Dear Members, 

The Nova Scotia members of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce have expressed their objection to the piecemeal and negative approach proposed by the provincial government in granting economic development powers to a single municipal entity.
 
The attached letter sent the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs outlines the chambers’ concerns that such an approach will instigate a situation where municipalities across the province vie for competitive advantage by according targeted tax breaks and short-term business subsidies.
 
Our members reject this uncoordinated approach to reforming municipal governance and submit that a province-wide modernization of the act will provide a more effective and positive solution to sustaining municipalities.

Good afternoon,

For your information

The Canadian and Provincial Chambers delivered this letter to the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister today following the budget seeking a comprehensive tax review.

Read Letter

About the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
As the strong, credible and unified voice that influences an environment where business in Atlantic Canada succeeds, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) represents more than 16,000 businesses through its network of 93 chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the four Atlantic provinces. ACC is a catalyst to influence, educate and advocate on policy related issues to support business, deliver high-value services and opportunities to our members, and to support and promote initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
 
For more information:
Sheri Somerville
CEO Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
sheri@atlanticchamber.ca
506.654.6863

Dear NS Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade;
 
In keeping with the revised terms of reference for the Provincial Advisory Committee, we are providing a copy of the minutes of the PACs latest conference call on February 21. 

Read Minutes

Strait Area Letter to Premier McNeil

Should you have any questions or which to provide a comment please contact Glenn Davis via email at glenn@atlanticchamber.ca
 
And in the interest of keeping your members informed and equipped to address workplace issues, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is sharing the following notifications.
 
Sexual Harassment in the Work Place - Education Campaign
On International Women’s Day, March 8, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will launch the Safe Spaces educational campaign that will provide NS businesses with new resources including a template for organizations to develop a sexual harassment policy.
 
In support of the Human Rights Commissions effort to curb instances of sexual harassment and educate employers and workers regarding their rights and responsibilities, we urge business owners to review the attached material and contact the Commission directly for more information at www.safespacesns.ca.
 
Immigrant Settlement Association Available to Inform Members
The staff at ISANS has communicated a desire and willingness to provide chambers of commerce with information on programs and opportunities available to businesses who have or may be considering employing an immigrant or refugee.
 
ISANS has indicated they would be available at no cost to speak to local members about the challenges and available supports to facilitate hiring and retention of newcomers. This type of event could provide an opportunity to open a dialogue between business and ISANS about the realities welcoming newcomers to local economies and how issues can be addressed.
 
Should you be interested in scheduling a lunch and learn as early as late March or early April, please contact Clifford MacDonald, Coordinator of Employer Partnership and Outreach Programs at cbmacdonald@isans.ca or by phone at 902-406-8694.

About the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
As the strong, credible and unified voice that influences an environment where business in Atlantic Canada succeeds, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) represents more than 16,000 businesses through its network of 93 chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the four Atlantic provinces. ACC is a catalyst to influence, educate and advocate on policy related issues to support business, deliver high-value services and opportunities to our members, and to support and promote initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
 
For more information:
Sheri Somerville
CEO Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
sheri@atlanticchamber.ca
506.654.6863