Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Halifax Chamber Election Highlights 🚨 On November 26, Nova Scotians officially welcomed back Premier Tim Houston, re-electing the Progressive Conservatives for another four years. We want to congratulate all the provincial leaders on their re-election campaigns and thank them for their work. The Chamber is ready to work together with the elected government to support the business community, our 2,000+ members, and the 90,000+ employees they represent. This election has clearly provided Premier Tim Houston and his government the mandate they wanted to negotiate with the federal government. With a supermajority in the house, they can move through legislation that they proposed both before and during the election campaign. We are happy with many of the campaign promises made by the Progressive Conservative party in the lead up to the election, as they align with a number of priorities we have been advocating for in the past few years. Some of those items include: ➡️ Cutting the HST by 1 percentage point to 14% by April 1, 2025. We would still like to see a more significant tax reduction for our community, but this is a positive move for people and businesses. ➡️ Increasing the basic personal exemption on Nova Scotia income taxes from $8,744 to $11,744. We’ve seen two increases in 6 months, and ongoing indexing. We are still not at the national level, but this is a huge improvement and more competitive with other provinces. And most importantly, more money in Nova Scotians’ pockets. ➡️ Reducing the small business tax rate from 2.5% to 1.5% and increasing the small business tax threshold to $700,000 from $500,000. In a province where most businesses are small businesses, these are significant changes. A rare supermajority in the house of assembly allows the opportunity for the government to change the procedural rules of the House, without the co-operation of opposition parties. Regardless of the changes at province house, the Chamber will continue to be the voice of business working closely with our government partners, advocating for our members and for the changes that will make our business community more competitive and prosperous. We do believe Nova Scotia is well positioned for continued growth, but that does not mean the governments have all the answers. We know that a strong partnership will help us move forward and this is the is the best solution for a continued strong economy.   We would love to hear from you on the opportunities and issues the Chamber should be focused on as we move forward.   We’re in your corner. Find the results district by district HERE: https://lnkd.in/e86Wd-H2

Meet the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth, a finalist for Not-For-Profit Business of the Year for the 2025 Halifax Business Awards. The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. For 170 years, they have cared for kids, shaped leaders for tomorrow, helped generations of people come together for support, and provide experiences that last a lifetime. As a charitable, non-profit organization, they are committed to providing equal opportunities for all, in welcoming spaces that are both nurturing and fun — a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families thrive. When asked what the key to a successful and meaningful Not-For-Profit is, this is what they had to say: "The key to a successful and meaningful not-for-profit lies in balancing relevance and sustainability. It should be purpose-driven, accessible, forward-thinking, and consistent. These elements enable the organization to meet current needs, adapt to future challenges, and create a lasting impact on the communities it serves. By focusing on these aspects, a not-for-profit can effectively fulfill its purpose and maintain its significance over time. Ultimately, this approach nurtures trust and engagement within the communities it aims to support." Join us in supporting and cheering on the champions of our business community at the Awards this Thursday, January 23, 2025! Check out https://lnkd.in/eiQQqHuf to get your tickets!

Meet The North Grove, a finalist for Not-For-Profit Business of the Year for the 2025 Halifax Business Awards. Located in the heart of Dartmouth, The North Grove is dedicated to building a thriving community through their Family Centre and Community Food Centre. When asked how the North Grove contributes to make Halifax a better place, this is what Wendy Fraser, Executive Director had to say: "We want Halifax to be a better place for everyone, and that is why belonging is so central to our work. The World Health Organization has identified social isolation as a global public health concern and we definitely see that in Dartmouth North, where almost 90% of people live in apartments, many are experiencing poverty and there are so many seniors living alone. Everyone deserves to have safe, supportive spaces where they can go for connection, support and sustenance" Join us in supporting and cheering on the champions of our business community at the Awards this Thursday, January 23, 2025! Check out https://lnkd.in/eiQQqHuf to get your tickets!

