ACC Weekly Newsletter

March 30, 2026

Edition #10

Advocacy. Connection. Impact.

In This Edition

President & CEO Update

Measuring What Matters
Meetings
Board Training

Policy Update

A letter to Premiers Holt & Houston, urging both governments to remove tolls
Business Data Lab workshop
New Report from Public Policy Forum on Labour Market
Auditor General Report Highlights Impact of International Student Reforms
Last call for Policy Resolutions

News & Other Updates

NS RADIATE Tourism Program
Domestic Supply Consultations
Tourism Digital Assistance Program
2026 Southwest Business Summit
New Chamber Plan Representative

Meetings & Events

All Chambers
Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC)
Annual Conference
AGM

Édition française

President & CEO Update

Measuring What Matters

I recently had the opportunity to participate as a panelist at the Voices of Impact – Music and the Arts: Saving Society Billions event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton in Moncton.

The discussion brought together leaders from across arts and business sectors to explore the real and measurable impact of arts and culture, not just as a social good, but as a serious economic driver.

My message was clear: we must do a better job measuring outcomes and impact.

Across Atlantic Canada, governments, senior bureaucrats, and organizations are investing public dollars into programs and initiatives designed to strengthen our communities and economy. These investments matter, but so does our ability to demonstrate their value.

For chambers and the businesses we represent, this is a critical issue. Stronger measurement means:

Better decision-making
Greater accountability
More effective use of taxpayer dollars
Stronger cases for continued (or increased) investment

Whether in arts and culture, workforce development, or economic growth initiatives, we need to clearly show what is working and why.

If we want to influence policy, attract investment, and build resilient communities, we must move beyond good intentions and toward evidence-based outcomes.

A sincere thank you to Kim and her team at the Moncton Chamber for hosting an important and timely conversation, and to everyone who contributed thoughtful perspectives. These are exactly the discussions we need to be having across our region.

President & CEO Meetings

Week of March 23-27

Atlantic Trucking Association regarding tolls
Interview with potential directors for 2026-2027
Chambers of the Federation Meeting
Visit to Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton (last week)
All Chambers Meeting
Meeting the new Chambers Plan representative for Atlantic Canada Keith Robson
Media
VOCM Tim Power Show - Auditor General's report on International Students
CBC National on Tolls

Strengthen Your Board in 2026!

We’re excited to offer Good Governance sessions to our members’ Boards of Directors—designed to enhance leadership, accountability, and long-term success. These sessions are available complimentary to Chambers across our network.

Spaces are filling up, so book your Board’s session for 2026 today and give your organization the tools for a strong year ahead!

Learn more here: atlanticchamber.ca/board-governance.

Policy Updates

ACC writes to Premiers Holt and Houston Calling for Elimination of Tolls

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has sent a formal letter to Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick, and Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, urging both governments to remove tolls that create barriers to trade between provinces.

In the letter, the Chamber expresses concern about the proposed toll at Aulac announced in New Brunswick’s 2026–2027 budget and the continued operation of the Cobequid Pass toll in Nova Scotia. These measures risk undermining efforts to strengthen economic cooperation within Atlantic Canada.

These tolls raise costs for businesses, truckers, and commuters while acting as barriers to the free movement of people and goods. Click here to read our letter.

ACC hosts Business Data Lab workshop

Are you familiar with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab?

On April 2, at 2:00pm (AST), the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting representatives from the Business Data Lab for a workshop on how to use their data to support the work of your chamber, highlighting practical tools and insights that can strengthen advocacy, inform decision-making, and better serve your local business community.

Click here for the meeting link or reach our to brandon@atlanticchamber.ca if you have any questions.

New Report from Public Policy Forum on Labour Market

Atlantic Canada faces a potential workforce crisis, with 441,000 jobs needing to be filled by 2035 to sustain economic growth and prevent community decline, according to a new Public Policy Forum report.

Health care, construction, retail, and manufacturing will be hit hardest, while an aging population, low birth rates, and reduced immigration create strong headwinds. The report urges better federal coordination, community planning, talent alignment, and entrepreneur attraction to avoid undermining recent gains. The findings also makes a strong case for a region-specific approach to attract and retain talent.

