START SMALL, DREAM BIG Meet Starfish Painters Pg 24
BUILDING A NEW LENS Basha Koncepts Media in focus Pg 25
An annual forum dedicated to
Nova Scotia’s
Save the Date: Tuesday, March 18
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
About the event
The Economic Engine Forum will showcase a positive and realistic narrative of where Nova Scotia's economy is heading this year, highlighting how local business owners can navigate the pitfalls while capitalizing on the opportunities. The forum will cover a broad range of topics related to Nova Scotia's economy, including productivity, internal trade, and private sector investment.
LUNCHEON PARTNER: ADVOCATE PARTNER:
Top business and political leaders
Past speakers include Mayor Mike Savage, Premier Tim Houston, MP Sean Fraser, Michelin CEO Andrew Mutch, and more!
Local issues, global impact
Covering the most pressing issues impacting our current and future economic prosperity.
90% of attendees said they are likely to attend the event again.
President’s Message
Chair’s Message
Event Calendar
New & Noted
Members in the News
Cover Story
2025 Economic Outlook
Housing Report
Member Profiles
Working For You
Board of Directors — Officers
Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership, Chair
Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals of Nova Scotia, Vice Chair
Chris Cowper-Smith, Mable Health and Cedar Point
Solutions, Past Chair
Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing
Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers
Kimberly Stephens, High Liner Foods
Directors
Dr. Denise Daley, Nasore Personalized Wellness
Ifeanyi Emesih, My East Coast Experience Media Group Inc.
Nancy Foran, ESG Partners
René Gallant, Independent Consultant
Martina Kelades, Life Out Loud - Mental Health Consulting
Busola Adeniji, Director of Finance and Administration
Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager
Emily Bednarz, Communications Specialist
Volume 34 • Issue 2
Business Voice is published 8 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. All images are contributed unless otherwise stated.
Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to:
Halifax Chamber of Commerce
100-32 Akerley Boulevard
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1
Tel: 902-468-7111
Fax: 902-468-7333
info@halifaxchamber.com
www.halifaxchamber.com
Cover Image Credit: Zahed Hoseyni
A look on outlook
What’s in store for 2025?
PATRICK SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO
HALIFAX CHAMBER
It’s February, and so we are officially well into the new year! We finished 2024 strong with what turned out to be one of Prime Minister Trudeau’s final public events in December prior to announcing his planned departure.
We welcome our political leaders to speak to our members annually and have invited and will again invite the federal Leader of the Official Opposition to Halifax. We will also be pleased to welcome candidates for the leadership of the Liberal Party to tell us how they will work with our small, medium and large business members as we head for an inevitable election.
This is a tumultuous time for Canadians with the Inauguration of President Trump on January 21st and the outstanding threat of significant tariffs. We are all hopeful that these issues will not expand into a significant disruption as the year unfolds in Canada. The tariff concerns do not look today like they will recede in the short term with an executive order from the president requesting a report on trade on April 1st in the US and potentially an early reopening of the Canada-US trade agreement (CUSMA).
This is a time for us as Canadians to work together in the face of threats to our economy and the Halifax Chamber and our community are eager to work with our partners in government provincially
MEMBER FEEDBACK
Thank you to our members for completing our annual Member Satisfaction survey. Your feedback help us ensure that the
and federally to assist and support as parties come together to discuss measures to mitigate these tariffs on the horizon.
Your Halifax Chamber is here to support you through any impacts to your business and keep you up to date on what will be a rapidly evolving political landscape in the coming months. To get a head start, we focused this issue of Business Voice magazine on the business and economic outlook for the year.
Canadian Business Outlook
Let’s start with good news in outlook. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce released its Q4 2024 business insights report, and we’re happy to share that Atlantic Canada’s business
is relevant and providing value to
sentiment on the Business Expectations Index remains stronger than both Ontario and British Columbia.
They also reported the key struggles for businesses:
• Cost-related pressures.
• Inadequate consumer demand.
• Labour challenges are easing but remain problematic for administration, accommodation and food services, retail and manufacturing. While we’re here to celebrate your success, we’re also here to learn about the struggles you face as a business owner. Please reach out to me to share your story! We’re in your corner. ■
president@halifaxchamber.com
Making space
Reflecting on African History Month and International Women’s Day
ANN DIVINE FOUNDER & CEO ASHANTI LEADERSHIP PDS
Oneof the brilliant things about celebrating African Heritage Month is that it is not just for one month. Every day of the year, I live my heritage as a woman of African descent. So, what changes for me during that time, and what changes for others—especially considering the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion that’s been happening recently? What does that mean for those of us from diverse backgrounds, regardless of our race or ethnicity?
For me, it means we must hold close to those values such as belief in ourselves, cherishing our ancestors’ visions, and struggles to achieve loving and respecting ourselves as we reflect on African Heritage Month—Our Legacy, Actions, Brilliance and contribution to Canada, to this space, and the world. In some instances, our history has been hidden from us, but nonetheless, we have the opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge, and recognize it.
And this isn’t just about African heritage. Every month of the year, there is something to recognize, commemorate, and celebrate. February happens to be African Heritage Month, so let’s open ourselves to learning from each other, and learning about each other’s cultures. It’s not just about African Nova Scotians, but about all of us who are of African descent during this time.
Let us do our best to learn from
one another. In a climate that seeks to separate us, we must be mindful not to allow ourselves to be divided. Instead, we should draw on our own strength, our sense of purpose, and our determination. At the core of our being, we must recognize that everyone has a space today, and there is enough to go around. There is enough for everyone to value and appreciate. And while we may feel the tension and a sense of loss, there is still a place for us all.
Similarly, when we think about International Women’s Day, there is much to celebrate and acknowledge. At the same time, we know there is a need to “Accelerate Action”—the theme for 2025—when it comes to equity, harassment, and gender-based violence. According to the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia, the number of women and children experiencing violence and seeking help from women’s shelters in the province has increased by 182 per cent since 2019.
Within the business community, what can each of us do every day to protect a woman or a girl from violence of this nature? We can stand in solidarity during this time. As women, we grow
stronger together. We cannot separate ourselves from what’s happening in our community and society because it impacts all of us in one way or another.
Within our workplace, harassment toward women is still alive and well. Women are harassed every day—online and in the workplace. We know that during COVID, online harassment increased. Therefore, we must be even more vigilant as workers. Policies need to be reviewed, updated, and regularly checked in all our organizations.
We will also commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. We all have an obligation to challenge racism and discrimination when we see it happening and fight to protect our rights.
Whether you are taking time to acknowledge African Heritage Month this February or International Women’s Day in March, my hope is that we can continue to be open to learning from one another. Let’s make space in our businesses, organizations, and communities for new conversations and connections.
“We are all born free and equal in Dignity and Rights.” ■
Ann Divine, Jayne Akinyi, Menna Riley, Rebecca Davison, and Dr. Ashley Margeson onstage at the 2024 Wonder Women Conference, an annual conference hosted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. (Image Credit: Mirror Form Photography)
CHAMBER EVENTS
Thursday, February 6
LUNCHEON
Exploring Housing Solutions: Innovations & Community Impact
11:30AM – 1:30PM
Westin Nova Scotian
Wednesday, March 28
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Ideal Home Show
Halifax Exhibition Centre
4:30PM – 6:30PM
Friday, February 7
WORKSHOP
AI in the Workplace
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Nova Scotia Association of Realtors Boardroom
*Additional sessions on March 4 and March 11
Tuesday, March 4
LUNCHEON WCB: Protecting the Nova Scotia Workforce, Together
11:30AM – 1:30PM
Prince George Hotel
Wednesday, February 26
POWER LUNCH
Impact of Divorce on the Workplace
12:00PM – 1:00PM
Halifax Chamber of Commerce Boardroom
Friday, June 13
SIGNATURE EVENT Wonder Women Conference
Halifax Convention Centre
halifaxchamber.com/events
Wednesday, February 26
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Emera Blue Nose Marathon 4:30PM – 6:30PM
Coldstream Brewing –Dartmouth Crossing
Tuesday, March 18
SIGNATURE EVENT Economic Engine
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
THANK YOU TO OUR JANUARY EVENT SPONSORS:
On
IG GROWTH
NEW & NOTED
We welcome our new Chamber members
Are you a new Chamber member?
