Chambers & Boards of Trade in the News

Penny Walsh-Maguire said immigration has been a big part of P.E.I.'s "social story" and economy recently, but given the pandemic, some restrictions had to be expected. Some of her members are re-examining their hiring practices and even reporting a small increase in people arriving interprovincially instead of internationally. Read more

The COVID-19 recovery was the focus of Wednesday’s speech from the throne, but resisitance to austerity, more messages on child care and the “Atlantic Loop” are raising eyebrows around Atlantic Canada. Read more

David Duplisea, CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, says a lot of small businesses operate on thin profit margins and can’t afford a huge minimum wage hike. The Chamber CEO says some of the unintended consequences of a large minimum wage hike could be reduced hours, and more part-time positions rather than full time. Duplisea says he and the Chamber recognize that poverty exists in Saint John. He believes all stakeholders in the city need to come together to discuss solutions, such as providing more education to the workforce. Read more

While thousands of businesses slowed or shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, resource industries have kept work boots on the ground in Western Canada. Trans Mountain and Coastal Gaslink pipelines, the Site C hydro dam and lately the forest industry have carried on despite coronavirus setbacks and restrictions, and more steady resource industry work is needed to dig out of the huge deficit hole created by the pandemic, a national industry report recommends. Read more

Area residents are being encouraged to participate in a “scavenger hunt” in an effort to support local businesses during the economy crippling pandemic. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has joined with Canada United, a national campaign aimed at supporting businesses in local communities. Read more