Browse through our Policy Library to learn how our work affects business in Nova Scotia.
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Halifax Chamber of Commerce 2024 Municipal Election Poll - #3
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present our third set of election poll results with residents of the municipality. The purpose of the survey is to identify which candidate residents would prefer as mayor, as well as which issues are most important to those living in HRM. The survey was conducted by Narrative Research.
Download DocumentHALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION POLL
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Elections
Canadian Global Cities Council - Rail Strike Letter
Q2 2024 Halifax Business Conditions
The number of Halifax businesses with an optimistic outlook for the next 12 months decline from the previous quarter.
Cost-related obstacles remain the biggest concern, with 71% of Halifax businesses indicating it to be an obstacle over the next 3 months.
Inflation related obstacles saw the biggest negative change from Q1 to Q2 of 2024 and remains a top concern for Halifax businesses.
2024-25 Election Guide, HRM
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Elections
Wondering what are the top issues in the upcoming election? The Chamber’s Policy team has put together an election guide outlining some of our top concerns, as well as some questions that you can ask potential candidates.
Download Document Read more >SME Transition to Net Zero Study
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has over 1,900 members which represents over 94,000 employees throughout HRM. While there has been an extreme focus on getting to net-zero from all levels of government and major corporations, there needs to be more focus on involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Chamber’s membership is made up of over 90% SMEs who are struggling with the knowledge, time, expertise, or financial ability to actively participate in the move to net-zero as much as they would like to.
Much of the focus for net-zero is currently focused on large emitters so that our region can make greater strides in a short period of time. However, if our goal is to create a truly sustainable environment, we will need to involve businesses and employees at every level.
Q1 2024 Halifax Business Conditions
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Business Conditions
KEY FINDINGS: An increase in expected sales combined with higher sales prices are improving expectations of profitability. This appears to have a positive impact on capital expenditures despite higher expectations of operating expenses. Of concern is the increase in expectations of higher selling prices, despite recent data showing inflation continuing to trend downward. While cost-related challenges have improved since last quarter, they still remain a major challenge expected for the next three months.
Download Document2024 Federal Budget Response
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Budget Issues
2024-2025 Provincial Budget Response
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Budget Issues
In February the Nova Scotia provincial government released their budget for 2024/25. Prior to the annual budget release, the Halifax Chamber’s Policy Team submits a Pre-Budget Submission which includes several key recommendations to the Provincial Government that we believe will enhance the economic prosperity of our members and region. The recommendations are derived from hours of detailed analysis and stakeholder consultations which are then reviewed and approved by the Chamber’s Task Force members and volunteer Board of Directors. This document will focus on some of the key areas in our recommendation and the results of those recommendations.
Download Document2024-2025 Municipal Pre-Budget Submission
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Budget Issues
This pre-budget submission underscores the importance of mitigating impact successive property tax increases on our residents and businesses. We acknowledge burden that HRM is facing to accommodate record growth in population, however municipality must also recognize strain it placing homeowners businesses deal with growing pains. Addressing this issue essential ensure affordability prevent financial hardship among community.
Therefore, alongside efforts to advocate for reduced spending and lower taxes, this submission also attempts break down educate our members on trends concerns we see within the Municipality’s budget. By carefully considering impacts of successive tax increases, other programs, aim create a more sustainable equitable financial environment all stakeholders municipality.
Q4 2023 Halifax Business Conditions
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Multi-Topic Publications
Overall business optimism throughout Canada’s major CMA’s remained unchanged from Q3 to Q4 of 2023. Halifax Business optimism fell slightly, while central Canada saw the most positive optimistic changes.
Download Document2024-2025 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
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Budget Issues
The following submission is a significant departure for the Halifax Chamber in form and content. The overall goal remains to make informed recommendations to the provincial government of key priorities that should be incorporated in to the upcoming 2024-25 Nova Scotia Provincial Budget. The recommendations are targeted to not only support the business community but all residents throughout the province. However, this pre-budget submission takes a much more focused look at a smaller list of critical areas of concern that will have maximum impact across the province, and not only provides in-depth rationale for the recommendations but costs them as well. The three key pillars of this submission are areas we feel are vital for the well being and economic stability of our province.
Download DocumentQ3 2023 Halifax Business Conditions
Q2 2023 Halifax Business Conditions
Chamber's Response on the 2023-2024 Federal Budget
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Budget Issues
2023-24 Municipal Pre-Budget Submission
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Budget Issues
2023-2024 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
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Budget Issues
Halifax Chamber’s Presentation to the Law Amendments Committee on Nova Scotia Power Rates
Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Chamber, recently presented to the Law Amendments Committee regarding the implications of the proposed amendments to Bill 212, which would cap Nova Scotia Power’s ability to raise rates past 1.8% until 2024.
Download DocumentHalifax Chamber’s Presentation to the Law Amendments Committee on the governance issue of new NS Crown Corporations
Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Chamber, recently presented to the Law Amendments Committee on newly proposed Bills 214 and 216, detailing the Chambers concerns with the governance structure of NS Crown Corps. Build NS & Invest NS.
Download DocumentHalifax Chamber's Response to the Elimination and Restructuring of NS Crown Corporations
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Bulletin
Patrick Sullivan, President & CEO of the Chamber, recently submitted a response piece to AllNS, detailing the Chamber's views on the elimination and restructuring of NS Crown Corps.
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