Atlantic Chamber Responds to New Brunswick Budget
2021-22 New Brunswick Budget falls short on COVID-19 support measures
Windsor, NS (March 16, 2021) – Taking into consideration the difficult circumstances faced by the Government of New Brunswick over the past year, Budget 2021 appears to try to minimize further fiscal damage but, in doing so, has not provided much needed support for an ailing private sector.
The ACC and its member chambers are concerned with this approach by Government as Budget 2021 presented a reasonable deficit, no unplanned tax increases, but also minimal support for business. The ACC welcomes the return of the travel incentive program in the 2021-22 fiscal-year, the $3 million allocated to address gaps in the broadband network, and the multi-year strategic investment to establish New Brunswick’s physical presence in India and the United Kingdom to promote the province. Budget 2021 does not provide any new supports for businesses burdened with debt after dealing with COVID-19 restrictions.
“Today’s budget is reflective of the current economic climate, but does not provide meaningful support to businesses that will need help to come out of this pandemic on the other side.” said Sheri Somerville, CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “Our members in the tourism sector will be encouraged by New Brunswick’s renewal of the travel incentive program. We also applaud the government’s commitment of $10.8 million to increase the availability of affordable housing units throughout the province, as this assistance is urgently needed.”
New Brunswick Chambers of Commerce recognize the challenges faced due to the impact of COVID-19 and will maintain its commitment to partner with the Government of New Brunswick to work together for businesses within the province. The Chambers of New Brunswick are committed to collaboration to ensure that New Brunswick is in a position to economically recover from the impacts caused by COVID-19.
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About the Atlantic Chamber – The Voice of Atlantic Canadian Business
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is the largest accredited business organization of influence in Atlantic Canada representing more than 16,000 businesses through its network of 94 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade and 27 corporate partners in the four Atlantic Provinces.
For more than 125 years, ACC has served as the voice of Atlantic Canadian business and actively partners with its members and other organizations to help create a strong, vibrant, and growing Atlantic Canada. ACC does this through strategic advocacy that shapes policy issues that impact business, the delivery of high-value programs and services to support business, and the facilitation and promotion of initiatives for business that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
For more information contact:
Patti Colson
Manager, Communications and PR
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
(902) 694-2210
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Business Truth & Reconciliation
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.
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.
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