The initiative will examine sustainability readiness, competitiveness, and market opportunities for Atlantic Canadian businesses
 
HALIFAX, NS | October 28, 2026 — The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and ESG Partners Inc. are launching the Atlantic Canada Sustainability Benchmark Study. The regional initiative will assess how prepared Atlantic Canadian businesses are to respond to evolving sustainability expectations and identify opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, productivity, and access to markets.
 
Geopolitical tensions and shifting trade relationships are adding to ongoing pressures on costs, productivity, and labour, while reinforcing the importance of trade diversification. At the same time, businesses face evolving sustainability expectations from customers, supply chains, investors, and export markets.
 
ACC is overseeing the project and leveraging its regional network to support business engagement. ESG Partners, an Atlantic Canadian sustainability advisory firm, is leading the design and delivery of the study, including the research, stakeholder engagement, analysis, and development of the regional benchmark.
 
“Atlantic Canadian businesses are facing significant pressures, but also opportunities to strengthen their competitiveness and reach new markets,” said Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President and CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “This study will help us better understand where businesses stand, the challenges they face, and where future support can make the greatest difference.”
 
The study will engage businesses across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador through an online survey and facilitated sector discussions. Particular attention will be given to industries including fisheries, ocean technology, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, construction, mining, and defence.
Research will examine sustainability readiness, barriers to market access and trade diversification, and opportunities to improve operational performance and productivity.
 
“Sustainability expectations are increasingly part of how businesses compete, particularly when supplying larger customers or entering new markets,” said Nancy Foran, President and Founder of ESG Partners Inc. “We want to understand how Atlantic Canadian businesses are responding to these expectations, where the gaps are, and what practical steps could help them strengthen their competitive position.”
 
The findings will be published in an Atlantic Sustainability Benchmark Report, including sector-specific insights and introductory guidance for businesses. The study will also identify priorities for future business support and capacity-building initiatives. Individual business responses will be treated confidentially, with findings reported in aggregate form.
 
The study is expected to be completed in spring 2027, with funding support provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Information about opportunities for businesses to participate will be shared as the research progresses.