Get listed in New & Noted! Contact Murtaza Lookmanji at murtaza@ halifaxchamber.com or call (902) 4687111 to submit.
At Byblos, we take pride in offering a delightful combination of authentic Indian flavors, blending in innovation and exceptional customer service. Our dishes are crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We prepare all our food fresh—not frozen—ensuring every bite is as delightful as it is wholesome.
Sara Kainth
Dartmouth, NS (902) 435-5555
byblosltd@outlook.com bybloscuisine.ca
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE - Restaurant
CHOICE HEALTH CENTRE
Choice Health Centre is a multidisciplinary health care clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, orthotics and more. Working as a team to help resolve individual needs of our clientele, staying updated with the latest trends and research. We are the only physiotherapy/ chiropractic co-owned health centre in Atlantic Canada!
Jessika Stryniak Bedford, NS (902) 404-3668
jessika@choicehealthcentre.com choicehealhcentre.com HEALTH CARE - Health and Wellness
COLLABORATION WORKS INTERNATIONAL
Violeta Manoukian Halifax, NS (902) 919-7599 violeta@ collaborationworksinternational.com collaborationworksinternational.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESManagement Consulting
Dr. Chinelo founded the “Talk with Doctor Agnes” podcast and YouTube channel to primarily influence understanding and education about health-related matters. As a medical professional, she is passionate about health promotion and making important health information available to everyone. Agnes Chinelo Iwegbu Middle Sackville, NS (902) 252-2652 agnes.iwegbu@gmail.com
HEALTH CARE - Health Care Services, General
E45 APPRAISAL SERVICES
Adam Payn Halifax, NS (902) 593-3823 adam@e45appraisals.com e45appraisals.com
REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTIONAppraisals
FMP MATRIX
Aaron Ferguson Dartmouth, NS (902) 452-1479
aaron@fmpmatrix.com fmpmatrix.com
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Music
FUZE HR SOLUTIONS
Fuze HR Solutions Inc is an allCanadian, full-service recruitment agency established in 2006 with headquarters in Montreal, Quebec and offices strategically placed to service major cities. Our recruitment and staffing services are specialized for many different sectors. Each vertical is led by industry experts, ensuring find the right talent for businesses.
Brendan Duggan Halifax, NS (782) 240-8028
bduggan@fuzehr.com fuzehr.com
HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFINGRecruitment Services
GRAF CONSULTING
Nnenna Nwokeabia Halifax, NS grafconsultings.com
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESBusiness Consulting
HALIFAX HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER
Let’s capture your best look ever. Convey trust, approachability, and competence. Elevate your personal brand, and build authority in your industry.
Ismael Hernandez Bedford, NS (782) 641-6100
contact@proprofile.ca proprofile.ca
BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESPhotography
HEARTS
GLOBAL NETWORK
Fatu Kaba
Halifax, NS (902) 717-9799
info@heartsglobal.org
EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Coaching
INTERNATIONAL PRE-OWNED BARCODE LTD
We specialize in the sales and service of barcode equipment, accesories, and supply.
Jewels Wellness Journals offers premium guided journals designed to help busy women reduce stress and anxiety while embracing mindfulness and personal growth. Our journals are simple to use and inspire reflection, calm, and confidence, empowering women to feel grounded, manage life’s challenges, and create space for what truly matters.
Julianna Sherriff Halifax, NS (902) 222-9270
jewelswellnessjournals@gmail.com
jewelswellnessjournals.com
SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAILGifts
KNACKBE TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD
Knackbe Technologies is a leading provider of IT solutions, specializing in empowering businesses through innovative and personalized services.
Shwetanjali Salunkhe Halifax, NS (782) 774-1575
shwetanjali@knackbe.in knackbe.ca
COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGYWeb Design
MAKECLOUDWORK INC.
MakeCloudWork is a trusted partner delivering tailored training for Azure, AWS, and GCP. Specializing in team upskilling, we provide hands-on courses, certification preparation, and expert guidance. Our personalized solutions empower businesses to master cloud technologies with confidence. Rely on us, and let’s make the cloud work for you starting now!
Ashish Minocha
Halifax, NS (902) 223-9135
info@makecloudwork.com makecloudwork.com
COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGYComputer Training
MARTHA REYNOLDS MARKETING
Martha Reynolds Herring Cove, NS (902) 209-1556
martha@marthareynolds.com
Advertising, Pr & MediaMARKETING
MEDIABONNET
Established 13 years ago as an independent agency, MediaBonnet has grown into a dynamic media engine focused on driving impactful advertising for our clients. We create responsive, personalized multichannel campaigns that maximize ROAs and reduce waste while adhering to industry-benchmarked standards. Committed to transparency, integrity, and excellence, we elevate brand visibility through strategic insights.
Halifax, NS mediabonnet.com
Advertising, PR & MediaADVERTISING
MINDFUL THERAPIES
We are a mental health wellness clinic in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth, NS. Mindful Therapies offers specialized assessment and individual therapy for a wide variety of concerns. We offer a confidential, supportive, and safe space to face life’s challenges and enhance your emotional and mental well-being.
Kelly Abi-Daoud
Dartmouth, NS (902) 576-3576
rebecca@mindfultherapies.org mindfultherapies.org
HEALTH CARE - Psychology Practice
MYRA MEDIA INC.
Myra is a full-service marketing and branding agency. We bring the brand. We deliver the customers. We deliver the experience, brilliantly, every time.
SeniorsTransit is a locally owned and operated accessible and assisted transportation service in Halifax. SeniorsTransit Companions was created as a new division, offering companionship and human connection for people in their homes, seniors’ residences, and in the community.
Alexandra Wilson Halifax, NS (902) 441-9472
alexandra@seniorstransit.com seniorstransit.com HEALTH CARE - Home Care
SH_BEUATIQUE
Shakiba Kajabi
Sackville, NS
Shakiba.kajabi@icloud.com
Advertising, Pr & Media - AWARDS/ ENGRAVINGS
STATIONDRG MEDIA PRODUCTIONS INC.
StationDRG, based in Halifax, is a dynamic drag production company founded by the husband-and-husband duo, Steve MacLeod (better known as Deva Station) and Jake Rafuse. The company produces several projects, most notably the hit show Apocalyptic Kitchen, which airs on Bell Fibe TV1 and OUTTV.
Jacob Rafuse Halifax, NS (902) 499-8421
Stationdrg@gmail.com
StationDRG.com ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Film/Television
STEELWAY BUILDING SYSTEMS
Steelway Building Systems is the leading Canadian manufacturer of steel buildings. Since 1976 Steelway has provided customized steel products to fit any need—be it structural framing, roof or wall installations, repairs to an existing structure, or cladding/roof upgrades.
Sandy Goodine
Aylmer, ON (506) 875-4677
sandy.goodine@steelway.com
INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURINGStructural Steel
STILLWELL BREWING CO LTD
Richard Fewell Halifax, NS (902) 401-9393
richard@stillwellbrewing.com stillwellbrewing.com
Advertising, PR & Media - SOCIAL MEDIA
STONEX FINANCIAL CANADA
Jeff Blanco Toronto, ON (416) 272-6751
jeffrey.blanco@stonex.com stonex.com
FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial/ Banking
TEAM BUILDING SCHOOL & TYLER HAYDEN INC
It’s been said that Tyler is “Canada’s Answer to Alternative Energy,” and if you’ve ever seen him on stage, I’m sure you will agree. Tyler has been a full-time professional speaker since 1996. His clients include Subway, Honeywell, and TD Bank. He is a best-selling author with over 25 books in print.
