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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.
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ACC Welcomes New Rural Immigration Pathway to Support Community Growth
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ACC applauds Minister Diab for the recent announcement creating a pathway to fast-track permanent residency for up to 33,000 temporary workers in rural and remote communities.
Our rural communities need workers, and we know these opportunities can help communities grow and thrive. At the same time, successful integration starts long before newcomers arrive. Communities need welcoming plans, housing supports, healthcare access, and strong community connections in place for both longtime residents and newcomers alike.
Strong rural communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
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Advocating for Improved Transportation Access
The ACC is part of a NL Gulf Ferry Coalition along with member - BOT, St. John’s advocating for improved transportation access. Recently we received a response from Premier Tony Wakeham acknowledging the urgent concerns raised around ferry capacity and reliability. The Premier confirmed alignment with the Coalition’s position, highlighting growing demand, seasonal pressures, and the critical role Marine Atlantic plays in supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy. He also emphasized ongoing engagement with the federal government and committed to a forthcoming meeting with Coalition representatives. This is a positive step forward as we continue to advocate for a more reliable, resilient, and capacity-driven ferry system to support business, tourism, and economic growth across the province.
Read response click here.
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Atlantic & Quebec Chambers United on Churchill Falls
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At a time when Canada’s economic future depends on strong partnerships and decisive action, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec are proud to come together with a shared message on the importance of collaboration.
As members of the Chambers of the Federation, our organizations are united in advocating for a coordinated, transparent, and forward looking approach to major energy projects, including the significant opportunity presented by Churchill Falls. This letter highlights the need for provinces to work together to unlock investment, strengthen energy security, and drive sustainable economic growth for businesses and communities across Canada.
It also reinforces a simple but critical message: when regions collaborate, the outcome is stronger, more competitive, and more resilient than any one province can achieve alone.
Please find the full letter attached.
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Atlantic Chamber Calls for Removal of Interprovincial Tolls to Support an Atlantic Free Trade Zone
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The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has sent a formal letter to Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick, and Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, urging both governments to remove tolls that create barriers to trade between provinces.
In the letter, the Chamber expresses concern about the proposed toll at Aulac announced in New Brunswick’s 2026–2027 budget and the continued operation of the Cobequid Pass toll in Nova Scotia. These measures risk undermining efforts to strengthen economic cooperation within Atlantic Canada.
Representing 94 chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the region — and a collective voice for more than 16,000 businesses — the Atlantic Chamber emphasizes that reducing barriers to the movement of people, goods, and services is critical to building a stronger regional economy.
With global trade disruptions, supply chain challenges, and tariffs continuing to impact businesses, Atlantic Canada must focus on strengthening regional cooperation and expanding internal trade.
The Chamber recognizes the leadership both premiers have shown in advancing interprovincial trade and labour mobility and encourages continued action to build a seamless Atlantic Canadian economy.
Removing toll barriers for interprovincial traffic would be an important step toward achieving an Atlantic free trade zone and ensuring the region’s businesses remain competitive and resilient.
Read the full letter here:
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Getting Regulation Right in Atlantic Canada
In Atlantic Canada, businesses are facing mounting pressures from rising costs and global uncertainty—but there’s another challenge that often goes unnoticed: red tape.
In this op-ed, Brandon Ellis, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, explores how excessive and poorly designed regulation stifles growth, slows investment, and places an unfair burden on entrepreneurs. He argues for a new approach—one where the private sector and government work together from the start to design smarter, more effective regulations that protect the public while enabling business success.
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PUBLICATIONS
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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.
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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
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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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.