Click here to read the report

Auditor General Report Highlights Impact of International Student Reforms

The Auditor General’s report confirms what the Atlantic Chamber has been warning: federal study permit caps have hit Atlantic Canada far harder than promised, with new approvals dropping 59 percent or more across our region in 2024.

The Government of Canada’s population-based formula ignored regional realities, risking population stagnation and damaging long-term workforce needs.

The Atlantic Chamber is calling for fairness through tailored allocations, an Atlantic Graduate Retention Tax Credit, and better coordination to ensure Canada’s immigration policies support sustainable regional growth.

Click here to read our population growth recommendations

Click here to read the Auditor General’s report.

Last call for Policy Resolutions! Deadline is Tomorrow March 31, 2026!

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce invites all member chambers to submit policy resolutions for consideration and debate at the Professional Development (PD) Conference in May 2026.

This is your chance to influence the ACC’s official policy positions, strengthen our unified voice for Atlantic Canadian businesses, and drive proactive advocacy on issues that matter most to our region.

Why Submit a Resolution?

Approved resolutions are added to the Atlantic Policy Registry and can be used to:

Respond quickly to emerging issues
Guide our annual advocacy priorities
Demonstrate broad regional business support when engaging governments and stakeholders

Submission Guidelines

Resolutions must meet these key criteria:

Relevant to an entire Atlantic province, the region, or the Government of Canada
Current, timely, and action-oriented
Factually supported with background, data, and references
Avoid pitting one sector, province, or group against another
Include clear, actionable recommendations for government or decision-makers

Helpful Tips for a Strong Submission When preparing your resolution, clearly cover:

Issue — What is the problem?
Timeliness — Why now? (include recent data)
Significance — How does it impact business competitiveness, growth, or workforce?
Factual Support — Evidence and sources
Non-Conflict — No contradiction with existing ACC policies
Support — Any cross-chamber or stakeholder endorsements
Jurisdiction — National, Atlantic-wide, or cross-provincial?

Send your completed resolution by March 31, 2026 to:

Email: brandon@atlanticchamber.ca

Subject Line: 2026 ACC Policy Resolution Submission

News and Other Updates

RADIATE Tourism Program – Apply by April 22

The RADIATE Tourism Program helps Nova Scotia tourism businesses and attractions create and market packages that appeal to local and Atlantic region travellers, extending the tourism season into late fall and winter.

What’s a tourism package?

Combines two or more activities, services, or experiences at one price.
Can be offered by a single business or multiple partners.

Focus Areas:

Outdoor and coastal activities
Local flavours (food & drink)
Music, culture, heritage
Seasonal, family-friendly, and film-related experiences
Unique guided Nova Scotia experiences

Benefits for Participants:

Market research insights
Coaching and package development tools
Feature on NovaScotia.com
Inclusion in seasonal digital marketing campaigns

Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 p.m. ADT

Apply & Learn More: RADIATE Tourism Program

Contact: Melanie Lowe, Melanie.Lowe@novascotia.ca, 902-790-2379

Request for Input - Domestic Supply Consultations

The Government of Canada is inviting Canadian producers and industry associations to provide input on products currently subject to tariffs. This consultation will help determine whether these products are manufactured in Canada and whether tariff relief may be appropriate for importers.

Businesses that can produce any of the listed items are encouraged to complete the online form by April 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PDT). Industry associations may also respond on behalf of their members.

View the consultation notice and product list here: Domestic Supply Consultations – Canada.ca

Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) and Tourism Digital Assistance Program-Communities (TDAP-Communities)

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP) and TDAP-Communities, delivered by Tourism Nova Scotia in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia.

The programs help tourism businesses and community organizations strengthen their digital presence through support from qualified consultants.

TDAP: Up to $5,000 in digital consulting support for tourism businesses.
TDAP-Communities: Up to $15,000 in support for municipalities, chambers of commerce, and community tourism organizations.

Application deadlines: