One of the greatest privileges of my role is working with four incredible provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, under one united banner: The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. Every day, I’m reminded that while we are four distinct provinces, we are one powerful region. The balance between celebrating individuality and strengthening our unity is where the real magic needs to happen in 2026.

There are many reasons we are better as ONE. One reason is demographics. Together our population numbers are stronger: 2.7million.

Each province has its own story to tell; and the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is ready to tell it!

Newfoundland and Labrador, with its spirit and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, constantly reminds me what resilience looks like. From tech to creative industries, and how can we forget our music and film scene. Innovation here isn’t just a buzzword it’s a way of life. Home of Verafin who was acquired by Nasdaq for an impressive $2.75 billion USD in 2021.

Prince Edward Island embodies the power of connection. PEI is small; however, its business community works together in ways that makes it mighty. Collaboration runs deep, you can feel it in every conversation, every handshake, every shared success. A great example was the Partnership for Growth and more recently the creation of the PEIBEC.

Nova Scotia has a beautiful balance between tradition and transformation. It’s a place where history meets innovation, where culture, creativity, and commerce work hand in hand. Whether it’s through its universities, bustling ports, or growing tech scene, Nova Scotia embodies the idea that progress can be both bold and grounded. Look no further than the Cove, where marine innovation meets excellence.

New Brunswick is steady, strategic, and full of quiet strength. It’s a province that leads through knowledge and adaptability, building bridges in every sense of the word. Its bilingual advantage and strong community spirit remind us that diversity isn’t something to manage, it’s something to celebrate. The recent announcement of the fast tracking for the Sisson mine would be one of the world’s largest tungsten mines.

Fun Fact: tungsten is used for its extreme hardness and high melting point.

When I travel across these provinces and connect with our 90+ members and business leaders, I’m struck by one thing repeatedly, we are better together. When one province wins, the whole region moves forward. Our strength doesn’t come from being the same, it comes from respecting what makes us different and using that to lift each other higher.

Advocating for business to four governments isn’t simple. It takes listening to what each province needs and collaborating with members. Every conversation, every shared moment of pride, reminds me why this work matters so much.

We are four provinces with one Atlantic heart. And that heart beats stronger every day because of the people that believe in working together for something bigger than our individual four provinces.

Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

Author's Note
This article was written by Rhonda Tulk-Lane and was aided using ChatGPT. The AI was utilized to make the article flow together. The author reviewed, fact-checked, edited, and approved all final content before publication and assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of the information presented.