Small Business Assistance Province of PEI
March 2024

West Prince Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 7th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala

The West Prince Chamber of Commerce marked another milestone with its 7th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala held at the exquisite Mill River Resort. The event, attended by 190 esteemed businesspeople, showcased the region's thriving entrepreneurial spirit and celebrated outstanding achievements within the community.
Guests were treated to a delicious culinary experience, at Mill River Resort, featuring Chicken Supreme with Tarragon sauce and mashed potatoes, with asparagus spears and baby carrots, and sourdough bread. Appetizers were delectable raw oysters supplied by Cascumpec Bay Oysters and mini crab cakes supplied by none other than Kildare Fisheries. The evening was not just about exquisite dining; it was a platform for networking, forging valuable business connections, and celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of 22 nominees and 8 winners.
The evening's highlights included the buzz surrounding eight award categories, with O’Leary Building Centre emerging victorious in two: Business of the Year Excellence and People’s Choice Service Excellence. Additionally, sister company Western Truss was honored with the Emerging Business Growth Award.
The guest speaker for the evening was delivered by Thomas Burleigh, General Manager of Burleigh Bros. Seafoods. As a fifth-generation leader in the wild oyster industry in PEI, Thomas shared insights into the rich heritage and ongoing success of his family-owned and operated business since 1934. Burleigh Bros. Seafoods, renowned for its commitment to quality, annually sells approximately 7 million oysters to discerning markets across Canada and the US, proudly representing East Bideford on the global stage.
The gala was graced with warm greetings and best wishes from Lieutenant Governor Antoinette Perry. Moreover, the event wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of the Title sponsor, Kildare Fisheries, represented by Collin Rayner. Additional gratitude goes to our Community Celebration Sponsor, Provincial Credit Union, and Alfred Arsenault, as well as Chamber President Dan MacDonald, for their invaluable contributions and heartfelt remarks.
"The 7th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication within our business community," remarked Tammy Rix. "We extend our sincerest congratulations to all nominees and winners, whose contributions continue to drive economic growth and prosperity in West Prince."

Winners of the eight Business Awards
Skills PEI Chamber Ambassador: 
Dan MacDonald with The Cooperators, MacDonald Investments
Holland College Marketing & Communication: 
Hester House Home Decor
CBDC Western PEI Emerging Business Growth:
Western Truss
Key Murray Law Lifetime Business Achievement 20+ Years:
MacAusland Woollen Mills - 90+ Years
North Cape Coastal Drive: People’s Choice Service Excellence:
O’Leary Building Centre
MRSB Community Impact:
Western Region Sports & Recreation Council - Jo-Anne Wallace
Innovation PEI Technology Innovator:
Royal Star Foods
Business of the Year Excellence:
O’Leary Building Centre


In the latest news, Prince Edward Island unveiled its provincial budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, as Finance Minister Jill Burridge presented the PEI Budget 2024 on February 29, 2024. Key points include no changes to corporate tax rates, the $500,000 small business limit, or the 15% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). However, there will be adjustments to income tax bracket thresholds and rates, slated to take effect in 2025, with the exception of the highest income tax bracket. Additionally, starting in January 2025, families with children will receive an additional monthly benefit. Moreover, there will be an increase in the basic personal income tax exemption to $14,250 for 2025, up from $13,500 in 2024.

CBC Article March 1, 2024


Warm Regards,

Tammy Rix
Chief Executive Officer
902-726-JOIN (5646)

Member & Partner News
Local Businesses Shine During Awards Gala. 
It was a big night for O’Leary Building Centre at the 7th Annual West Prince Chamber Business Excellence Awards Gala at Mill River Resort on Feb 22. Along with receiving the People’s Choice Service Excellence Award, O’Leary Building Centre also received the Provincial Credit Union Business of the Year Excellence Award. This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated excellence in business operations, including marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, financial management, environmental practices, and is a leader in business excellence that has demonstrated the best of the entrepreneurial spirit.
In photo: L-R: Kate Drury, presenter Alfred Arsenault, Stacey Rix, Allan Clark, and Melissa DesRoche. Jillian Trainor photo
Read the full article click on the link below to go to the West Prince Graphic website:
National Swimming Pool Certification Course 2024. The course will take place from April 29th to May 1st, with both a classroom option and an online option being offered. The classroom portion will take place at the Rodd Royalty Hotel, all participants (both classroom and online) have to be in attendance for the exam on May 1st at the Rodd Royalty Hotel.