On Wednesday, Dec 4th, we welcomed Joyce Carter, President and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority over lunch at The Westin Nova Scotian. Unveiling the latest Economic Impact results, Joyce highlighted the airport’s role in supporting thriving, sustainable communities through innovative projects and strategic planning. Thank you to our partners for helping make this event possible! Presenting partner; Halifax International Airport Authority Advocate partners; Aon, WestJet, WSP, CIBC Host partners; Stewart McKelvey, Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Invest Nova Scotia, Cox & Palmer Picture credits: Halifax International Airport Authority

🎉 Huge congratulations to two of our incredible member companies, Solid State Pharma and NovaResp - Respiratory AI, for being nominated and now finalists for the 2024 Halifax Chamber of Commerce Business Awards! 🏆 These companies exemplify what it means to Level Up in innovation and impact. Their dedication to advancing life sciences is truly inspiring. Want to hear more about their journeys? 🎧 Check out their stories on our New Wave Podcast! https://lnkd.in/eGvBt6TJ Solid State Pharma: Season 2/Episode 2 NovaResp: Season 1/Episode 2 Let’s cheer them on as they continue to make waves in our community! 🌊

Meet Hope Blooms, a finalist for Not-For-Profit Business of the Year for the 2025 Halifax Business Awards. Hope Blooms started with 6 kids in an abandoned lot in 2008. From there, they have grown to serve over 700 youth and their families. Creating four successful social businesses, building a global kitchen for social change, award winning greenhouse and giving over half a million in scholarships to youth all from the sales of their dressing. “The key to success for Hope Blooms lies in creating intentional, youth-led innovative sustainable, community-centered impact, while building bright futures that lead to disrupting the cycle of racialized poverty” - Kolade Boboye, and Natasha Jollymore Join us in supporting and cheering on the champions of our business community at the Awards this Thursday, January 23, 2025! Check out https://lnkd.in/eiQQqHuf to get your tickets! Hope Blooms

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a members-only event. The Prime Minister will deliver brief remarks and then be joined on stage by Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO of the Halifax Chamber, for a Q&A and fireside chat to discuss topics of interest to our members and Nova Scotians. Thank you to our partners: Advocate partner, EverWind Fuels Host partner, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, this is your last chance to register at https://lnkd.in/eRXsR7MY

It was great to be back in Halifax today for Joyce Carter's keynote with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. Halifax Stanfield is thriving and creating opportunities for businesses, travellers, and economic growth in Atlantic Canada. At WestJet, we're thrilled to continue our momentum in Nova Scotia. With the launch of our Summer 2025 schedule, we're expanding Halifax's transatlantic connectivity with the return of non-stop service to Paris and earlier seasonal starts to Dublin and Edinburgh. These routes not only connect Nova Scotia to Europe but also unlock seamless access to 52 destinations through our enhanced codeshare partnership with Air France. Our commitment goes beyond Europe. We’re strengthening ties between Nova Scotia and Western Canada, ensuring the province has more options for leisure and business travel through both Halifax and Sydney. A special thank you to the Tourism and Hospitality students from Mount Saint Vincent University who joined us at the luncheon! We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Patrick Sullivan, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Nova Scotia, Government of Nova Scotia, Joyce Carter, and the entire team at Halifax International Airport Authority for your continued collaboration and dedication to growing Nova Scotia's connectivity. Together, we're creating opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and community success across the region.

Thank you to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce for hosting our President and CEO, Joyce Carter, at yesterday’s luncheon and to the sponsors and attendees who helped make the event a success! "Together, we can create an even brighter future for Halifax Stanfield and Atlantic Canada—a future defined by growth, resilience, and, above all, connection." 🌎🤝 ***** Merci à la Halifax Chamber of Commerce d’avoir accueilli notre présidente et directrice générale Joyce Carter lors de son dîner d’hier ainsi qu’aux commanditaires et aux participants qui ont permis de faire de cet événement un succès! « Ensemble, nous pouvons créer un avenir encore meilleur pour Halifax Stanfield et le Canada atlantique, un avenir défini par la croissance, la résilience et surtout, le renforcement des liens. » 🌎🤝