ACC Joins Business Associations Highlighting the Importance of a National Approach to Privacy Rules
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Privacy and data protection are critical in our modern economy – often referred to as the digital economy – where Canadians are constantly accessing digital services to support their work, connect with friends and family, engage in e-commerce, use financial services, embrace virtual healthcare and online learning, or undertake leisure activities. Companies of all sizes, and across all sectors, also rely on digital technologies to reach customers in new markets and efficiently manage operations, including the significantly increased prevalence of remote working.
Read the joint statement from ACC and 28 other organizations here.
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ACC Helps Atlantic Businesses Make the European Connection
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Do you know of an export business looking for new opportunities but who needs a little assistance? To help Atlantic Canadian exporters take advantage of the removal of trade tariffs between Canada and Europe and the positive perception of Canadian goods and services in Europe, ACC is providing management support through its Europe Market Development Program (EMDP).
For a modest participation fee, the EMDP will provide exporters with access to up to 20-days of professional advisory services by a Europe-based trade consultant and access to free meeting space in cities across the EU (should travel restrictions be lifted). With circumstances in the US continuing to be unsettled, there couldn’t be a better time to explore new opportunities in one of the largest consumer and industrial markets in the world.
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ACC Forges Ahead with Student & Business Awareness Campaigns
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As things are gradually settling into the "new normal" routines, our Forge Ahead campaign is gaining pace.
The campaign's ultimate goal is to encourage SMEs in Atlantic Canada to adopt advanced manufacturing solutions in their business. We are raising business owners' awareness of the opportunities presented by smart technologies, and of the support programs offered by government organizations in the region. To maintain business productivity in the post-Covid world, technology adoption is no longer a "nice to have" option – it is quickly becoming essential.
The second part of the campaign is focused on students, and the outdated stereotypes many of them might have about manufacturing jobs: as very traditional, male-dominated, heavily relying on manual labour, requiring lower levels of education and offering lower wages. When in fact, the opposite is true: modern manufacturing is a rapidly developing sector, driven by technology and innovation, very well suited for women, requiring advanced skills and offering high wages.
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Policy update: Atlantic Immigration Pilot
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The Atlantic Chamber is pleased the Government of Canada recently made changes to the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). Work permit applications for the AIPP are now able to be completed online. Click here for more information.
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New Brunswick elects Progressive Conservative Majority
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New Brunswickers went to the polls in a snap election and elected a Progressive Conservative majority government. The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with Premier Higgs and the Government of New Brunswick to further the economic potential of the province.
ACC recently sent a letter to all party leaders in the lead up to the election, identifying key concerns and priorities brought forth by the Atlantic IMPRESSIONS insight community. ACC will continue to advocate and bring forward these priories as Premier Higgs and his team move forward with their mandate.
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Access to High-Speed Internet for More Nova Scotians
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The Government of Nova Scotia announced a commitment to accessible, reliable, high-speed internet service across the province to give greater coverage to residents and businesses.
Nova Scotia is already one of the most connected provinces with projects underway that provide approximately 97% of the province with having access to high-speed internet.
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Budget Date Set for Newfoundland and Labrador
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced that Budget 2020 will be announced on September 30th, 2020. The budget will be presented part-way through the 2020-21 fiscal year after an update in July projected a $2.1-billion deficit – the second largest in provincial history and $1.35 billion more than last year’s shortfall.
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Webinar: THE SHIPPING CHALLENGE IN 2020
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Chamber members receive a free membership to Flagship and access to chamber exclusive rates on your shipping needs.
Join ACC and Daniel Rondeau, National Accounts Manager at FlagShip for this free webinar where you will familiarize yourself with the benefits of using Flagship Courier Solutions:
- What’s the reality and challenges of a shipper in 2020
- Demystify the various services offered by the couriers
- Reveal easy-to-implement tips and tricks to save your business time and money
- Share simple ways to overcome the challenges of shipping for eCommerce
Date: October 7, 2020
Time 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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Start-up Businesses Can Apply to Ignition Fund in Prince Edward Island
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The Ignition Fund is a competitive based innovation fund for entrepreneurs seeking start-up capital for a new business venture. Innovation PEI will invest seed capital that will allow the successful applicants to turn venture ideas into tangible, viable businesses.
