We are the recognized voice of business in Atlantic Canada. Working with and serving more than 16,000 businesses through 90+ chambers and boards of trade, we work with industry and all levels of government to shape policy, strengthen competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth, ensuring business leads the future of our region.

Helping Employers Recognize the Value of Hiring Veterans

Canada’s Veterans represent an important source of skilled talent for employers facing workforce challenges. Each year, thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members transition to civilian careers, bringing valuable technical expertise, leadership, adaptability and experience that can strengthen businesses and organizations.

The Government of Canada is encouraging employers to recognize these contributions through its Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative, which highlights the value Veterans bring to Canadian workplaces.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce encourages Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade and their business members to learn more about Veteran hiring opportunities, explore available recruitment and retention resources, and share success stories that demonstrate the positive impact Veterans make in the workforce.

Veterans Affairs Canada offers practical information and resources to help employers connect with and hire Veterans:

• Veteran Employer Recognition Initiative

• Employer Resources: Hiring Veterans

For additional information and a call to action to Canada's Chamber network, read the letter from the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

Recognizing the skills and experience of Veterans is an opportunity for employers to access a valuable talent pool, strengthen their teams and contribute to a more resilient Canadian workforce.

Help Cut Red Tape in Newfoundland and Labrador

New Regional Study to Explore Sustainability and Business Competitiveness

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and ESG Partners Inc. are launching the Atlantic Canada Sustainability Benchmark Study to assess how prepared regional businesses are to respond to evolving sustainability expectations and compete in changing markets.

The study will engage businesses across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, identifying challenges, opportunities and practical ways to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and market access.

The findings will inform a regional benchmark report, with sector-specific insights and guidance to help Atlantic Canadian businesses navigate emerging expectations and pursue new opportunities.

Read the full press release for more information about the study and its objectives.

Recommendations to Action: Building a More Prosperous Atlantic Canada

The Atlantic Economic Panel has released its much-anticipated report, outlining recommendations to help build a stronger, more prosperous Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has been asked by Panel Chair Don Mills to help carry this work forward. ACC will work with the Atlantic Economic Council to mobilize the private sector, keep the recommendations front and centre, and help turn them into meaningful action.

Over the coming quarter, we will engage our chamber network to determine where our collective efforts can make the greatest difference.

I encourage you to read the report and consider what its recommendations could mean for your members and your community. Our team will be in touch in early October to begin the conversation.

“Atlantic Canada's business community has been asking for exactly this kind of ambition, and now our job is to keep it moving. Through our network of more than 90 chambers and boards of trade in every corner of the region, we are building a plan to keep these recommendations and the momentum behind them alive with everyone who has a stake in the outcome – business owners in every community and industry, as well as governments at every level. This moves forward only if all of us make it a priority.”

- Dawn Binns, Chair, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

On September 25, the independent, private sector-led Atlantic Economic Panel (AEP) released its report, Bolder Ambitions: Greater Prosperity for All. After months of extensive research and engagement, the report provides Atlantic Canada with a clear set of seven core recommendations, challenging us to think bigger, work across boundaries and act as one economy.

Full Report

The Atlantic Economic Panel's report is an independent, private-sector-led vision for what Atlantic Canada could become. Drawing on more than 50 written submissions, 35+ regional presentations, close to 100 CEO conversations, and survey input from over 1,000 Atlantic Canadians, the Panel sets out a bold case for One Atlantic Canada — four provinces acting as one economy. Chaired by Don Mills and shaped by seven business leaders from across the region, the report lays out the enablers and opportunities that can unlock the region's next era of growth.

Download the full report to explore the Panel's complete findings, recommendations, and vision for Atlantic Canada's economic future. 

Download

Highlights Report

Short on time? This summary captures the essentials of the Atlantic Economic Panel's independent report in just a few pages — the big ambitions, the key opportunities, and what it will take to build One Atlantic Canada. It's the fastest way to understand what extensive consultation with businesses, communities, and everyday Atlantic Canadians revealed about the region's economic potential.

Download the highlights for a quick, clear look at the Panel's vision — or dive into the full report for the complete picture. 

Download

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.

Read Report

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.

Read Letter

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.

 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!

​Red Tape Reduction Stakeholder Consultation – Newfoundland and Labrador

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. Newfoundland Time
Location: Virtual – The invitation and meeting link have been distributed to Newfoundland and Labrador Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. Please contact your local Chamber to obtain the link.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is hosting a stakeholder consultation on reducing red tape.

Employers are invited to share feedback on how permits, licensing, government programs and regulations affect their businesses, and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

Unable to attend? Businesses can complete the online questionnaire through engageNL by November 20, 2026, or submit feedback by email to redtapereduction@gov.nl.ca.