-
Canada’s Chambers of the Federation Welcome Landmark Agreement to Expand Internal Trade
Coalition says direct-to-consumer alcohol sales demonstrate progress on long-standing business priorities
(CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – July 22, 2026) – Today, Canada’s provincial chambers of commerce welcomed an agreement by nine provinces to enable direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverages across provincial borders. The agreement advances a key priority championed by the Chambers of the Federation to strengthen Canada’s internal market and reduce barriers to trade.
The Chambers of the Federation issued the following statement:
“Today, it became easier for Canadians to buy Canadian wine, beer, and spirits from another province than it has been in generations.
“That’s a win for consumers, a win for producers, and a win for Canada’s economy.
“Premiers have taken an important step from commitment to implementation. This is what progress on internal trade looks like.
“But this agreement should be the floor, not the ceiling. We encourage premiers to carry this same momentum into labour mobility, regulatory harmonization, procurement modernization, and the nation-building infrastructure projects Canada needs to compete and grow.
“Every internal trade barrier we remove helps Canadian businesses scale, strengthens our economic resilience, and makes Canada more competitive in an increasingly uncertain global market.”
The Chambers of the Federation have made internal trade reform a central advocacy priority over the past year, including through a joint letter to Canada’s premiers, recommendations advanced at the One Canada Summit, and a shared policy framework presented this week, calling for accelerated action to build a more competitive and self-reliant Canadian economy.
Signatories
- Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce; Chair, Chambers of the Federation
- Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
- Véronique Proulx, President & CEO, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
- Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
- Jen Riley, President & CEO, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
- Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
- Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
-30-
About the Chambers of the Federation
Chambers of the Federation is a collaborative effort among Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, presenting a joint, business-informed policy agenda to the Council of the Federation each year in support of shared economic priorities. Learn more at chambersofthefederation.ca.
-
Building a Stronger Canada: A Team Canada Response to Trade Uncertainty
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is disappointed by the latest escalation in the Canada–U.S. trade dispute. While Atlantic Canada's largest export sectors are less exposed than some other regions, these tariffs will create uncertainty for businesses, disrupt investment decisions, and affect several important industries across our region.
Rather than reacting with more uncertainty, Canada must respond by strengthening its own economy.
Through the Chambers of the Federation, business leaders from every province and territory have come together with a clear message for Canada's premiers: now is the time to remove internal trade barriers, accelerate nation-building infrastructure, strengthen energy security, and help Canadian businesses diversify into new markets. These priorities will make Canada—and Atlantic Canada—more competitive, more resilient, and less dependent on decisions made outside our borders.
The next 30 days provide an important opportunity for Canada and the United States to return to meaningful negotiations. In the meantime, governments across Canada must continue working together to build a stronger domestic economy that supports business growth, investment, and long-term prosperity.
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce will continue advocating for practical, business-led solutions that strengthen our region and Canada's economic future.
Learn more here Chambers of the Federation
-
Chambers of the Federation Present Business Agenda to Canada's Premiers
This week, Chamber leaders from across Canada stood together with one clear message: business is united behind a stronger, more competitive Canada.
Together, we presented a shared agenda directly to Canada's Premiers, calling for action on the priorities that matter most to businesses and communities—strengthening internal trade, accelerating nation-building infrastructure, improving energy security, streamlining project approvals, and building a more resilient Canadian economy.
When business speaks with one voice, governments have an opportunity to move with confidence. We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort and will continue advocating for practical solutions that help businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen Canada's economic future.
Learn more about the Chambers of the Federation agenda: www.chambersofthefederation.ca
-
Prosperity Charter
-w500.jpg)
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Association of Atlantic Universities to launch Atlantic Canada's Prosperity Charter, a shared commitment to strengthening the connection between employers and university talent. Together, we are helping build a stronger workforce, creating more opportunities for students and graduates, and supporting the long-term prosperity of Atlantic Canada. Learn more about the Charter and how your organization can get involved.
Learn more: https://www.atlanticchamber.ca/atlantic-canada-prosperity-charter
-
Call for a Regional Approach to Energy Security
Energy security is becoming one of the most important factors influencing Atlantic Canada's economic future. Recognizing the need for a coordinated regional strategy, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has adopted a new policy position submitted by the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by chambers from across the region, including the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce, and the St. John's Board of Trade.
The policy calls for greater collaboration among Atlantic provinces on energy planning and infrastructure investments to improve affordability, reliability, and long-term economic competitiveness. Key recommendations include regional energy cooperation, strategic infrastructure investment, streamlined regulatory processes, meaningful Indigenous partnerships, and long-term solutions to strengthen energy security across Atlantic Canada.
Read the full media release and policy position to learn how a coordinated Atlantic approach can help support business growth, attract investment, and build a more resilient regional economy.
-
PUBLICATIONS
-
.png)
Overview of Atlantic Canada’s Population Growth & Workforce Strategy
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has developed a focused strategy to accelerate population growth, improve talent retention, and strengthen long-term workforce development across the region. These initiatives aim to build the skilled, stable workforce needed to support a competitive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy.
Thank You to Our Population Growth Working Group
We extend sincere appreciation to the chambers whose time, expertise, and regional insight shaped the Population Growth & Workforce Strategy. Your leadership was essential in developing a practical, collaborative approach to advancing population and workforce growth across Atlantic Canada.
Fredericton, Halifax, Labrador North, Greater Charlottetown, Annapolis Valley, Truro & Colchester, Mount Pearl–Paradise, Pictou County, Cape Breton Regional, Greater Moncton, Greater Summerside, Saint John Region, Strait Area, Sussex & District.
Atlantic Chambers Advocate for Region-Specific Immigration Policy
In August, chambers across Atlantic Canada co-signed a letter to The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, urging the federal government to adopt a region-specific immigration carve-out for Atlantic Canada. The letter highlighted the region’s unique demographic challenges, workforce needs, and the proven success of the Atlantic Immigration Program. This collective effort informed the updated Population Growth & Workforce Strategy and resulted in a direct meeting with the Minister to advance these recommendations.
With Appreciation
We gratefully acknowledge the chambers that supported this important advocacy work: Albert County, Annapolis Valley, Antigonish, Arnold’s Cove, Baie Verte, Bay St. George, Bonavista-Trinity, Bridgewater & Area, Cape Alliance, Cape Breton Regional, Chaleur, Central & Northern Carleton, Greater Moncton, Clarenville & Area, Conception Bay Area, Cumberland, East Hants, Eastern PEI, Exploits Regional, Fredericton, Gander & Area, Great Northern, Greater Charlottetown, Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Greater Miramichi, Greater Shediac, Greater Summerside, Greater Woodstock, Halifax, Hampton Area, Kensington & Area, Kent South, Killick Coast, Labrador North, Labrador West, Lewisporte & Area, Lunenburg Board of Trade, Mount Pearl-Paradise, Pictou County, Placentia, Saint John Region, South Shore Regional, St. Stephen, Strait Area, Truro & Colchester, Valley, Yarmouth & Area.
Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to advancing Atlantic Canada’s population and workforce future.
-
MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
-
Sign up for the latest news & publications from the ACC & gain exclusive insights into business trends, networking opportunities, and regional economic developments.
Subscribe today and stay connected!
Read this week’s edition and stay connected with your network!
-
UPCOMING EVENTS
-
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.
