In This Edition

President & CEO Update

ACC Heading to PEI for Council of the Federation Meetings

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is excited to be heading to Prince Edward Island later this month as Canada’s Premiers gather in Charlottetown for the 2026 Summer Meeting of the Council of the Federation, taking place July 21–23.

ACC will play host to their businesses colleagues from across Canada.

As part of the Chambers of the Federation, provincial and territorial Chamber CEOs will present a refreshed policy agenda to Canada’s Premiers focused on business priorities where Premiers can have real impact - strengthening trade, improving competitiveness, supporting growth, and creating a better business environment for everyone.

This is an important opportunity to bring the voice of business directly to Canada’s Premiers and to advance practical solutions that support employers, communities, and our regional economy.

Learn more about the Council of the Federation here: https://canadaspremiers.ca/

Congratulations to ACC’s 2nd VP Claire Ryan and Cooke Inc.

 Congratulations to our Second Vice-Chair, Claire Ryan, and the entire team at Cooke Inc. on the company's latest milestone, its agreement to acquire Mowi Canada East's salmon farming operations across New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Atlantic Canada's seafood sector while supporting investment, employment, and long-term growth in our coastal communities.

We are proud to celebrate the success of one of our Board leaders and wish Claire and the Cooke team continued success as they build on Atlantic Canada's global reputation for excellence in seafood and aquaculture.

Growing Talent Together

We're excited to partner with the Association of Atlantic Universities on an important initiative to strengthen connections between Atlantic Canadian students and employers.

Together, we're working to create more opportunities for students to gain valuable real-world experience, build meaningful professional networks, and discover rewarding career opportunities right here in Atlantic Canada.

As part of this work, we're also launching the Atlantic Prosperity Charter—an opportunity for employers to demonstrate their commitment to supporting student talent, expanding work-integrated learning opportunities, and helping build a stronger, more prosperous Atlantic region for the future.

We look forward to sharing more about the Charter in the coming weeks and inviting employers across Atlantic Canada to get involved.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/atlantic-employers-atlantic-student-talent-atlantic-prosperity-tickets-1991924747541?aff=oddtdtcreator

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

Nova Scotia Chambers meet with Minister Halman

The Atlantic Chamber hosted a meeting of Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce with the Office of Service Efficiency and Minister Tim Halman last week. It was a productive discussion where members shared feedback and learned more about the work of the office. To Learn more about red tape reduction or the business navigator program, click here: https://www.novascotia.ca/government/service-efficiency

Ask Scottie!

The Government of Nova Scotia has a new tool to help businesses navigate through government regulations.

Click here to check out their new tool, Scottie!

Atlantic Policy Caucus

Are you a CEO, staff member, or volunteer that is interested in policy and advocacy work? ACC hosts monthly meetings that are open to chambers and boards of trade across Atlantic Canada. No prior policy or advocacy experience is required to join.

If you would like to be added to the meetings, please reach out to brandon@atlanticchamber.ca

Red Tape Reduction

ACC continues to meet with all four provincial governments to discuss the importance of red tape reduction. If your chamber or board of trade has examples of red tape burdening your members, please reach out to brandon@atlanticchamber.ca to work on finding a solution.

News and Other Updates

Workplace Well-Being Corner

Welcome to our new Workplace Well-Being Corner—a regular feature highlighting simple ideas, resources, and practical tips to help create healthier, more productive workplaces across our network!

Take the Vacation—Really.

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for many Chambers. Between events, tourism initiatives, board planning, and member requests, it can feel impossible to step away. Many of us have been guilty of checking emails from the cottage or "just popping online" to make sure everything is okay.

The reality is that taking time away isn't a sign that you're falling behind—it's one of the best ways to return with fresh energy and perspective. A rested leader is often a more effective leader, and your team, board, and members all benefit when you come back recharged.

Try This: Before you leave, write a simple handoff list and turn on your out-of-office message. Then resist the urge to check your inbox.

Resource of the Week: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has practical tips on work-life balance: CCOHS – Work-Life Balance

This Week's Challenge: Schedule one day this summer where work notifications stay off. Give yourself permission to be fully present—whether you're at the beach, on a hiking trail, or simply enjoying a quiet day at home.

New! $1,000 Bursary to Attend the 2026 CCEC National Conference

The Chamber of Commerce Executives Association of Canada (CCEAC), with support from the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to offer one $1,000 bursary to help an Atlantic Canadian Chamber professional attend the 2026 CCEC National Conference in Victoria, BC, on October 27–28, 2026.

The bursary can be used toward conference registration, travel, and accommodation expenses.

Eligible applicants must be employed by a Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade in Atlantic Canada, be a CCEC member (free to join), and have Board approval to attend.

Application deadline: July 24, 2026.

Apply today and take advantage of this exciting professional development opportunity!

Join the Conversation: Peer Networking Session on Leading Through Change

We're especially proud to share that one of our own Atlantic Chamber leaders, Kim Wilson, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, will be facilitating the next national Chamber Peer Networking session.

These online, conversation-driven gatherings bring together Chamber professionals from across Canada to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. There are no formal presentations—just open, meaningful discussions with peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of Chamber work. Whether you prefer to listen, ask questions, or share your own insights, you'll leave with practical ideas and valuable new connections.

Peer Network for CEOs of Large Chambers (700+ Members)

Topic: Leading Through Change

Date: July 15, 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m. Atlantic

Today's Chamber leaders are navigating rapid workplace change—from technology adoption and evolving member expectations to employee engagement and inclusive leadership. Kim will guide a discussion focused on leading organizational change, fostering innovation, motivating teams, managing difficult conversations, and building inclusive workplace cultures.

While the conversation is designed for CEOs of large Chambers (700+ members), all Chamber professionals are welcome to attend and participate. There is no cost to attend, and discussion guides will be provided to help spark meaningful conversation.

We encourage everyone interested in leadership, organizational culture, and professional networking to join this engaging session and support one of Atlantic Canada's own Chamber leaders as she facilitates this important discussion.

Register today: https://meet.google.com/roi-jdoj-cce

Meetings & Events

Dates for your calendars!

Atlantic Employers + Atlantic Student Talent = Atlantic Prosperity

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Association of Atlantic Universities to strengthen connections between post-secondary institutions and the business community.

Join us to:

• Hear national insights on the future of work-integrated learning.
• Be part of the launch of Atlantic Canada's Prosperity Charter.
• Learn how employers and universities can work together to develop talent, retain graduates, and create stronger communities and a more prosperous Atlantic Canada.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

1055 Marginal Road

Halifax, NS B3H 4P7

Wednesday, July 15 • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM



Summer Meeting Break

As summer gets underway, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce's regular meeting schedule will take a break during July and August.

We know this is a busy time for Chamber professionals, with well-deserved vacations, community events, and summer programming taking place across the region. We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the season while continuing the great work happening in your communities.

We look forward to reconnecting with everyone in September, when our regular meetings resume. Until then, have a safe, successful, and enjoyable summer!