The Honourable Allan MacMaster
Minister of Finance and Treasury Board
Department of Finance and Treasury Board, Nova Scotia
{Via email}
February 4, 2022
Re: Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Pre-Budget Submission to the Province of Nova Scotia
Dear Minister MacMaster,
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, representing 28 chambers of commerce and more than 4,800 businesses across Nova Scotia submits the following items for your consideration in the 2022-2023 Budget:
Pandemic Recovery
Businesses have been weathering the storm created by COVID-19 for nearly two years. While businesses wait for the end of the pandemic, it is also important that there are supports in place to get them to the other side. When restrictions are introduced that limit the activity of business, it is important that Government offsets that with support to the businesses that have been impacted by policy directives.
Access to Qualified Workers
Labour market shortages have been an increasing and consistent issue within Atlantic Canada. The Government of Nova Scotia should prioritize making sure Nova Scotians have opportunities to increase and diversify skills and that businesses have access to a labour market that meets the needs of their workforce. The province should also continue to prioritize immigration as Canada is boldly attempting to welcome 400,000 immigrants per year for the next three years. Nova Scotia should ensure appropriate supports for immigration are in place so the provincial population can grow and strengthen the economy.
Affordable and Accessible Housing
When attracting qualified workers to a region, it is important that housing is affordable and accessible. This is equally as important for current residents. Nova Scotia’s housing crisis creates a potential issue that may deter qualified workers from coming to the province. To address the shortage in housing and rapidly rising costs of Nova Scotia properties, the province should make efforts to increase housing supply levels by working with municipal and federal counterparts. Additionally, the province should take the necessary steps to review the Capped Assessment Program (CAP) as it is creating a higher tax burden for both first time homeowners and renters.
Increasing Competitiveness
Nova Scotia has been a leader in Canada with its efforts to reduce regulatory burden on businesses. By reducing regulatory burden, not only are the day-to-day operations of businesses in Nova Scotia improved, but it becomes a vehicle for business attraction and entrepreneurialism. The province should continue to build upon its commitment to reducing regulatory burden and dedicate the appropriate resources to doing so.
Provincial Debt
Before the pandemic, Nova Scotia was in an enviable position of having a very good financial track record with four successive balanced budgets and a fifth balanced budget tabled before the pandemic. While we are still dealing with the present-day pandemic and the costs associated with it, the province cannot let these temporary deficits become permanent. As the economy recovers, Government must take the necessary steps to reign in spending, reduce public debt, and ensure business competitiveness within the province.
We are pleased to submit these priorities to you today as you develop a budget for Nova Scotians and businesses to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and grow into the future. The budget is an opportunity for Government to indicate the importance of the private sector and make critical investments and policy decisions to increase competitiveness and keep the doors of business open. The Atlantic Chamber remains a willing partner for Government as Nova Scotia moves forward.
Sincerely,
Sheri Somerville, CEO
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce takes proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework.
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