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Statement from the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce: Budget 2025
“The Government of Canada has made investments in needed sectors and has made commitments to red tape reduction that will improve innovation. The amendments to the Red Tape Reduction Act represent a forward-thinking step toward unleashing innovation for businesses, particularly through the introduction of regulatory sandboxes that allow ministers to exempt pioneering projects from outdated rules. These sandboxes create safe, flexible spaces for SMEs and startups to test technologies, like AI-driven supply chains and green manufacturing, without the burden of excessive compliance, accelerating market entry by up to 30% and fostering a culture of experimentation that could drive billions in new economic activity while safeguarding consumer protections. While the ACC is pleased with investments in these areas, execution is where we will turn our attention."
"We are concerned with government spending. The Government of Canada is forecasting a $78.3 billion deficit with no plan to return to balance. Government’s debt servicing charge is expected to rise from $55.6 billion this year to $76.1 billion by 2029/2030. This level of spending is not sustainable and must stabilize to ensure Canada’s fiscal viability.” – Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Key Announcements:
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Defence Investment: An additional $81.8B has been set aside over 5 years to rearm the Canadian military
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Comprehensive Spending Review: $15B in targeted expenditure reductions across government departments to enhance efficiency and fiscal discipline.
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Housing Market Incentives: Launch of Build Canada Homes ($25B fund) and GST elimination for first-time buyers on homes up to $1M, accelerating construction and creating opportunities for builders, suppliers, and real estate SMEs targeting 500,000 new homes annually.
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Atlantic Chamber’s Bold Solution to Atlantic Canada’s Talent Crisis
Finding skilled workers is keeping small and medium-sized business owners in Atlantic Canada up at night. In regions like Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, growing industries face a critical shortage of talent—threatening economic opportunities before they even begin.
The Atlantic Chamber is piloting a bold, first-of-its-kind approach: Talent Pipeline Management (TPM). This employer-driven, data-backed model aligns training with real job needs, building a workforce ready for today’s opportunities—and tomorrow’s growth.
Read the full article in Atlantic Business Magazine here
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ACC's Latest Op-ed
Leading the Country in Red Tape Reduction
Red tape is a silent killer for business—blocking entrepreneurs from starting, slowing growth, and wasting one of the most valuable resources any business owner has: time.
Premier Tony Wakeham’s recent commitment to make Newfoundland and Labrador a national leader in red tape reduction is a welcome signal for the business community. Cutting unnecessary bureaucracy isn’t just good politics—it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to strengthen the economy, attract investment, and support innovation.
Read the full op-ed to see how bold action on red tape could unleash growth and prosperity across the province.
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Statement from Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
“We’re pleased to see the Government of Canada step up with the new Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). For small and medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada, this kind of support couldn’t come at a better time.
Businesses across our region are feeling the squeeze from global tariffs and shifting markets. The RTRI gives them practical tools to adapt—whether that means finding ways to cut costs, building stronger supply chains, or opening doors to new markets.
What’s especially encouraging is that this program will be delivered right here through ACOA, making sure the support is shaped to the realities of Atlantic Canadian businesses.
At the Atlantic Chamber, we know our SMEs are resilient, innovative, and committed to their communities. With the help of initiatives like this, they’ll be better positioned not just to weather today’s challenges, but to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Learn more click here
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PUBLICATIONS
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The Chambers of Federation Policy Framework reflects a collaborative effort among provincial and territorial chambers of commerce to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit all Canadians.
With geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and global economic shifts intensifying, Canada must act decisively to strengthen national sovereignty, secure supply chains, and enhance competitiveness. This submission outlines immediate and longer-term priorities to drive trade, investment, and economic self reliance, ensuring Canada remains a leader in an evolving global landscape.
This is a pivotal moment - one where bold provincial and territorial leadership can remove internal barriers, fortify critical industries, and position Canada for sustained prosperity. This joint submission offers a united vision and actionable recommendations for consideration by the Council of the Federation, aimed at driving economic growth and trade competitiveness across the country
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MEMBER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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On Tuesday, October 28, Salim Zanzana, CFA, Economist at the Royal Bank of Canada, joined us to share the latest economic update for Canada. He provided fresh forecasts on GDP, inflation, and interest rates, along with insights on interprovincial trade—valuable information for businesses, communities, and decision-makers across Atlantic Canada.
Listen to the meeting recording below
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ADVERTISE WITH ACC
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Truth and Reconciliation
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.
