2021 Policy Pillars for Recovery Overview
Pillar I: Pandemic Recovery
Pandemic recovery is the key to economic success as Atlantic Canada navigates through the hardship caused by COVID-19. When public health restrictions are implemented that limit economic activity and impact businesses and their employees, it is incumbent on Government to provide relief and support.
Governments must work to streamline services, provide support, and create a positive environment for business success as we begin to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Pillar II: Tax Reform
There can be no disputing that taxation in Atlantic Canada has evolved to a point where the burden of compliance represents a huge drain on the resources of individuals and businesses. The tax system in Canada has not been reviewed since the 1960’s which implies a significant opportunity to streamline the system, reduce complexity, and improve fairness.
Governments must commit to a formal, review of all forms of taxation, to simplify compliance, promote equity, and set globally competitive tax rates.
Pillar III: Support for SMEs
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. While Government has shown unprecedented speed in rolling out programs, compliance has often been onerous for businesses. Yet these Government programs will continue to play an important role in the sustainability and recovery of the private sector.
Governments must focus on providing simple, efficient, and effective programs to support SMEs during the recovery stage of the pandemic.
Pillar IV: Improve Access to Qualified Workers
Once our economy has recovered from the pandemic, the private sector must be in a position to sustain and grow. There are pre-pandemic issues with the ability to access qualified workers which must be addressed as we move forward.
Government must focus on programs to increase experiential learning, accelerate immigration, recognize foreign credentials, simplify seasonal worker programs, enhance settlement services, and improve retention strategies.
