigration policies, such as the AIP, to attract skilled workers and support regional employers. However, despite success in attracting immigrants, retention rates remain low, especially in rural areas, jeopardizing the sustainability of key industries such as healthcare, construction, and agriculture.

We urge the federal government to reconsider these cuts and engage in structured dialogue with provincial governments, chambers of commerce, and key stakeholders to develop sustainable, region-specific immigration policies. A collaborative, tailored approach is essential to ensuring the long-term economic prosperity and workforce sustainability of Atlantic Canada.

We request:

1. A reconsideration of the recent allocation reductions.
2. A strategic approach to improving retention and supporting population growth.
3. A policy carve-out for Atlantic Canada to reflect its unique needs.
4. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for our region. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure Atlantic Canada remains a vital contributor to Canada’s growth.

The Chambers of Federation Policy Framework reflects a collaborative effort among provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit all Canadians.

With geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and global economic shifts intensifying, Canada must act decisively to strengthen national sovereignty, secure supply chains, and enhance competitiveness. This submission outlines immediate and longer-term priorities to drive trade, investment, and economic self reliance, ensuring Canada remains a leader in an evolving global landscape.

This is a pivotal moment - one where bold provincial and territorial leadership can remove internal barriers, fortify critical industries, and position Canada for sustained prosperity. This joint submission offers a united vision and actionable recommendations for consideration by the Council of the Federation, aimed at driving economic growth and trade competitiveness across the country

Read Report 

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