OVER 1,150 members, one voice

The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce strengthens your voice with all levels of government. We express your concerns to influence policy and increase economic prosperity in our province. We work with business and economic development organizations to ensure a united business community and strive to make our capital region and PEI better places to do business.

The Chamber is currently working on the below advocacy priorities. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on emerging issues facing your business.

2023 Provincial Election

 

 

COVID-19 Response and Supports

From the peak of the pandemic until now, the Chamber has been there for our members by offering COVID-19 business updates and urging governments to provide timely and necessary support and communication for our businesses. 

Our business community has shown significant resiliency in navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its impacts. As your Chamber, we will continue to be here for you as we move towards brighter days.

Recent COVID-19 policy submissions and responses

  • January 24, 2022: Results of Quick Poll on lockdown supports
  • January 20, 2022: Letter to Premier King in regard to transparency, communication, and support surrounding the enhanced public health measures
  • June 25, 2021: Letter to Premier King seeking clarity on COVID-19 vaccination timelines in relation to PEI’s Moving Forward Plan, and the PEI Pass
  • June 11, 2021: Letter to MP Sean Casey on concerns with amendments to the Canada Emergency Wage and Rent Subsidies

Recent Chamber statements on public health measures

Current Business and Employee Supports: COVID-19 Chamber Supports Page

A Competitive Business Environment

Prior to the pandemic, PEI was seeing historical economic growth. This resulted in increased entrepreneurial start-ups, business expansions, strong employment numbers, and wage growth. The Chamber has long advocated for a competitive business environment to ensure PEI continues to be an attractive destination for business investment.

For example, over the past four years, the GCACC has advocated for a reduction in the provincial small business tax, bringing the current tax rate to 1% (2022) from the previous 4.5% (2017).

Recent policy submissions relating to business competitiveness

Develop A Growing, Diverse and Skilled Workforce

While the province has led the country in population growth, Prince Edward Island’s aging workforce is one of the greatest threats to sustained economic growth. There is also a growing concern for shortage of skilled labourers across a number of our primary and emerging sectors. The GCACC advocates at the provincial and federal level for immigration programs and services, immigration policy, K-12 education, and skills development supports.

We lead the PEI Connectors program, a government, and private-sector, supported initiative aimed at assisting entrepreneurial newcomers in getting their businesses launched. The program also connects new Islanders and new post-secondary graduates with local business leaders to help build their professional career network.

Emerging Issues

The Chamber monitors and responds to other emerging issues to support our members, below are few of our most recent submissions on such topics. If there are other emerging issues that are affecting your business, contact Madeline at mbiso@charlottetownchamber.com.

Labour Shortage

Paid Sick Leave

Local Procurement/Supporting Local Business

Export Ban on PEI Potatoes

Pay Transparency Legislation

Basic Income Guarantee

  • Opinion Editorial the Guardian, February 19, 2021
  • Letter to MLA Trish Altass, Chair of Special Committee on Poverty in PEI, in response to the committee’s recommendations on implementing Basic Income Guarantee – February 11, 2021

Parking Rates

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