Tyler Hayden Bedford, NS (902) 541-0858 tyler@tylerhayden.com tylerhayden.com & teambuildingschool.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESManagement Consulting
Thespinycrafts@outlook.com etsy.com/shop/ thespinycrafts/?etsrc=sdt ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Crafts
TIDAL SHIFT COACHING
I empower entrepreneurs and working professionals to chart their course through personalized one-to-one coaching, team and group sessions. My approach is centred on cultivating emotional intelligence, growth, and resilience in a space that allows for exploration and confident decision making to achieve career milestones.
Rebecca Atkinson Sheet Harbour, NS (902) 719-9463
Rebecca@tidalshiftcoaching.ca
EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Coaching
TRIBE NETWORK
Deborah Sanni Halifax, NS (902) 412-9524
hi@tribenetwork.ca tribenetwork.ca
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS - NotFor-Profit Groups
UMMAH SOCIETY, NS
Abdallah Yousri Halifax, NS (902) 407-1411
info@umcc.ca ummahsociety.ca
EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Education/Schools
VENDJOI
Xin Yao
Halifax, NS xin@vendjoi.com vendjoi.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICESRentals/Sales/Service
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
How our members are growing Halifax
HALIFAX CHAMBER CHOSEN AS BEST ATLANTIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
We are excited to announce that the Halifax Chamber of Commerce was chosen by readers as this year’s Best Atlantic Industry Association for Atlantic Business Magazine! The 275-year-old Halifax Chamber is the oldest Chamber of Commerce in North America and, with almost 2000 members, is the largest Chamber east of Montreal. We are so proud to celebrate and advocate for our membership!
LIGHT THE NIGHT HALIFAX CELEBRATES FUNDRAISING WIN
Light the Night Halifax, held annually in October, achieved incredible success this year, raising $1,214,127 for the blood cancer community. Over 1,000 participants from across Atlantic Canada gathered at Pier 21 and walked along the Halifax waterfront, united in their mission to raise awareness and funds for lifesaving research and patient support. Jenn Kurmey, a member of the LLSC Executive Leadership Committee, was a key driver in these fundraising efforts—passionately supporting this cause close to her heart. As the walk concluded at the Queen’s Marque, participants raised their lanterns high, symbolizing hope in the fight against blood cancer.
104,000 REASONS TO SMILE
During the week of November 18th, the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia was all smiles in its partnership with Tim Hortons locations in HRM on the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. Proceeds from these sweet treats raised $103,811 to support mental health and addiction initiatives in HRM. Volunteers from Halifax, Dartmouth and Sackville Kin Clubs, RBC, Admiral Insurance, and Toromont Cat hand-decorated smiles on thousands of cookies. A heartfelt thanks to Tim Hortons in HRM and everyone who supported this campaign to help Nova Scotians thrive in their communities.
NEW MQO A.I. HUB KEEPS DATA SECURE
MQO Research, part of the m5 Group of Companies, announced the public launch of its artificial intelligence-powered productivity and research platform. The fully Canadian-hosted MQO A.I. Hub enables clients to incorporate the benefits of the emerging technology into their workflows while keeping practitioners in the driver’s seat and their data secure. The platform offers a variety of capabilities, ranging from no-limits access to the latest GPT chat technologies to audio & video file transcription, allowing users to integrate AI’s strengths to streamline their tasks and produce quality work more efficiently while maintaining industry compliance and confidentiality commitments.
COMMUNITY FOOD CONNECTIONS FOR SENIORS
Scotians thrive in their communities. New Leaf Enterprises, Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s program that provides life enhancement, job skills, and supported employment opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities recently started their new Community Food Connections for Seniors program. Clients from New Leaf prepare and package ready-to-heat dinners and care packages for seniors in the community. This new initiative not only benefits seniors but also creates employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the packing and production process.
NS REALTORS® in Ottawa to advocate for housing for all
REALTORS® in Nova Scotia advocate for home ownership at all three levels of government. Locally, they work with municipal and provincial elected officials and staff to help increase housing supply, ensure there are programs that help families get into their first home, and reduce the tax burden.
And while REALTORS® work with our local Members of Parliament (MPs) at home, for 39 years, REALTORS® from Nova Scotia, and across Canada have gathered on Parliament Hill to meet with MPs during the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) annual Political Action Committee (PAC) Days.
From October 20 to 22, 2024, more than 400 REALTORS® participated in conversations about access to housing in Canada. REALTORS® also spoke to and heard from experts during curated panels, and met with their MPs to discuss REALTOR® recommendations:
1. Stimulate supply across the housing continuum by embracing innovation through offsite construction technologies.
UPTREEHR EXPANDS
2. Establish a permanent mechanism to collaborate and coordinate housing policy and development, such as a national housing secretariat.
uptreeHR is thrilled to announce the addition of Alison Bubar, CPHR, who brings her diverse HR skills and experience to our team. We are equally excited to celebrate the promotion of Michelle MacFadgen, CPHR, to a Senior HR Partner role, recognizing her outstanding contributions to our success and growth. With our growing team of talented HR professionals, we’re better positioned than ever to help location organizations navigate their HR needs with confidence and care.
3. HST/GST relief for non-profit-built affordable ownership housing.
These recommendations will have a long-lasting impact on increasing our housing supply and making sure that every Nova Scotian has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.
AWARD-WINNING CPE: TO THE ROOT ELECTROLYSIS STUDIO, 2025 CANADIAN CHOICE AWARD WINNER
Jen Matthews, C.P.E., is the driving force behind To The Root Electrolysis Studio. As a specialist in permanent hair removal, Jen is known for her expertise, kindness, and genuine care for her clients. She has created a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. Her dedication to exceptional care and inclusivity has made her a standout in the electrolysis industry. Winning the 2025 Canadian Choice Award reflects her passion for helping others feel confident and empowered.
THE HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTRE ACHIEVES RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION ACCESSIBILITY CERTIFICATION™ FOR IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY
NS REALTORS® IN OTTAWA TO ADVOCATE FOR HOUSING FOR ALL
The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® represents over 2,000 members throughout the Province and is the voice of real estate in Nova Scotia. Visit www.realtor.ca to find a REALTOR® in your area.
The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® advocate for homeownership at all levels of government. Locally, they collaborate with municipal and provincial officials to boost housing supply, support first-time homebuyers, and reduce taxes. For 39 years, REALTORS® from Nova Scotia and across Canada have gathered on Parliament Hill for the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) annual Political Action Committee (PAC) Days. From October 20 to 22, 2024, over 400 REALTORS® discussed housing access with MPs and experts. They presented three key recommendations: stimulate supply through offsite construction, create a national housing secretariat, and provide HST/GST relief for non-profit affordable housing.
After recent upgrades and a rigorous adjudication process, the Halifax Convention Centre has earned Accessibility Certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation. This national rating system evaluates buildings’ accessibility from a people-centric perspective, considering factors such as entrances, wayfinding, pathways, sanitary facilities, and emergency systems. With support from Events East’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Centre made significant upgrades, including tactile flooring, automatic doors, barrier-free access, and improved signage. The Centre aims for a Gold Rating in the future, contributing to the goal of being Accessible by 2030. It will be added to Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Certification Registry.
KIDNEY WALK SEEKS SUPPORT FOR 2025
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community in 2025? Volunteer with the Kidney Foundation – Atlantic Branch as a Kidney Walk Committee Member and help create a powerful event that supports kidney patients and their families while raising awareness for kidney health. What’s In It for You? Gain valuable experience in event planning, fundraising, and community engagement; expand your network by working with like-minded volunteers; make a lasting impact by supporting kidney health initiatives; and give back to your community and make a lasting impression. Reach out to Jane at jane.liu@ kidney.ca to apply or learn more.