This course has a participant limit of 25, so if it is necessary for you or your employees to participate in this training, we suggest filling out the registration form right away. We will assess at a later date if we need to offer another sitting of the course.
Upcoming Volunteer Training.
Hospice PEI will be hosting our Hospice training for NEW volunteers in the month of March. Have you ever thought about wanting to give back to your community in such a rewarding way? We are looking for compassionate volunteers that will come along side of someone’s journey through the end of life Volunteer supports may include companionship, listening and conversing, reading, participating in activities and hobbies. Providing one-on-one visits wherever a Care Recipient resides. If interested in knowing more please contact Rosanne at 902-859-3949.  https://www.facebook.com/HospicePEI
Congratulations Business Awards Winners
7th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala
Congratulations to all the outstanding winners of the 2024 Business Awards Gala!  Special shoutout to Morris LeBlanc - Moe's Independent Grocer, our lucky 50/50 winner for the first online ChamberWest draw! Morris won $ 735.00. The next 50/50 Draw will be in May - stay tuned!  Thank you to everyone who participated and supported our initiatives. Here's to continued success and prosperity for all!
Welcome New Members
Government Programs & Updates




The 2024-2025 provincial budget and related information is available in the following documents:

Click HERE go the the Province of PEI website for full details.

The 2024 Seniors’ Secretariat grant application is now open
Organizations and groups that work to improve the lives of Island seniors are invited to submit applications for the 2024-2025 PEI Seniors’ Secretariat grant. 
The grants provide up to $5,000 per project designed to improve the lives of seniors. Groups eligible for funding include non-profit organizations, community-based coalitions, networks, municipal governments, and Indigenous organizations across the Island.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 5, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified in early summer 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit the PEI Seniors’ Secretariat Grant or email seniors@gov.pe.ca or call the Office of Seniors at 902-620-3785


Atlantic Chamber Concerned with PEI Budget
2024 Provincial Budget Makes Key Investments but Does Not Reduce Costs for Business

 Windsor, NS (February 29, 2024) â€“ The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to see the Government of Prince Edward Island increase the basic personal amount and make investments in housing and skills but remains concerned with continued deficit spending and no new measures to reduce the cost of doing business. 
Government is estimating a $85.5-million deficit for 2024–25 and is projecting larger deficits for the coming years with combined deficits from 2023 to 2026 expected to reach a total of $230 million. Running continued deficits is unsustainable and the Government should begin taking steps to curb spending.

“While Budget 2024 makes meaningful investments in housing and lowers income taxes, the burden on business remains high” said Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “Reducing regulatory burden is a low-cost initiative that yields a high level of economic growth and increases competitiveness and productivity. As other jurisdictions take significant steps to reduce regulatory burden on business, it is important for it to become a priority of this Government.”

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and reducing the cost of doing business are high priorities for businesses across the province. While Budget 2024 takes good first steps to address critical social concerns, it does not have substantial support for the private sector.

The ACC stands ready as a willing partner for the Government of Prince Edward Island as the province strives to grow the economy and improve business conditions. 


Federal Updates


Businesses: Here are the top changes this year that will affect business taxes in 2024 December 20, 2023, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Revenue Agency

This year, there have been many announcements about changes that will affect business taxes in 2024. The federal government has pulled them together here for quick reference, along with a list of resources that can help people manage these changes and their tax affairs in the new year. Click HERE to read more:



Work-Sharing helps prevent layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the employer’s control. The program requires a three-way agreement to be negotiated between the employer, employees, and Service Canada, and provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while the business recovers.
How does the work-sharing program work?
An employer, participating employees, and Service Canada enter into an agreement that the employees will:
  • work reduced hours,
  • share available work, and
  • receive EI benefits to compensate for lost wages.
The program permits employers to retain experienced workers and avoid layoffs, while employees keep their jobs and maintain their skills. For more information click HERE.



CHAMBER PERKS APP
To set up your company's account and to start offering perks on the app, go to the Admin Portal Website link https://cpaadmin.chamberperks.ca/ Save this link on your desktop for future reference or access it on your chamber's website homepage. Enter the Admin Portal Login Email Username and temporary password that was supplied in the onboarding email sent to you by your chamber. Make sure to change the password immediately.

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