2024 Policy Priorities for Growth & Stability 

The members of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) – representing more than 16,000 businesses through a network of 90 Chambers of Commerce – have identified three priority areas of focus for 2024 where business and government can work together to support business:

Priority 1: Support for SMEs

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Atlantic Canadian economy, they have expressed the need for support from all levels of government as the private sector endeavors to rebuild and expand the economic landscape. Ways in which government can assist Atlantic SMEs include reducing regulatory burdens, streamlining program access and delivery, and offering incentives for job creation.

Government and business working together is essential to ensure SMEs have the support they need to succeed.

Priority 2: Cost of Doing Business                                                                                                 

Businesses in Atlantic Canada are facing the challenge of increasing operating costs. High taxes, excessive regulation, and damaging inflation rates all contribute to the growing cost of doing business in Atlantic Canada. Government has a major role in creating an environment for positive economic growth and can do so by reducing regulatory and financial burden on business.

Government should actively aim to reduce burden on the private sector and lower the cost of doing business.

Priority 3:  Access to Qualified Workers

The labour market in Atlantic Canada faces ongoing difficulties, requiring both an increase in workforce size and skill development. Failing to adequately prepare the workforce for current and future opportunities risks limiting growth and prosperity. Policymakers must prioritize pursuing  growth rather than managing decline to navigate the foreseeable future effectively.

Enhancing skills development and increasing the supply of housing is critical to resolving labour issues in Atlantic Canada.