DGHF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Joining the Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH) Foundation Board is Carolyn Hortie (President, DGH Auxiliary), Tara Wickwire (Principal, The Message), and Tyler MacLeod (Founder, Rhyme+Reason). All three are community leaders who are committed to supporting innovation and exceptional care at DGH and the communities we serve. For more information visit dghfoundation.ca—or better yet, come for a tour and meet the healthcare workers who are the inaudible heartbeat of DGH and see firsthand the technology that is helping us deliver leading-edge healthcare.
THE GARDEN RETREAT, FOOD BAR & LOUNGE
The Garden Retreat, Food Bar and Lounge, located at 1446 Queen Street, Halifax Downtown, has reopened after 5 months of renovations. With a refined ambiance, it offers a diverse menu featuring continental and local dishes, complemented by locally brewed drinks and signature cocktails. Perfect for hosting events and parties, the space accommodates up to 130 guests. Owned by passionate entrepreneurs Dronendra Analapudi and Dinesh Reddy Pachika, this newly revitalized venue reflects their dedication as small business owners. They’re eager to serve the community and grow with the support of local patrons with confidence and care.
HALIFAX STANFIELD LANDS JETBLUE AS NEWEST AIRLINE PARTNER
Halifax Stanfield is thrilled to announce a game-changing addition to its airline roster that will strengthen connectivity between New England and the Atlantic Region. Starting in June 2025, JetBlue will launch service at its second Canadian airport with daily, summer seasonal nonstop flights between Halifax and Boston. This exciting development will provide travellers with a swift and convenient link between two vibrant coastal cities and their flight network beyond. With JetBlue’s reputation for low fares, and award-winning service, travellers can look forward to a seamless journey across the border.
Build Stronger. Together.
Every structure tells a story of innovation, precision and teamwork. For over 45 years, Steelway has crafted custom steel building solutions that stand the test of time—and the elements. We’re actively seeking skilled builders and erectors to join us in creating structures of unmatched quality, precision and sustainability. With the support of our full-service engineering team, you’ll have the tools to build every project with confidence and ease. Let’s build stronger structures—and partnerships—together. Steelway. Built to last. Designed for you.
NEW SERVICE AT CORNERSTONE NATUROPATHIC
At Cornerstone Naturopathic, we believe living well means building the energy and resilience to thrive both now and in the future. That’s why we’re excited to announce the addition of VO₂ Max testing to our Longevity Program. This innovative service provides precise insights into your fitness and cardiovascular health, offering both a basic assessment and a comprehensive option with training recommendations and personalized heart rate zones. Aging well is about staying sharp, productive, and energized so you can keep doing what you love. We’re here to help you invest in your health—because when you live well, you lead well.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE TYLER HAYDEN
International speaker and bestselling author Tyler Hayden (www.tylerhayden. com) was recently invited into the Canadian Professional Speakers Hall of Fame. Tyler is only the second Nova Scotian to be invited into the hall. Tyler’s work has spanned almost 30 years working with amazing clients from Michelin and the Young Presidents Association (YPO) to Scotiabank and Subway. Tyler is the author of over 28 books and the founder of Team Building School (www.teambuildingschool.com). Tyler is a graduate of Acadia University and hails from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
For more information, contact Sandy Goodine, Atlantic District Manager, directly at 506.875.4677 or via email at sandy.goodine@steelway.com.
Get started at steelway.com
JACQUELINE HARTIGAN JOINS MC ADVISORY
MC Advisory is excited to welcome Jacqueline as Senior Advisor. With expertise in labour and employment law, she brings years of experience advising on wrongful termination, employment agreements, and human rights issues. Specializing in Indigenous clients, and proud Miawpukek First Nation member, she offers a culturally informed perspective tailored to your unique needs and is dedicated to delivering solutions aligned with clients’ priorities. She will help organizations foster inclusive, respectful workplaces through effective policies and proactive employee relations strategies. Learn more about Jacqueline and how to connect with her by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eb3M7pAM.
Uncertainty, cautious optimism for 2025
This year’s business and economic outlook
Business is full of challenges, and we navigate them every day,” says Matt Rogers, President of Bishop’s Cellar—a leading private wine, beer, and spirits store located on the Halifax waterfront.
Like many business owners in Halifax, Rogers is coping with changing consumer habits and a sense of uncertainty about what’s to come in 2025. “For us, particularly in the wine industry, consumption patterns are changing,” he says. “People are consuming less, and everything is more expensive, which impacts everyone’s disposable income. Right now, we’re planning for the summer, so we’re thinking about what the next few months will look like and how that will impact our summer plans. It’s a constant, ever-changing process.”
With political and economic uncertainty in the air, we turned to local experts for insights.
Cathie O’Toole is Chief Administrative Officer with the Halifax Regional Municipality, where she is tasked with implementing the policies
By Emily Bednarz
“Whenever there are changes in government, we need to work hard to make sure priorities are understood and aligned, and effective working relationships are established and maintained. Housing and homelessness will still be significant issues where we need to work closely with the Provincial government.”
and decisions made by Halifax Regional Council. She also provides leadership and direction to municipal departments. “Like a CEO in the private sector, I have to work to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services, oversee financial management and operational performance,” she explains.
An accountant by trade, O’Toole aims to improve the quality of life for
residents in HRM. “While I am CAO, I hope to achieve improvements in employee engagement and resident satisfaction,” she says. “I’ve lived in HRM my entire life and am deeply committed to the region. I enjoy my job, the people I meet, and the opportunity to make a difference.”
Pam Mood is Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth and President of the Nova
Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM)—a non-profit organization that represents Nova Scotia’s 49 municipalities in one, unified voice. “Our mission is to empower municipalities by advocating for their interests, fostering collaboration, and providing the tools they need to serve their communities effectively,” says Mood. “We work closely with provincial and federal governments, as well as partners like the Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia, to address shared priorities. Whether influencing legislation, delivering training, sharing best practices, or administering funding programs, we are dedicated to helping municipalities thrive.”
Growth adding strain to housing and infrastructure
When reflecting on last year, O’Toole points out that 2024 was a good year for Halifax: GDP grew by 1.7%, unemployment decreased, and inflation stabilized. “HRM experienced significant population growth,” she says. “The latest population numbers released in January indicated the population grew by 2.4%, adding 11,594 residents last year. HRM’s population is now 502,753. This growth was driven largely by international migration, and while it is nice to see that there was a younger demographic moving to the area, it is creating significant service pressures on the municipality.”
Municipalities across Nova Scotia
are feeling similar pressures on service and infrastructure. “In 2024, key trends included a stronger focus on climate adaptation, sustainability, economic growth, and population increases,” says Mood. “Municipalities invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades to accommodate growth while also planning for the future by mitigating flooding, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mood adds that municipalities were challenged by competing priorities. “Housing affordability and availability remained critical priorities, as communities worked to meet diverse resident needs,” she says. “However, municipalities faced significant challenges in financing these priorities amidst competing demands.”
“The
Rogers acknowledges the challenge local governments are facing with growth. “If we’re going to grow, we have to make sure we support it in all the ways necessary,” he says. “It’s a challenging task for government. Building ahead to manage growth and then catching up with it once it’s here is not an easy thing to do.”
The municipality’s work this year will be responsive to concerns identified by residents and our new Mayor and Council, including public transit, transportation, and safety, says O’Toole. The municipality will be welcoming a new Executive Director for Halifax Transit and staffing an office for Major Project Delivery as well as offices to focus on Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Planning.
most significant challenge for municipalities in 2025 is balancing the demand for essential services and infrastructure with limited financial resources. This includes addressing housing shortages, maintaining aging infrastructure, and adapting to climate change— all while ensuring fiscal sustainability.”
— Pam Mood Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth and President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Cathie O’Toole (left) is Chief Administrative Officer with the Halifax Regional Municipality. Pam Mood (right) is Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth and President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM).
