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Nova Scotia Pre-Budget Submission
The Honourable John Lohr
Department of Finance and Treasury Board
Minister Lohr:
The chamber of commerce movement in Atlantic Canada is a coordinated, community-embedded network that reaches thousands of small businesses across every province. Within this network, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) serves and engages 25 chambers of commerce and boards of trade across Nova Scotia, providing a shared platform for collaboration, insight, and regional advocacy.
Local chambers provide on-the-ground intelligence and direct support to entrepreneurs, while the ACC strengthens this work through regional alignment and shared advocacy. National partners, including the Chambers of the Federation and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, ensure that local business priorities from our region influence national economic policy.
For any government aiming to support small business at the grassroots level, investing in a public–private partnership with local chambers is one of the most effective tools available. Chambers already have the trust, reach, and channels to deliver programs quickly and credibly. An investment in this network strengthens small business, builds community capacity and aligns local action with regional and national economic priorities
The ACC submits the following items for your consideration for Budget 2026/27:
1. Labour and Skills: Labour shortages in critical trades continue to pose a significant challenge to Nova Scotia's economic development, limiting the province's ability to meet demands in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy. To address this, the Government of Nova Scotia should invest in the following 2 initiatives:a. expand eligibility for the More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) program, a refundable tax rebate that returns provincial income tax paid on the first $50,000 of earnings, to include workers of all ages in high-demand occupations, rather than restricting it to those under 30. This broadening would enhance the province's competitiveness in attracting and retaining experienced talent from across Canada and internationally, particularly as recent initiatives like the elimination of five-year certification renewals for journeypersons demonstrate progress in reducing barriers to entry and retention in the trades. By extending the incentive, the government could accelerate workforce growth, support apprenticeship completions, and foster innovation in vital industries, ultimately contributing to sustained productivity gains and economic resilience for businesses and communities throughout Nova Scotia.b. Invest in training and capacity of people working at local chambers and industry association to facilitate the Talent Pipeline Management model. a new to Canada approach for building talent pipelines for upcoming projects that will require a planned approach to workforce development. We can work with your government on an investment to grow the workforce in Nova Scotia. Learn more here:
https://www.atlanticchamber.ca/talent-pipeline-management
2. Comprehensive Tax Review To ensure the provincial tax framework supports both fiscal prudence and equitable growth, the Government of Nova Scotia should initiate a thorough review of the entire tax system. This evaluation would assess alignment with economic objectives, identifying opportunities to simplify structures and minimize compliance burdens for individuals and enterprises. A streamlined tax regime could lower administrative costs, promote greater participation in the economy, and attract investments from within and outside the province by eliminating unnecessary complexities that deter business activity and expansion.
3. Atlantic Graduate Retention Tax Credit: The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade from across the region to develop an Atlantic Population Growth Strategy. One of the primary recommendations for Governments is to implement an Atlantic Graduate Retention Tax Credit (AGRTC). The AGRTC would create an incentive for domestic and international graduates to remain in Atlantic Canada for at least three years, addressing retention challenges and workforce gaps. The Government of Nova Scotia should implement an AGRTC and implore its Atlantic counterparts to also pursue implementation.
4. Fiscal Responsibility The province's continued reliance on deficit spending and rising debt levels raise alarms for long-term economic health. With no outlined strategy for achieving a balanced budget in the foreseeable future, the government must commit to a clear plan of fiscal restraint to safeguard the province’s fiscal health and capacity. While tax relief measures are appreciated, they should be paired with disciplined expenditure controls to avoid shifting financial burdens onto future generations through elevated taxes or diminished services. Implementing spending limits now would create fiscal headroom for sustained tax reductions, fostering stability and confidence for businesses and investors in an uncertain economic landscape.
We look forward to working with you to advance these priorities and support a strong and competitive Nova Scotia.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Chair, Chambers of the Federation
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Truth and Reconciliation
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. Learn more click here.
