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Position on Internal Trade Opportunities
1. Removing Barriers to Interprovincial Trade and Labour Mobility
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is committed to advocating for policies that will enhance the free flow of goods, services, and talent across all of Canada. In particular, we call for the federal and provincial governments to remove all internal trade barriers that hinder the full potential of Canada’s internal market.
Recommendation: We urge all provinces to commit to tabling legislation to enable mutual recognition agreements (MRAs), similar to Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Mobility Canada Act and New Brunswick’s commitments. These agreements will help facilitate seamless mobility of labour and goods, providing Canadian businesses with greater access to workers, markets, and customers across provincial boundaries.
Impact: By enabling MRAs, businesses in Atlantic Canada will benefit from more efficient operations, reduced administrative burdens, and increased access to skilled labour. This will foster a more competitive business environment, boost innovation, and improve economic resilience across the region.
2. Bolstering Domestic Procurement and Supply Chains
To strengthen the Canadian economy, we must support and prioritize domestic businesses and industries. This includes aligning provincial public procurement policies to ensure that Canadian companies are given fair opportunities to compete for government contracts and that procurement decisions are made with the local economic impact in mind.
Recommendation: The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce calls for the alignment of provincial public procurement policies to increase the weighting of local economic impact in procurement decisions. Governments should use trade agreement flexibilities to support domestic suppliers, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agrifood, and steel. In addition, we recommend investment in strengthening domestic supply chains to ensure that Canadian businesses can compete effectively.
Impact: A more robust domestic procurement strategy will create opportunities for local businesses to expand, create jobs, and develop new markets. By investing in domestic supply chains and industrial capacity, Canada will be better positioned to respond to challenges and enhance regional economic resilience.
3. Making an Immediate Commitment to a National Energy Corridor
A unified and efficient energy infrastructure is critical for supporting economic growth, sustainability, and energy security. The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the creation of a National Energy Corridor to facilitate the seamless movement of oil, natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, and other vital resources across the country.
Recommendation: We advocate for an immediate commitment to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a National Energy Corridor that connects Eastern, Central, and Western Canada, as well as our northern ports. This corridor would enhance Canada’s energy security, improve the efficient movement of resources, and position Canada as a leader in sustainable energy.
Impact: A National Energy Corridor will reduce transportation costs, improve the reliability of energy supplies, and enhance Canada’s ability to meet both domestic energy needs and global export demands. This will not only stimulate economic growth but also create new opportunities for businesses in Atlantic Canada, particularly in the energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
Conclusion
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce believes that by removing trade barriers and strengthening domestic procurement and supply chains, Canada will unlock significant economic opportunities for businesses and communities across the country, particularly in the Atlantic region. We urge all levels of government to take immediate, unified, and bold action to implement these critical policies and ensure that Canada’s economy remains dynamic, competitive, and resilient for future generations.
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Position on Immigration
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce expresses serious concerns about recent reductions in immigration allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), which disproportionately impact Atlantic Canada. These cuts undermine the region’s ability to address its unique demographic and economic challenges, including labor shortages and population decline.
Atlantic Canada has long relied on tailored immigration policies, such as the AIP, to attract skilled workers and support regional employers. However, despite success in attracting immigrants, retention rates remain low, especially in rural areas, jeopardizing the sustainability of key industries such as healthcare, construction, and agriculture.
We urge the federal government to reconsider these cuts and engage in structured dialogue with provincial governments, chambers of commerce, and key stakeholders to develop sustainable, region-specific immigration policies. A collaborative, tailored approach is essential to ensuring the long-term economic prosperity and workforce sustainability of Atlantic Canada.
We request:
- A reconsideration of the recent allocation reductions.
- A strategic approach to improving retention and supporting population growth.
- A policy carve-out for Atlantic Canada to reflect its unique needs.
- A one-size-fits-all approach does not work for our region. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure Atlantic Canada remains a vital contributor to Canada’s growth.
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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.