O’Toole explains that new housing policies require renewed attention to infrastructure. “The planning amendments made as a result of the Housing Accelerator Fund, the Regional Plan update, and the Suburban Plan—under development—create the opportunity for significant additional incremental growth which will help with some of the housing challenges but create infrastructure challenges,” she says. “The Strategic Transportation and Infrastructure Planning Office will be working to get a handle on identifying and prioritizing the infrastructure investments we need to make, and the Major Projects Office will be delivering capital projects that meet the $100 million or complexity threshold. Coming out of a successful Cogswell Redevelopment project, our next major projects on the horizon are the Windsor Street Exchange and the Mill Cove Ferry project.”
Political uncertainty aggravating anticipated challenges
Rogers shares what he anticipates for business in the coming year. “I think we’re probably like most businesses—it’s a bit uncertain,” he says. “I would say we’re trying to be cautiously optimistic. We’re doing everything within our control, but there are a lot of outside factors, and we don’t know how they’re going to play out yet.”
While he’s encouraged by what he sees locally, Rogers explains that his sense of uncertainty comes from big-picture concerns. “When we look around, we see that Halifax is growing, downtown is growing, and those are all positive signs,” he says. “But the broader
conditions could play a big role. With the election and with our neighbours to the South, any potential new tariffs could impact us. We won’t be directly impacted by tariffs, but they will affect the economic outlook and consumer behaviour, which will, in turn, affect us.”
O’Toole explains that even with a sense of uncertainty for what’s to come this year, the municipality is forging ahead, focusing on creating a new Strategic Priorities Plan to guide the municipality’s work through 2026-2030. The plan would place more emphasis on the items that are top priorities for residents and businesses. “We can’t be all things to all people and need to use limited resources to the best effect while working effectively with other levels of government,” she says. “There has been huge change within the municipal government with the last election. We have just come through a municipal election, a provincial election, and a federal election is on the horizon.”
Maintaining good working relationships with all levels of government is key for O’Toole. “Whenever there are changes in government, we need to work hard to make sure priorities are
understood and aligned, and effective working relationships are established and maintained,” she says. “Housing and homelessness will still be significant issues where we need to work closely with the Provincial government.”
Mood also highlights these focus areas, emphasizing the financial needs of municipalities. “The most significant challenge for municipalities in 2025 is balancing the demand for essential services and infrastructure with limited financial resources,” she says. “This includes addressing housing shortages, maintaining aging infrastructure, and adapting to climate change—all while ensuring fiscal sustainability.”
For Mood, uncertainty also adds to anticipated challenges this year. “Workforce retention and recruitment, especially for skilled municipal positions, pose considerable hurdles,” she says. “Additionally, rising costs of goods and services continue to outpace revenue growth, putting pressure on municipal budgets. These challenges are further exacerbated by policy uncertainties and the need to balance revenue generation with affordability for residents and businesses.”
“We’re trying to be cautiously optimistic. We’re doing everything within our control, but there are a lot of outside factors, and we don’t know how they’re going to play out yet.”
Matt Rogers President, Bishop’s Cellar
Matt Rogers is President of Bishop’s Cellar—a leading private wine, beer, and spirits store located on the Halifax waterfront.
“We are looking forward to 2025 with renewed focus and energy. The seasonality of the tourism industry in Nova Scotia is a challenge, but with more businesses staying open year-round, we see a bright future.”
— Kerry Lynch Owner, Brewery Park Hotel, Brewery Loft, and the Black Forest Retreat
Reducing taxes and red tape
Kerry Lynch is a developer and owner of the Brewery Park Hotel and the Brewery Loft, which are both located in Halifax, as well as the Black Forest Retreat in Mahone Bay. Lynch points out that the challenges he’s facing this year are familiar ones. “Property taxes and red tape travelling through municipal approval systems are far more of a challenge recently than the cost of goods and staffing issues which all businesses currently face,” he says.
Rogers adds that the recent tax holiday in December and January had a positive impact on their business, particularly on wine sales. “We saw people take advantage of the savings, especially on premium products,” he says. “Customers saw the opportunity to save 15% and either buy a nicer bottle of wine or stock up their cellar to make the most of the savings.”
While O’Toole states that “it is too early in the budget process this year to comment on taxes,” she points out that last fiscal year, the municipality implemented a new tiered commercial tax system. Coming into effect on April 1, 2023, the policy created five tax areas and a tiered rate system, replacing the existing commercial tax structure of Urban, Suburban and Rural.
Fiscal stability and tax policy are top of mind for Mood. “NSFM will advocate for enhanced fiscal tools and funding programs to help municipalities grow sustainably,” she says. “We remain committed to supporting municipal autonomy and collaborating on housing initiatives, including leveraging federal programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund. Our efforts will focus on fostering innovation in tax policies and planning strategies, advocating for infrastructure investments, promoting economic diversification, and supporting research that aligns with municipal priorities.”
Focusing on engagement, collaboration, and community
Continuing to collaborate and develop partnerships is key for Mood and the work of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities. “NSFM is dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation among Nova Scotia’s municipalities,” she says. “Our partnerships with other orders of government have demonstrated the value of positive relationships in advancing municipal interests. As we look to the future, we are proud to serve as the voice of Nova Scotia’s municipalities and remain committed to building vibrant, sustainable communities for generations to come.”
For O’Toole, direct engagement is essential in promoting growth and supporting the local economy. “We are trying to engage with the business community to ensure we understand their challenges, and to share information about our challenges,” she says. “When I became CAO, the municipality re-joined the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and we are meeting regularly with the heads of the Business Improvement Districts. We have a procurement strategy that includes a Social Value Framework, which aims to make positive contributions to the local economy and community.”
O’Toole adds that the municipality supports organizations like the Halifax Partnership. “Their work helps local businesses succeed and promote Halifax globally,” she says. “They offer services such as SmartBusiness, which helps businesses navigate government regulations and procurement processes. Recently, Halifax Regional Police have led initiatives to reduce retail theft, which I hope will continue and will help local businesses.”
Collaboration is a key focus for Lynch and his businesses this year. “We are currently working closely with
Tourism Nova Scotia and Discover Halifax staff to keep up with the events schedule for 2025 and promotional material,” he says. “We have also been collaborating with Tourism Nova Scotia on seasonal packages at Brewery Park Hotel with partners Stillwell and The Brasserie.”
Despite uncertainty on the horizon, Lynch expresses optimism for the coming year. “We are looking forward to 2025 with renewed focus and energy,” he says. “As business travel comes back to life, our main priority is connecting with businesses to provide short- and long-term accommodations for travelling staff, both in the private and public sectors. The seasonality of the tourism industry in Nova Scotia is a challenge but with more businesses in Mahone Bay staying open year-round and attractions like Oceanstone and Sensea, we see a bright future.”
Rogers echoes Lynch’s energy and optimism. “We’re excited because Halifax continues to grow and evolve,” he says. “While there’s a tendency to focus on all the negatives, we need to look at the opportunities as well. Halifax is a growing city with more people moving in, and businesses are going to benefit from that growth. Looking ahead, that’s always what excites us, and we’re eager to see how things unfold.” ■
Kerry Lynch is the Owner of the Brewery Park Hotel, Brewery Loft, and the Black Forest Retreat.
A look ahead at housing
Reflecting on the trends and challenges of housing in Halifax By Emily Bednarz
Likemany places across the country, housing has become a critical issue in Nova Scotia. To get the full picture on market trends from last year and predictions for what’s to come, we spoke with the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR), Cresco (a real estate development company), and Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia.
Trends and changes in the Halifax housing market
Matthew Dauphinee, Past President of NSAR, points out that the story of HRM’s housing market last year depended on the price point. “Sellers and buyers at different price points are having much different experiences,” says Dauphinee. “Below $500k has more buyers—the Down Payment Assistance Program has helped that end of the market—where the $800k+ market has fewer buyers or may see more homes selling subject to the sale of the buyer’s home.”
Andrew Inch, Vice President of Corporate Development at Cresco, highlights how policy made an impact last year. “2024 underscored the severity of the housing crisis, as demand far outpaced supply, driving up housing costs and construction expenses,” says Inch.