Entrepreneurs committed to establishing and operating a new business venture on PEI may apply. The applicants must be the founders and majority owners of the business. The product or service developed must have potential to be sold outside Prince Edward Island.
Successful projects will have business management and operations located in Prince Edward Island. The deadline to apply is October 9th, 2020. Click here for more information.
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Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business in a Changing World
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With so many companies now working remotely and gaining an increased online presence due to COVID-19, this is an opportune time to make businesses aware of the cyber security resources available to them. CyberSecure Canada is a federal cyber certification program that aims to raise the cyber security baseline among Canadian businesses, increase consumer confidence in the digital economy and better position SMEs to compete globally. For more information on certification, and for free e-learning tools, please visit: www.canada.ca/CyberSecure
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Canada Adds Further 246,000 Jobs in August, Labour Force Survey Shows
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Canadian employment rose by a further 246,000 jobs in August, as the economic rebound from the coronavirus crisis continued. Canada’s unemployment rate fell 0.7 percentage points to 10.2 percent in August, still well above the pre-virus rate of 5.6 percent recorded in February. During the 2008 global recession, Canadian unemployment reached 8.7 percent and took nine years to recover. This is a good sign that the Canadian economy is beginning to rebound after an initial wave of COVID-19.
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Resolutions
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The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has submitted the following resolutions for consideration at this years Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.
Accelerating Immigration Programs in Canada
Currently, Canada’s immigration system has unintended barriers which hinder immigration efforts. These barriers can be addressed through making it standard practice in all Canadian immigration programs for work permit applicants to apply online with expedited processing for visa requiring individuals, or at a port of entry for visa exempt individuals.
Canada Needs More Rigour in Regulatory Decision-Making to Support National Competitiveness
Government has a responsibility to Canadians to develop rules that protect public safety, but current processes that guide regulatory decision-making lack measures to ensure regulations imposed on business are necessary, proportionate and efficient. The nation’s competitiveness requires a concerted effort to reduce regulatory red tape that inordinately burdens the productivity of Canada’s smaller businesses and reduces our attractiveness as a place to invest.
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is presently advocating for resolutions that include improvements to regulatory burden, immigration, labour market and mobility, infrastructure, finance, and taxation.
All resolutions can be viewed on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s policy portal found here.
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Helping the Bottom Line & Getting Online
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We know most businesses are facing an economic shock due to the shutdown imposed by COVID-19 and livelihoods are at stake. We also know that other businesses are experiencing an unparalleled upswing in business for the same reason. Respectfully, we want make businesses aware of two programs we have available if you need them.
A Discount Shipping Program with one shipping website with one-stop comparison of Purolator, UPS, FedEx, Canpar and DHL discounted rates – savings up to 70%! Enrol with your local community Chamber and start saving today.
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Let First Data take your business online in a few easy steps
Ecwid is now integrated to both Clover and Bambora and FREE for 90 days. If a business is already using Clover from First Data, they can download Ecwid’s app called “Sell Online” and start selling online immediately. If the merchant isn’t already using Clover and doesn’t have a need for a card present solution, we recommend using Bambora.
As a special promotion, First Data Canada merchants can get the first 3 months of any paid monthly plan of Ecwid for free.
If you are not a First Data client or want more information, please contact Mohamed-Ali Kessentini – [email protected]
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Procurement Opportunities: Visit ACC’s Atlantic Notice Board
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Your source for Government and other agency procurement opportunities, agency information, services, programs and opportunities for businesses in the region. Find your next opportunity, visit the Atlantic Notice Board regularly.
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Advertise Your Business or Service: ACC’s MarketPlace
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Looking for a way to promote your business throughout Atlantic Canada cost-effectively. Visit The Market Place, our Business-2-Member (B2M) site that provides you with #AllAccess to unique programs and services from companies that can help you do business in the region.
Our goal is to help drive awareness, create a dialogue within communities, and communicate value-added programs and issues to our members in Atlantic Canada. Visit The Market Place to see our promotional pricing and social media packages.
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About ACCion News
ACCion News is the policy and membership newsletter of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Published monthly except July, content submissions are always welcome.
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