Atlantic Chamber’s 2022 Atlantic Insights Tells Story of
Optimism & Challenge for Business
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In partnership with Narrative Research, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce released its 2022 Atlantic Insights survey report on March 4th, revealing businesses are largely still coping and maintaining a sense of optimism and expectation for growth in the coming years in Atlantic Canada. However, the cost of doing business and employee recruitment/retention have worsened since 2021 and remain key challenges impacting their profitability. Read the full report and other insights from the business community, click here.
To participate in the annual exploration of issues for insights from Atlantic businesses, join our free Atlantic Impressions insight community of more than 840 business leaders and employees from the region who provide feedback on a number of business topics throughout the year
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Atlantic Chamber Sets Advocacy Direction with Release of its
2022 Policy Priorities for Rebuilding
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ACC released its 2022 Policy Priorities for Rebuilding on March 9th which outline the most pressing issues identified by its network of more than 16,000 business in Atlantic Canada. The priorities include: pandemic recovery, qualified worker access, support for SMEs and tax reform. The policy priorities form ACC’s annual policy agenda for its advocacy work with provincial and federal governments in 2022 clearly recognizes the difficult road businesses have travelled the past two years and provide guidance for creating a positive business environment through policies that encourage investment, recovery, and growth.
To view our 2022 Policy Priorities for Rebuilding, click here.
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Atlantic Chamber Requests Fuel Tax Relief From
Atlantic Premiers
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Inflationary pressures and international scarcity have dramatically increased the cost of fuel in our region and around the globe. Government has the tools to alleviate the pressure on fuel consumers, even if it is only a temporary measure. Click here to read our letter to the four Atlantic provinces requesting immediate reviews of provincial fuel taxes, an end to double taxation on fuel, and provision of relief to business and consumers.
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Chignecto Isthmus Report Released |
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ACC was pleased to see recommendations put forward to protect a trade corridor. Protecting the Chignecto Isthmus is critical for preserving the flow of goods into Atlantic Canada and is an issue that the Atlantic Chamber has previously asked governments to take action on. The report released details three actions that can be taken to protect the trade corridor. To read more, click here.
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Provincial Updates – Advocacy in Action
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Atlantic Chamber Reaction to New Brunswick Budget |
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Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the priorities introduced Budget 2022 introduced on March 22, 2022, by the Government of New Brunswick. It is encouraging to note the budget included a small surplus of $35.2 million for 2022/2023 with both expenditures and revenues rising.
The budget features a reduction in both personal and property taxes that will provide a boost to the economy as New Brunswick rebuilds from the pandemic. The basic personal exemption amount for income tax is rising to $11,720 and property taxes for non-owner-occupied properties will be reduced by 50% over the next three years. There will also be a further reduction in residential and non-residential rates by 15%. With property assessments increasing, this reduction in property tax will serve as a buffer against increasing tax bills and reduce upward pressure on rents.
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Workplace NB Seeks Feedback on Potential Legislative Changes |
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WorkSafeNB’s board of directors wants to know what the province’s workers and employers think about possible enhancements to worker benefits under the Workers’ Compensation (WC) Act. The consultation will run for 90 days. Once complete, the board will make specific recommendations to Government for legislative change. For more information and to participate, click here.
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ACC Asks for Government Action on Key NS Budget Priorities
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The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce put forward a pre-budget submission to the Government of Nova Scotia outlining the priorities for business in the upcoming 2022/2023 Nova Scotia Budget. Addressing key issues facing the Nova Scotia economy, such as affordable housing, access to qualified workers, and continuing to reduce regulatory burden are among the top issues the government should take action on to support businesses in the province. To read the full letter, click here.
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ACC Supports PEI Budget but Notes Need for More
Red Tape Reduction Initiatives
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The Government of Prince Edward Island tabled its 2022/2023 Budget on February 24, 2022. The budget featured continued support for business to aid recovery, targeted support for the tourism sector, support for affordable housing, and a reduction in deficit spending. It also featured an increase in the basic personal amount that will put more money in the pockets of Islanders. The Atlantic Chamber provided a pre-budget submission during the government’s budget consultation process, and while we were pleased to see the measures announced, there still could have been initiatives announced to reduce regulatory burden to ensure a fast and durable economic recovery. Click here to read our full reaction.
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Newfoundland and Labrador |
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Atlantic Chamber Highlights the Importance of Population Growth in NL Pre-Budget Letter |
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The Atlantic Chamber has submitted a pre-budget letter to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador communicating our member’s concern with the ongoing issues of population growth within the province, as well as other key priorities such as pandemic support. ACC has the Government to focus on reducing overall expenditures to prevent the continued accumulation of debt or potential future tax increases. To read all of the priorities addressed in the letter, click here
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National Updates- One Network. One Voice |
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The St. John’s Board of Trade and Atlantic Chamber Support
Bay du Nord Project
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On March 9, 2022, the St. John’s Board of Trade and Atlantic Chamber sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Canada and Members of Parliament asking them approve the Bay du Nord project— an offshore oil and gas production facility in the Flemish Pass, approximately 500 kms east of St. John's, NL, in the Atlantic Ocean. The project is of critical socio-economic importance to the province and must move forward in a timely manner to ensure a return to prosperity. Click here to read more.
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Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) |
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The Government of Canada has announced the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) to help small and medium-sized businesses boost their e-commerce presence and digitize how they run their businesses behind the scenes. The program provides funding and expertise to businesses, as well as training and work opportunities for young Canadians.
Businesses will be able to apply for two different kinds of support:
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Stream 1: Grow Your Business Online, will help businesses take advantage of e-commerce opportunities
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Stream 2: Boost Your Business Technology, will help businesses with the development and implementation of digital adoption strategies
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Policy Insights – Your Voice Fuels our Actions. |
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Your Feedback Fuels Network Advocacy & Better Outcomes
for Your Business
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As the voice of business, our network continues to advocate on the issues that are in the best interest of business. Be sure to include your views in the evidence-based research we provide governments to substantiate our advocacy claims. Join our network’s digital insight community. We share information and survey results with you on the hub, and we reach out with an issue-based survey
1 or 2 times per month—simply opt-in when the issue matters to you.
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Join Atlantic IMPRESSIONS today.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be heard or see what others like you are saying.
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To create stronger businesses that withstand sudden changes, it’s important to take stock of your customers and operations, optimize processes and automate tasks, and consolidate systems or outsources services to optimize your productivity and efficacy.
Its also important to make the most of all the programs and services your Chamber membership offers – providing bottom line savings for your business.
Make the Most of Your Chamber Membership & Save on Really Useful Services & Programs
Health Insurance, Business Assistance and EAP Services, Merchant Services,
E-Commerce, COVID Compliance, Student Wage Subsidies, Business-Home-Auto Insurance, & Payroll.
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Not a member, join this prestigious community of influence by becoming a Corporate Partner today.
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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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About ACCion News
ACCion News is the policy and membership newsletter of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Content submissions are always welcome.
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