“Governments responded with significant measures, including the removal of HST on new purpose-built rental housing and the Housing Accelerator Fund, which led to upzoning much of Halifax’s urban core to accommodate denser development. These policies improved the feasibility of building new housing, encouraging us and others to move forward with rental projects which are helping to address the region’s housing needs.”
Donna Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia, notes how rising housing prices are making homeownership more and more unattainable. “In Halifax, the average sale price for homes rose 4.4% in the last year, from $554,269 in 2023 to $578,913 in 2024,” says Williamson. “Meanwhile, rental costs have skyrocketed, averaging $1,974 for a one-bedroom and $2,487 for a two-bedroom apartment. These rising costs are creating a divide: higher-income households continue to climb the property ladder, while middle- and lower-income earners are increasingly locked out of both the rental and ownership markets.”
Housing challenges in HRM
Dauphinee points to external factors
as creating the most challenges in the Halifax housing market. “Scrutiny on the financial side, higher property taxes than we saw prior to 2022, and increased insurance costs have buyers considering much more than just their mortgage payment,” he says. “Homes priced at the lower end of the market are fewer, which challenges the affordability of homes.”
Inch adds that despite supportive policy changes, the rising costs of materials and labour were significant challenges in 2024. “Affordability continued to decline as housing costs consumed a
A recent build completed by Cresco.
larger share of household budgets,” he says. “Additionally, uncertainty between policy announcements and their implementation caused many builders and lenders to pause projects. High interest rates and persistent inflation further compounded the difficulty of building cost-effective housing.”
Halifax’s rapid population growth is outpacing housing development, driving up prices and worsening the affordable housing crisis, says Williamson. “Halifax’s population continues to grow faster than its housing stock,” she says. “This disparity exacerbates competition for available units and drives up prices across the market, further limiting access to affordable housing.”
Williamson emphasizes the need to build more housing quickly. “Delays in construction and bureaucratic bottlenecks hinder the city’s ability to address the housing shortfall effectively,” she says. “Over 30,000 residents are in core housing need, as reported by Max Chauvin. This includes individuals and families who cannot afford suitable, adequate, and affordable housing, reflecting the growing depth of the crisis.”
As a not-for-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia faces rising costs and declining charitable donations, making it harder to address the growing demand for affordable housing. “Acquiring affordable land and securing the labour necessary to build homes has become increasingly difficult due to soaring costs in Halifax’s competitive real estate and construction markets,” says Williamson. “For the eleventh consecutive year, the number of Canadians making charitable donations has decreased, as highlighted in Charity Village’s 2024 Giving Report. This decline has made it harder to generate the financial support needed to scale our impact and meet the rising demand for affordable housing.”
Looking ahead to 2025
Is there hope on the horizon for housing? “There is a sense in the business community that the crisis is easing somewhat,” says Kent Roberts, Vice President of Policy at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “While there is a long way to go, a faster and improved regulatory environment has significantly increased the number of units being built in the HRM. And while rental prices remain high, even with the increased supply, units are taking longer to rent and some remain vacant, so market pressures may start to ease pricing as well.”
Roberts adds that new federal regulations are expected to slow population growth, which could help to stabilize the housing market this year. “It is anticipated in the short-term that population growth will slow with the recent federal reductions placed on immigration and international student intake levels,” he says. “While population growth is critical for long-term economic growth, this temporary slowdown may allow the infrastructure to catch up and help stabilize the housing market.”
Dauphinee shares Roberts’ optimism. “We expect a steady market, similar to 2024, with a slight increase as some buyers will come back to the table for lower interest rates, and predictions of increased new construction,” he says. “Consumer confidence is definitely on the rise.”
Andrew Gilroy, President of NSAR, adds that we may see an increased number of listings in 2025. “Renewals from COVID years will start to be due up, forcing some to sell, and creating a spike in inventory,” he says. “If rates settle by early spring, I believe we will see a surge in activity. Buyers are waiting for the lowest possible point on the interest rates to jump back into the market.”
Inch is also predicting that
population growth will remain steady, driving ongoing demand for housing, with affordability continuing to be a challenge despite increased supply. “We expect population growth to slow slightly but remain steady, sustaining demand for housing,” he says. “With a high number of housing starts in 2024, we anticipate some relief in the supply-demand balance as more units come onto the market. However, affordability will likely remain a challenge across all segments of the housing continuum. We plan to continue building to meet the needs of our markets and expect strong demand for new homes and rental apartments to persist.”
Addressing Nova Scotia’s housing crisis will require a balanced focus on affordable homeownership alongside rental and deeply affordable housing, says Williamson. “We will advocate more strongly for affordable homeownership as a critical part of the solution to the housing crisis,” she says. “Homeownership provides long-term economic stability, fosters wealth-building, and strengthens communities. It’s not just a personal milestone; it’s a driver of economic growth and social well-being.”
Williamson adds that collaboration with developers, non-profits, and government is crucial to creating balanced solutions for affordable homeownership and housing needs. “By working together, we can amplify our efforts and create innovative solutions that address different needs across the housing continuum,” she says. “We hope to see increased funding and resources from all levels of government, specifically dedicated to affordable homeownership. While deeply affordable and rental housing are essential, we must not overlook homeownership as a vital component of the housing continuum. A balanced approach that addresses all segments of housing need is critical for meaningful progress.” ■
Andrew Gilroy, President of Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®
Matthew Dauphinee, Past President of Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®
Donna Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia
Start small, dream big
Meet Starfish Painters, Small Business of the Year at the ISANS Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards
BY EMILY BEDNARZ AND ALLIE VAHRAMIAN
Last October, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) celebrated the fifth Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce was proud to support the Awards as a category partner for Small Business of the Year. We hope you enjoy getting to know Starfish Painters, who took home the 2024 Small Business of the Year award. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
IbrahimAl Ali is the Owner of Starfish Painting, a home painting and renovation company based out of Chester, Nova Scotia.
Al Ali is driven by a passion for transforming spaces and ensuring customer satisfaction. “Starfish Painters was founded with a vision to deliver high-quality painting and carpentry services while ensuring professionalism and reliability,” he says. “The business was born out of a passion for transforming homes and buildings into spaces that feel fresh and vibrant. It started small but quickly grew due to a strong focus on customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and a commitment to using quality products.”
Founded in 2019, the business has grown to expand the South Shore area and HRM. “Chester and Lunenburg are vibrant and growing communities with charming homes and businesses in need of professional care and restoration,” Al Ali adds. “Starfish Painters saw an opportunity to offer services tailored to this area’s historic and coastal properties, helping homeowners preserve their buildings while adding beauty and value.”
While Al Ali’s journey has been rewarding, he recalls that integrating into the community posed challenges when the business first opened. “All of our competitors have been there for at least 15 years, and we were new immigrants,” he
says. “Starting a business as an immigrant entrepreneur came with challenges like understanding local regulations, building a trusted client base, and adapting to a new culture.”
Al Ali overcame these initial barriers through hard work, determination, and building connections. “By learning from mentors, networking, and delivering consistent results, Starfish Painters gained trust and respect within the local market because we do what we agreed to do and we show up on time and we keep our promises,” he says.
His hard work culminated in his recent win at the ISANS Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards. “Winning the ISANS Small Business Award is a huge milestone for Starfish Painters,” says Al Ali. “It validates the hard work and dedication poured into
the business and highlights its positive impact within the community. The recognition boosts credibility, opens new opportunities, and serves as motivation to continue delivering exceptional service to clients across Nova Scotia.”
Al Ali has some wisdom to share if you’re a newcomer to Nova Scotia looking to start a business. “My advice to newcomers is to start small but dream big,” he says. “Understand the local market, build strong connections, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Organizations like ISANS offer valuable resources for immigrant entrepreneurs. Stay committed, deliver quality, and focus on customer relationships—success will follow.”
