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Atlantic Chamber Network Supports Atlantic Bubble to Boost Business and Tourism in the Region
Thursday, June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
Premier Stephen McNeil
Premier Blaine Higgs
Premier Dennis King
Premier Dwight Ball
Sent Via Email
Re: Atlantic Chamber Network Supports Atlantic Bubble to Boost Business and Tourism in the Region
Dear Premier,
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is writing to you on behalf of the business community of Atlantic Canada. Representing 16,000 businesses throughout our membership of 94 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, we are the largest accredited business organization in Atlantic Canada.
COVID-19 has devastated businesses throughout the world with both a public health and economic crisis. We have seen many businesses pushed to the edge and we will soon begin to see how many have been pushed over it. While recognizing the extraordinary effort put forth by Atlantic Canada in response to COVID-19, we believe it is now time to take critical steps in reopening Atlantic Canada’s economy.
This week after consulting with our membership, a majority of more than 67% have indicated that they are in favour of creating “Atlantic Canadian Bubble” and that it would have economic benefits for Atlantic Canada. By removing inter-provincial travel restrictions, our four provinces will have an opportunity to generate low-risk economic activity in Atlantic provinces that have done a commendable job in public health management.
While re-opening the economy will always have some level of risk, it is our belief that Atlantic Canada’s provincial Government’s will be able to work collaboratively to achieve the same public health results that have been seen in individual Atlantic provinces. Our economic crisis will require the same bold leadership that you have shown in tackling our public health crisis.
Premier, we ask that your Government work with other Atlantic Canadian provinces and Chief Medical Officers to begin easing travel restrictions to create an Atlantic Canadian bubble. These are unprecedented times and business requires strong leadership from Government as we partner together and forge a way forward.
Sincerely,
Sheri Somerville
CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy in Action: Read Atlantic Council of Premiers positive response
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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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