Read it here: Policy Pulse – Sept 9, 2025 Edition

 

Policy Updates

• Last week, Prime Minister Carney announced a series of measures targeting workforce, businesses, and the economy. Click here for the full list of measures. Some of the announcements included:
  • A reskilling package for up to 50,000 workers.
  • A “Buy Canadian” Policy to require use of domestic suppliers in procurement.
  • Expansion of Business Development Bank of Canada loans for small and medium-sized enterprises to $5 million.
  • Expansion of the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to $1 billion.
  • Biofuel production incentives, providing more than $370 million over 2 years, to assist domestic products of canola and agriculture producers and restructure their value chains.
  • Invest $5 billion through a new Strategic Respond Fund to help businesses in all sectors impacted by tariffs adapt, diversify, and grow, with support provided to industries by new Workforce Alliances to align training and workforce needs.

 

• The federal government is pausing its 2026 target of 20% of new light-duty vehicles sold to be zero-emission. An immediate 60-day review of the mandate will begin.

 

• Charlottetown’s tourism accommodation levy will increase from 3% to 4% on January 1, 2026.
  • The levy applies to all hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals in the City, and is collected by operators from customers.

 

• As of September 1, Canada has removed the majority of its counter-tariffs on U.S. imports, keeping only tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
  • This aligns with the U.S. approach, which continues to impose tariffs in these sectors.

 

• The provincial Solar Electric Rebate program has been paused, with the program reaching capacity for the current fiscal year. Clients with an existing pre-approval letter can proceed with their installations.

 

• Reminder: PEI’s Minimum Wage will increase to $16.50 per hour on October 1, 2025.
  • On April 1, 2026, the rate will increase to $17 per hour.

 

• Innovation PEI is seeking interest from export-ready PEI-based companies to participate in a Multi-Sector Business Mission to the Caribbean from November 23-28, 2025. For more information and to express interest, contact:
  • Jamie Blanchard, Global Trade Officer – Innovation PEI
  • jrblanchard@gov.pe.ca   or      (902) 368-4474

 

Advocacy Work

• With the 2026 review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on the horizon, we are gathering feedback to share with our regional and national counterparts.
  • Which elements of CUSMA matter most to your sector, and what should be top of mind going into this review process? Share your thoughts by emailing: mbiso@charlottetownchamber.com

 

• On September 2, we joined chambers and boards of trade nationwide in signing a letter of support for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
  • The letter highlights the impact of China’s tariff on canola, which comes on top of existing U.S. trade pressures.

 

• Our Chamber was a co-signatory, along with 47 other chambers and boards of trade from across Atlantic Canada, on a letter by the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce to The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
  • The letter urges the creation of a region-specific immigration carve-out for Atlantic Canada, given the region’s demographic needs as it faces an aging population and workforce.

 

• Our Chamber has signed on in support of a national initiative calling for the creation of a new immigration stream for TEER 4 & 5 National Occupational Classification (NOC) roles. This proposal, outlined in the Reimagining Immigration paper,  introduces the concept of The Canadian International Workforce Program, looking to fill low-skilled and labourer positions under a stream for seasonal or temporary positions and a stream for year-round positions.
  • To date, 61 chambers and industry associations nationwide have signed onto this paper.
  • Nancy Healey, Commissioner for Employers, has delivered this paper to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Minister of Jobs and Families.

 

• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched a nowcast tool, BDLNow, to produce real-time estimates of Canada’s quarterly GDP growth ahead of Statistics Canada quarterly figures. Check out the new tool here.

 

• Last month, we were pleased to host The Honourable Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, alongside MP for Cardigan Kent MacDonald, for a roundtable discussion in Stratford on housing supply.
  • Members involved in residential construction, affordable housing, municipal planning staff, and the Construction Association of PEI provided feedback on the challenges and opportunities for PEI’s housing sector and skilled trade labour force.

 

Surveys

• As of August 29, the United States has removed its “de minimis” rule for low-value imports, which used to allow goods valued at up to $800 USD to enter the country duty-free. Now, shipments under this cost are no longer exempt from duties, taxes, and formal customs clearance processes.
  • Our Chamber is seeking feedback from our membership on how this change will impact your business. Share your insights through our quick survey here.

 

• On September 4, we partnered with the Residential Rental Association of PEI to host a Coffee Chat event for landlord members to review and consult on proposed draft amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act by MLA Brad Trivers.
  • Attendees represented more than 1,550 rental units across PEI and shared real-time feedback to MLA Trivers through live voting and open discussion. Insights gathered at the session will help reshape the draft amendments before they’re submitted for consideration.
  • Click here to access the consultation document and feedback form.

 

• Islanders are invited to share their views on how land should be used, protected, and developed across PEI. The first phase of the engagement process is open until October 17, with opportunities to provide input through an online survey, pop-up events, QR-code displays, and in-person workshops.
  • Click here to learn more and engage.

 

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