Learn more about ISANS at: isans.ca
Above: Ibrahim Al Ali (left) is the Owner of Starfish Painters and his brother Mohamad (right) is Project Manager. Below: Some of the finished results from a full-home renovation in Fall River completed by Starfish Painters.
Building a new lens
Meet Basha Koncepts Media By Allie Vahramian
Basha
Koncepts Media was founded in 2018 by Tamaya Henry and Romaine Rhoden. Over the years, the business has expanded from wedding and event photography to a videography-focused brand which includes feature films, commercials, and various forms of advertisements.
The journey to their success was not without its setbacks. After moving to Nova Scotia, Tamaya and Romaine wanted to use their wealth of experience in the industry on a team. “We tried to join a few different teams, one team in particular, but they rejected us right off the bat,” Romaine explains. “We were honestly kind of stunned because we expected a more welcoming experience. We knew we had talent and skills to bring to the table, so it was a surprising and challenging moment for us.”
Although faced with rejection, the married couple decided to use their skills to carve their own path in Halifax. “We realized that we had to do something,” says Romaine. “We told our story, in a way, and decided to reestablish ourselves and our business here. That became one
of the driving forces behind what we do.”
Flash forward to today, Basha Koncepts has seen tremendous growth. They’ve captured clients such as Symphony Nova Scotia, Black Business Initiative, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and a number of small organizations and charities.
For Romaine, recognition has been its own reward. “I think one of our biggest accomplishments has been reaching a point in the market where our work is being recognized,” he says. “We’re now serving the Nova Scotia community, and we’re looking to expand beyond that. The positive feedback we’ve received on our work has been incredibly rewarding.”
The risk of starting their own business proved to be the right choice, as Romaine explains. “Interestingly enough, a year or two after starting our business here, some of the same people who initially rejected us came back, asking us to join their team or collaborate with them,” he says. “But at that point, we had to say no because we were starting to get established.”
As Romaine reflects on the factors
behind their business growth, he highlights the importance of their approach to customer service. “I think what drives our success is that we strive to be different, especially when it comes to customer service,” he says. “I truly believe that the first impression people get matters, and we aim to stand out by ensuring we respond to emails promptly.”
Additionally, Romaine points out the impact of understanding a client’s perspective to build a lasting relationship. “During meetings with our clients, we focus on understanding what they want, not just what we think is best for them,” he says. “I believe that knowing exactly what the client wants makes a huge difference. We combine that understanding with our unique style of creating images, and I think this blend has been the driving force behind our success.”
Basha Koncepts Media is always accepting new clients and would love to help you advertise your business.
Find out more about their services and offers at:
bashakoncepts.com
Logistics under siege
Reflecting on Canada’s recent strike wave
NICK CUNNINGHAM SENIOR POLICY ANALYST HALIFAX CHAMBER
With projections pegging Canada to have the worst performing economy out of 38 advanced countries over the next forty years, Canada’s ability to enhance its productivity and competitiveness in the global economy depends on the strength and stability of our logistical infrastructure.
Ports, railways, and air travel systems form the backbone of our country’s supply chains, enabling the efficient movement of goods, services, and people. However, over the past two years, these critical arteries have been facing large setbacks from a wave of labour disruptions.
The Ports
Recent labour disputes have caused significant disruptions at Canada’s major ports, particularly in Vancouver and Montreal. Both ports are critical for exporting Canadian agricultural and forestry products, oil, and critical minerals, as well as importing many goods— including electronics and other consumer goods—totalling a combined $1 billion+ in daily trade.
Rail
The recent rail strike in Canada, involving over 9,000 workers from Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railways, significantly disrupted supply chains across North America. These two companies manage around 90% of Canada’s rail shipments, transporting essential goods such as raw materials, automotive parts, agricultural products, and consumer goods. The strike created bottlenecks in the transportation of $1 billion worth of goods daily.
Air Travel
Labour issues at Air Canada, including pilot contract disputes, added to the challenges in 2024. Although it
Source: Strategic Policy, Analysis, and Workplace Information Directorate, Labour Program, Employment and Social Development Canada. Note: Work stoppage data cover strikes and lockouts that amount to 10 or more person-days not worked.
did not result in widespread strikes, the prolonged negotiations created substantial challenges for travellers and businesses across Canada. Over 110,000 passengers per day were affected by flight cancellations and delays, leading to disrupted holiday plans and business travel schedules. This had notable impacts on tourism-based industries as well as businesses reliant on Air Canada’s cargo services.
Federal Employees
The recent federal employee strike in Canada, involving more than 155,000 workers represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), significantly disrupted government services nationwide. The strike, one of the largest in Canadian history, halted or slowed services such as passport processing, food inspections, and tax return processing. For businesses, this meant delays in approvals, permits, and cross-border trade documentation, adding strain to sectors already grappling with supply chain challenges.
Postal Services
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) added to the turmoil this past year by initiating a nationwide strike on November 15, 2024. With over 55,000 workers who went on strike, the
stoppage came at a critical time just before the busy holiday season, making it challenging for Canadian small businesses, particularly those relying heavily on Canada Post for deliveries.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) data, since 2021, more than 1.4 million unionized workers have been involved in more than 1,100 strikes and lockouts. In 2023 alone, there were 745 work stoppages resulting in more than 6.5 million person-days not worked.
The Chamber’s Q3 2024 Business Conditions Report showed a sharp increase in the number of Halifax businesses who have indicated that their supply chains have worsened, as well as a sharp increase in the number of businesses who expect supply chain obstacles to continue to worsen over the next three months.
Because of these impacts, Chambers across the country continue to advocate to Governments at all levels as well as union leadership and business leaders for the critical need to collaborate early and often to prevent these types of interruptions from further disrupting the Canadian economy. The federal government should prioritize proactive mediation and establish clear contingency plans including binding arbitration to protect Canada’s supply chain arteries. ■
2025 will present us with uncertainty—and choices
Greetings from the Ghost of Christmas Past!
IAN MUNRO CHIEF ECONOMIST HALIFAX PARTNERSHIP
Itis mid-December as I write an “economic outlook for the year” article for this early 2025 edition of Business Voice.
By the time you read this, Donald Trump will be back in the White House, and you will know whether he has indeed carried through on his threatened inauguration day imposition of a 25% tariff on all Canadian products entering the United States. The latest annual population estimates for Halifax will be available and you will have a better sense of the impact that changes in federal immigration policy have had on our population growth. You may already be in the midst of a Canadian federal election with a clearer sense of each party’s policy proposals and a more confident prediction as to who will form the next government.
I have lost count of the number of analyses that have been published in the past few weeks by financial institutions, think-tank, and academic economists on the estimated impact of the Trump tariffs, all of which deride tariffs generally and predict negative consequences for the Canadian economy.
Among Canadian provinces, first-order effects could be less severe in Nova Scotia as our share of GDP composed of exports to the United States is among the lowest. What happens, though … to lobster exports through Halifax Stanfield International Airport and container traffic through the Port of Halifax, for example … if the price of Canada’s relief from American tariffs is a requirement to become a more active participant in a tariff war with China? More broadly, but not unique to Halifax or Nova Scotia, how will we fare if these geopolitical developments lead to a resurgence of inflation and a rebound of interest rates in response?
A possible inflection point in our population growth curve presents a double-edged sword. While future demographic realities mean that we will continue to need newcomers to support our economy as entrepreneurs, business owners, skilled labour, and taxpayers, a temporary slowdown will ease pressures on stressed housing markets, transportation networks, and health care systems. Some employers and our post-secondary institutions, however, face serious financial repercussions as their flows of workers and students are reduced.
And how will the impending federal election impact our economic outlook? Central to this answer is the degree to which the next Parliament understands and addresses our poor comparative performance and recent downward trends in productivity and standard of living.
Big challenges require bold action and changes to major drivers of productivity like taxation, regulation, competition, and trade policies are often controversial and become highly politicized. Can we summon another “Ivany moment” to forge consensus on those necessary bold actions, just as Nova Scotians from all walks of life took up the common cause of addressing looming demographic decline a decade ago?
