FAQs

Chamber Guide 

The chamber of commerce network brings businesses together and gives them a voice locally, provincially, regionally and nationally.
 

How is the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) different from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce?

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the voluntary national federation of chambers of Commerce and boards of trade, corporate members and association members from across Canada.

Is ACC a member of the Canadian Chamber?

Yes it is.  ACC participates in the Canadian Chamber through the following:

• Information sharing; staff participation on committees and task forces; through various joint activities.
• The Chair of ACC (or his/her designate) is also a board member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.    

The Canadian Chamber’s objectives include promotion of cooperation among chambers and boards of trade in Canada; provision of a strong voice at the Federal Government level for business and industry; promotion of the Canadian competitive enterprise system; improvement of the Canadian trade position in world affairs; the maintenance of fair relations among labour, management, and capital; and the stimulation and preservation of strong national unity.

Each year members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are invited to bring forward resolutions at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting. 

You can find out more about the Canadian Chamber of Commerce by accessing its website here

How is ACC different from local chambers and boards of trade?

ACC is a voluntary federation of autonomous chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout Atlantic Canada.  To put it another way, ACC is the umbrella organization for the region’s chamber movement.

What is the difference between ACC and local chambers of commerce and boards of trade?

ACC focuses on issues at the provincial or regional level, while most local chambers and boards of trade tend to focus on local issues. However, ACC’s chamber movement works together – after all, that is a key part of our strength. 

The key difference is this: by bringing together the entire region’s chamber network of over 16,000 businesses the ACC offers a pipeline of information and an audience for your business and its issues that no other organization can match.

As well, because it is the most diverse association in the Atlantic region, ACC recognizes the power of seeking out common ground – what unites us, rather than what divides us – and the power of bridging silos.  

Finally, because it is the only business association that represents communities as well as businesses it has led the way in recognizing that businesses need healthy communities and communities need vibrant businesses.

Does ACC also accept businesses as members?

Yes, ACC is one of the most diverse business associations in the Atlantic region, welcoming businesses of all sizes, from all sectors and locations, in addition to its local chamber members and boards of trade. In fact, our membership also includes other associations, post-secondary institutions, and government.