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Atlantic Economic Panel - Upcoming Business Questionnaire
Atlantic Canada is at a turning point. The Atlantic Economic Panel was established to identify transformational opportunities that will drive productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and secure long-term prosperity for our region.
Launched on November 24, 2025, and chaired by Don Mills, the seven-member panel brings together experienced business leaders from across Atlantic Canada. Over the coming months, the panel will engage with business leaders, sectors, and communities to answer critical questions about our economic future:
- What would make the difference in Atlantic Canada reaching its full economic potential?
- What barriers in economic structure, policy, regulation, or business culture must be addressed?
- What needs to change about “how we do things here”?
Your input matters. In January and February 2026, the panel will hold engagement sessions across Atlantic Canada with provincial officials, sector leaders and organizations, and CEO’s. To complement these discussions, we’re seeking broader input from the business community.
Next week (January 19), you will receive a link to a brief online questionnaire (less than 10 minutes) covering:
- Economic opportunities and barriers
- Tax competitiveness and interprovincial trade
- Workforce challenges and population growth
- Energy development and economic initiatives
- Your confidence in the region’s economic future
Results will be publicly released and shared with all participating chambers and boards of trade. Your perspective will directly inform the panel’s report and recommendations, due September 2026.
Thank you for your leadership. Watch for the questionnaire link next week.
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Business Drives the Economy
Be sure to read our article, Strengthening Atlantic Prosperity, in the latest issue of Atlantic Business Magazine. The private sector is the primary driver of economic growth and the chamber of commerce network stands ready to support businesses across Atlantic Canada.
Read more in the Atlantic Business Magazine
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Atlantic Chamber Urges Renewal of Atlantic Fisheries Fund
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The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is calling on the federal government to renew and enhance the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) ahead of its March 31, 2026 expiration. The fund is vital for supporting innovation, growth, and sustainable jobs in Atlantic Canada’s seafood sector.
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Workforce Innovation: 1st. in CAN to Implement Talent Pipeline Management™
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is the first in Canada to deliver the Talent Pipeline Management™ model in Canada. This major milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening workforce development and connecting employers with the talent they need to grow and compete.
Learn more about this initiative and how it can benefit your organization.
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PUBLICATIONS
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Overview of Atlantic Canada’s Population Growth & Workforce Strategy
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has developed a focused strategy to accelerate population growth, improve talent retention, and strengthen long-term workforce development across the region. These initiatives aim to build the skilled, stable workforce needed to support a competitive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy.
Thank You to Our Population Growth Working Group
We extend sincere appreciation to the chambers whose time, expertise, and regional insight shaped the Population Growth & Workforce Strategy. Your leadership was essential in developing a practical, collaborative approach to advancing population and workforce growth across Atlantic Canada.
Fredericton, Halifax, Labrador North, Greater Charlottetown, Annapolis Valley, Truro & Colchester, Mount Pearl–Paradise, Pictou County, Cape Breton Regional, Greater Moncton, Greater Summerside, Saint John Region, Strait Area, Sussex & District.
Atlantic Chambers Advocate for Region-Specific Immigration Policy
In August, chambers across Atlantic Canada co-signed a letter to The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, urging the federal government to adopt a region-specific immigration carve-out for Atlantic Canada. The letter highlighted the region’s unique demographic challenges, workforce needs, and the proven success of the Atlantic Immigration Program. This collective effort informed the updated Population Growth & Workforce Strategy and resulted in a direct meeting with the Minister to advance these recommendations.
With Appreciation
We gratefully acknowledge the chambers that supported this important advocacy work: Albert County, Annapolis Valley, Antigonish, Arnold’s Cove, Baie Verte, Bay St. George, Bonavista-Trinity, Bridgewater & Area, Cape Alliance, Cape Breton Regional, Chaleur, Central & Northern Carleton, Greater Moncton, Clarenville & Area, Conception Bay Area, Cumberland, East Hants, Eastern PEI, Exploits Regional, Fredericton, Gander & Area, Great Northern, Greater Charlottetown, Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Greater Miramichi, Greater Shediac, Greater Summerside, Greater Woodstock, Halifax, Hampton Area, Kensington & Area, Kent South, Killick Coast, Labrador North, Labrador West, Lewisporte & Area, Lunenburg Board of Trade, Mount Pearl-Paradise, Pictou County, Placentia, Saint John Region, South Shore Regional, St. Stephen, Strait Area, Truro & Colchester, Valley, Yarmouth & Area.
Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to advancing Atlantic Canada’s population and workforce future.
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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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Sign up for the latest news & publications from the ACC & gain exclusive insights into business trends, networking opportunities, and regional economic developments.
Subscribe today and stay connected !
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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All Chambers MeetingJanuary 28, 2026 (10:00- 11:00AM AST)
Joining us this month is Deneen Belliveau, Executive Director of the CCEC.
Come prepared to share your top 5 professional development asks for 2026.
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Provincial Advisory Meetings
PEI February 2
NS February 3
NL February 4 (2pm)
NB February 5
All meetings start at 1:30pm AST
Members of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce are invited to join the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings for 2026.
Our four PACs guide services, policy development, and advocacy, helping to:
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Identify provincial business challenges and opportunities
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Support network-wide research and surveys
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Shape ACC policy and strategic direction
Your experience is vital to ensuring local business voices influence regional advocacy.
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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.
