-
-
ACC's Latest Op-ed
Rising Acceptance of Hostility Threatens Canada’s Stability
A troubling number of Canadians now see violence and intimidation as legitimate ways to drive change—a trend with serious consequences for communities, businesses, and democracy. In this op-ed, Rhonda Tulk Lane, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, explores why normalizing hostility is dangerous and what it means for Canada’s future. The piece was delivered to media outlets across the region on Thursday, September 11.
-
Statement from Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
“We’re pleased to see the Government of Canada step up with the new Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). For small and medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada, this kind of support couldn’t come at a better time.
Businesses across our region are feeling the squeeze from global tariffs and shifting markets. The RTRI gives them practical tools to adapt—whether that means finding ways to cut costs, building stronger supply chains, or opening doors to new markets.
What’s especially encouraging is that this program will be delivered right here through ACOA, making sure the support is shaped to the realities of Atlantic Canadian businesses.
At the Atlantic Chamber, we know our SMEs are resilient, innovative, and committed to their communities. With the help of initiatives like this, they’ll be better positioned not just to weather today’s challenges, but to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Learn more click here
-
Request for Government Intervention to Prevent Airline Disruption
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is calling for action to prevent an Air Canada strike that could disrupt 75% of Atlantic Canada’s daily flights, risking millions in lost economic activity and limiting vital connectivity for our region.
Read ACC's letter to Prime Minister Carney here
-
Statement from Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
"Flights connecting Sydney, Charlottetown, Fredericton and Moncton to Halifax is great news for Atlantic Canada. Reliable regional air access is essential for strengthening business connections, supporting tourism, and making it easier for people to stay connected. This business collaborative investment shows what is possible when government and industry work together to create opportunities that grow our economy. We are proud to have PAL located in Atlantic Canada and supporting our region."
-
U.S. Tariffs: What They Mean & How We’re Supporting You
On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs from 25% to 35% on Canadian goods that do not fully comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This escalation sent a jolt of frustration through an already strained cross-border trade relationship — and presents risks to Atlantic Canada’s economy.
What does this mean? Here is an example:
Let’s say a Canadian company manufactures automotive parts, but only 55% of the materials come from North America, and CUSMA requires 75%.Before the order: The product might have faced a 25% tariff at the U.S. border.After the order: That same product now faces a 35% tariff, making it more expensive and less competitive in the U.S. market.We remain in step with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to ensure your concerns are front and centre. These new tariffs threaten our manufacturers, exporters, and workers — and undermine decades of progress in building one of the world’s most productive and integrated trade relationships. Especially for businesses hard-hit, including steel, aluminum, and advanced manufacturing.Please reach out to CEO Rhonda Tulk-Lane with questions or concerns.
-
Welcoming Growth: Why Strategic 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!
-
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.
-
PUBLICATIONS
-
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
-
MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
-
UPCOMING EVENTS
-
All Chambers MeetingSeptember 24, 2025 (10:00- 11:00AM AST)
Held on the last Wednesday of each month, these meetings connect Chambers across Atlantic Canada to share ideas, tackle challenges, and collaborate effectively.
-
ADVERTISE WITH ACC
-
-
Truth and Reconciliation
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Learn more click here.
