8 Things We Heard at Our AGM in Halifax!

Our 2024 AGM & Convention in Halifax was packed with insightful discussions, centered around themes of productivity, economic growth and innovation. The Canadian Chamber Network also set the policy agenda for the upcoming year by voting on key priorities that will shape our advocacy work.

Here are the top takeaways and how you can get involved!

1. Halifax’s Biggest Export Is No Longer People

The Honourable Timothy Halman humorously noted that Halifax used to be known for people leaving, but that’s no longer the case. Halifax and Atlantic Canada are booming, with Nova Scotia exporting over $6 billion in goods! Atlantic Canadians have been saying it for years: “Halifax is open for business!” Local businesses are leading the way in natural resources and green innovation, making Halifax a hotbed of economic opportunity.

2. “To Be Creative Means to Be Vulnerable”

In her keynote, Rowena Chan, President of Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc., Senior Vice-President, Retail Advice & Solutions., highlighted the need for businesses to step out of their comfort zones with digitization. Across industries, clients expect options and customization, and leveraging data is key to delivering that. Organizations that embrace this shift will earn trust and stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

3. Entrepreneurship Drives Economic Growth

Tareq Hadhad, CEO of Peace by Chocolate, and Savior Joseph, President of Breathing Green Solutions, sat down with Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC, to discuss how supporting entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, including refugees, can bolster Canada’s economy. There’s a communication gap between the passion of entrepreneurs and the formal language of banks, and bridging this gap is essential to unlocking entrepreneurial potential.

4. The Important Role Local Chambers Can Play in AI Adoption

With governments looking to speed up digital and AI adoption among SMEs, local chambers need a voice in the design of these programs to ensure they address real business needs. Different companies are at varying stages in their digital journeys and having chamber insights will help these initiatives be impactful.

5. Productivity: Canada’s Key to Growth

Canada’s productivity lags behind other nations, with only two regions making it into the top 40 states (U.S. and Canada) for real GDP per capita. Small businesses — often treated as a single category — face unique challenges, with nearly half in construction, professional services, retail, and hospitality. While Atlantic Canada has benefitted from immigration, the region’s aging population and reliance on international trade remain pressing concerns.

6. Canada-U.S. Relations: Engage Locally

As political enthusiasm for trade agreements wanes in the U.S., Canada needs to focus on regional engagement to keep our trade relationship strong. The impact of Canada-U.S. trade is huge, but it’s about more than just numbers — it’s about local engagement and community impact.

ICYMI: Read Our Report, “Partners in Prosperity: How the Canada-U.S. Trade Relationship Goes Beyond Buying and Selling

7. “Data is Sexy” and Businesses Want More of It

Our Business Data Lab just got a fresh look! With new tools and insights, businesses can dive deeper into the Canadian economy. If you haven’t already, sign up to receive our latest commentaries, reports and economic outlooks from our team of data specialists.

8. The Policy Resolutions Bring Out the Best of the Chamber Network!

The consensus is clear: the policy resolution process is the foremost way for the Canadian Chamber Network to bring real issues to a national level and connect their communities with federal policymakers. A truly non-partisan process, these debates guide our work in advocating for the future of business success and a better life for all.

Halifax was a fantastic host, and these discussions are paving the way for our 2025 initiatives.

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