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Statement from Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce on Population Growth
“Our chambers have come together to tackle one of Atlantic Canada’s biggest challenges: growing and sustaining our population,” said Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “By working together, we can create conditions that encourage graduates to stay, welcome newcomers, and ensure that both groups have every opportunity to thrive here. This is about building a future where Atlantic Canada is recognized as a destination of choice for talent and innovation.”
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Statement from CEO Rhonda Tulk-Lane on the new Atlantic Economic Panel
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is excited to support the newly launched Atlantic Economic Panel by leveraging our network that reaches every Main Street in Atlantic Canada. This panel brings together exceptional regional expertise under the leadership of Chair Don Mills to help chart a stronger economic future for our communities.
“The experts selected for this panel understand Atlantic Canada’s unique opportunities and challenges. Their guidance will be invaluable as we work together to drive long-term prosperity across the region.”
— Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of CommerceThe Atlantic Chamber looks forward to contributing local insight, amplifying business voices, and helping ensure the panel’s work benefits every corner of Atlantic Canada.
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Statement from Rhonda Tulk-Lane - CEO Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
ACC’s is pleased to see Northcliff Resources’ Sission Mine – Sission Brook, New Brunswick on the second tranche of nation-building projects.
“We’re very encouraged by the Prime Minister’s announcement of the second tranche of nation-building projects, including the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick. This could align nicely with the Employer-Led Workforce Development Project that we're collaborating on with NLWIC on the Baie Verte Peninsula, NL in the mining sector using the Talent Pipeline Management Model. The Employer-Led Workforce Development Project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program. - Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO
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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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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.
Working Group Chambers: 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.
Thank you for your commitment to building a strong future for our region.
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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UPCOMING EVENTS
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NB Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting
As a member of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce network, we invite you to join the final Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings of 2025.
Our four provincial 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.
December 18, 2025
9:30AM (AST)
Log In information and agenda have been shared in the ACC Weekly Newsletter
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PEI Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting
As a member of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce network, we invite you to join the final Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings of 2025.
Our four provincial 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.
December 19, 2025
9:30AM (AST)
Log In information and agenda have been shared in the ACC Weekly Newsletter
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All Chambers MeetingJanuary 28, 2026 (10:00- 11:00AM AST)
Joining us this month is
TBA
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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.
