Welcome to 2023, Chamber members! We’re look forward to what 2023 will bring, but most importantly, we’re focusing on increasing the value we bring to our members every single day.
As we begin to look back at a busy “post” COVID season, we know our members are dealing with the economic challenges arising from the pandemic and now a potential looming recession. We are all facing significant headwinds from inflation and labour shortages.
As we head into the new year, however, there is much to look forward to. Even though Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, announced at our luncheon last October that he was not done raising interest rates, he was also optimistic that inflation would be under control by the middle to end of 2023.
While costs and inflation are still high, Halifax remains in a building and immigration boom. The forecast for both remains strong, as reinforced by Federal Minister Sean Fraser at a recent Chamber roundtable discussion. Minister Fraser also reiterated that he felt there would be significant movement on interprovincial trade in 2023 — a position we have been routinely advocating for. This past October, we had a chance to advocate for interprovincial trade in person at the Prime Minister’s office with our partners at the Canadian Global Cities Council. We hope to continue these conversations with influential guests and speakers at our events in 2023.
And now the year begins with one of our most exciting events fast approaching. We hope you will be joining us on January 26 for our annual Halifax Business Awards gala! We will be launching into orbit with a space-themed celebration, highlighting some of the most fantastic business leaders and innovators in our community. It’s an event you truly won’t want to miss.
Finally, we’re happy to share that Business Voice magazine will continue in full force for 2023. As our main communications vehicle, Business Voice features 50+ members per month and keep members informed of Chamber work. If you’re interested in supporting the magazine, please contact Emily Bednarz.
< Back to Articles | Topics: From the President