By now you will have realized that this “outlook” contains more questions than answers. Rather than being a Keynesian, a Marxist, or a Friedmanite, I subscribe to the Yogi Berra school of economics, “It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.” Cliché as it may sound, the one certainty for 2025 would appear to be uncertainty. (In fact, this will likely hold true until January 2029. Sigh.)
This uncertainty brings with it substantial risks and some serious potential consequences.
Opportunity is before us as well, though. There are choices within our grasp to mitigate and offset these risks and propel us to greater prosperity.
As a final question: can we collectively summon the resolve to take the path of bold action? As a final answer: I believe we can.
Please join us this spring as we kick off conversations focused on various aspects of our productivity challenge and how we can build consensus towards addressing them.
Let’s get to it!
Learn more about the Halifax Partnership at: halifaxpartnership.com
ACORN ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Legal obligations underpin equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility
Human rights are more than EDIA targets
JOSEPH FRASER DIRECTOR AND CEO NOVA SCOTIA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Atthe Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, we embrace the Akan word “Sankofa” from the people of Ghana which translates to mean “go back and get it,” encouraging us to look at our past to inform our future. As we commemorate African Heritage Month (February) and the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21), I invite you to consider the moment we are in within the context of human rights.
The Human Rights Commission administers the province’s Human Rights Act through a dual mandate: to protect human rights using a dispute resolution process and to promote and advance human rights through education and engagement. The former is the direct result of the advocacy, activism and leadership of African Nova Scotians who fought to have their rights, and the rights of others protected by law. The latter—the mandate to raise awareness and understanding of human rights—is the result of the Donald Marshall Jr. Inquiry, and the assertion that to prevent acts of discrimination, Nova Scotians must understand that all people are equal in dignity and rights.
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Act is part of a system of laws created to prevent discrimination and protect individuals from differential treatment based on aspects of their personhood: their race or colour, sex, gender identity, ability, ethnic or national origin, to name a few. We have human rights to thank for
“Business owners and entrepreneurs are a vital part of the community positioned to profoundly influence well-being, quality of life and human rights for all Nova Scotians.”
creating the conditions for our multicultural, diverse and vibrant society, and for removing barriers to greater inclusion.
Business owners and entrepreneurs are a vital part of the community positioned to profoundly influence well-being, quality of life and human rights for all Nova Scotians. We need only look at the story of Viola Desmond, a successful businesswoman who owned the Desmond School of Beauty Culture, and in 1946 while waiting for her car to be repaired in New Glasgow, decided to watch a movie at the then racially segregated Roseland Theatre.
Employers, educators, governments and other organizations have, in large part, over the last half-century come to recognize the need to foster inclusion and prevent differential treatment. In many cases, this came as the result of legal challenges. What began as Diversity and Inclusion (DI), and then Equity (DEI), later Accessibility (EDIA), and in some more progressive spaces, Reconciliation (EDIRA), has resulted in meaningful change.
Successful businesses know that a commitment to diversity will enhance their ability to attract and retain talent, foster innovation, improve customer relations, expand into new markets, and meet legal and social responsibilities. They know that this holistic approach
will contribute to greater productivity and profit. However, some large organizations are signalling they are moving away from EDIA commitments. Some herald this as a victory over “woke-ism,” sentiments we can see echoing within other areas of society. However, a turn away from EDIA commitments does not mean our human rights obligations go away. Human rights are enshrined in legislation and carry the weight of quasi-constitutional law.
Education, policies, and inclusive workplace practices are tools to help ensure individuals’ personal characteristics do not cause them to experience differential treatment, discrimination or harassment. These tools help to address structural and attitudinal barriers and outdated notions of anyone being lesser than or not entitled to something because of who they are. Regardless of the tools used, for employers, creating workplaces where all employees are treated fairly is not just good for business—it is the law.
Learn more about the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission at: humanrights.novascotia.ca
Unnecessary physician burden reduced by 400k hours
What can business learn from this red tape reduction?
BARB JOHNSON SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR DOCTORS NOVA SCOTIA
DoctorsNova Scotia has long identified physician burden, or red tape, as a component of burnout. Most doctors spend hours a day completing paperwork and doing work that could be done by another licensed and trained healthcare professional. While much of the administrative work is necessary, some of it is unnecessary or can be duplicative or overly complicated.
Red tape impacts doctors because productivity slows, job satisfaction decreases and they end up spending time on unnecessary work in addition to that which is vital to patient care. Often, this work happens outside of clinic hours evenings and weekends.
Premier Houston set an ambitious goal of reducing physician red tape by 400,000 hours in 2024. That target has been exceeded, with more savings achieved in early 2025.
With many partners across the government and outside of it, the province’s Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service
Effectiveness (ORASE) has been leading the work to uncover red tape for doctors, measure its impact and address it. The aim is to make it easier and faster for doctors to work in our province, so they have a better work/life balance and, more importantly, Nova Scotians receive the care they deserve, when they need it.
Improving common forms
Some of the most frequently completed forms identified by doctors have been revised to make them faster and easier to complete. The forms are now included in electronic medical records (EMRs), a system that is also being reformed to improve how physicians access and submit the forms.
Working with the insurance industry
Nova Scotia led the country in improving disability insurance forms, which are completed more than 5,000 times a year by doctors. These forms have been standardized, reducing the number of forms from 56 to just two, and are being used across the country.
A public campaign is also underway to remind Nova Scotians that more and more private insurance plans no longer require a doctor’s referral for things like massage, chiropractic services and physiotherapy. Employers can help with this by reviewing what documentation their insurance plan requires to support efforts to make the most effective use of doctors’ time.
Exploring AI scribe technology
In collaboration with Doctors Nova Scotia, the Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health, the government is piloting the use of
artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with the intention to expand across the province. An AI scribe can digitally transcribe conversations with consenting patients into electronic and medical notes. In other jurisdictions where this technology is used, it has been shown to save family doctors up to two hours every day.
What can business learn from this work?
Every sector has its own red tape and administrative burden, both necessary and unnecessary. Just as physicians are affected, so are businesses—your vendors, employees and clients—because unnecessary red tape can impact productivity and job satisfaction and take time away from running and growing your business.
Businesses can take stock of their work by assessing the high-volume administrative work expected by clients, vendors and partners. Seek feedback, identify redundant forms, create more efficient processes and with new initiatives have a goal of reducing red tape. If it’s on your radar, you’re more likely to make red tape reduction a priority.
Read more about the work underway for doctors at:
novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity
The power of highly effective teams
Six key habits for success
CRAIG SAMPSON FOUNDER GRAN SASSO HR SOLUTIONS
High-performing teams are the backbone of any successful organization. Whether in business, sports, or creative endeavours, teams that consistently achieve great results share six common habits that set them apart. Understanding these habits can help organizations build teams that not only excel but also thrive in challenging environments.
1. Clear Goals and Shared Vision
Highly effective teams have a clear sense of purpose. They understand what they are working toward and why it matters. This shared vision aligns individual efforts, ensuring that every team member is pulling in the same direction. In sports, for example, championship-winning teams don’t just aim to win games—they aim for championship titles, and every action they take is connected to that goal.
Habits to Adopt:
• Regularly revisit team goals to ensure everyone is aligned.
• Break long-term goals into actionable, measurable steps.
2. Open Communication and Transparency
Effective teams prioritize open communication, fostering an environment where ideas, feedback, and concerns can be shared without fear of judgment. This transparency builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps solve problems faster.
Habits to Adopt:
• Hold regular team meetings and check-ins.
• Encourage active listening and constructive feedback.
3. Strong Leadership and Accountability
Every successful team has strong leadership that sets the tone for accountability and responsibility. The best leaders inspire, motivate, and ensure that team members are held accountable for their contributions. However, leadership is not confined to just managers; high-performing teams have members who are encouraged to act and hold each other accountable.
Habits to Adopt:
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities.
• Recognize and reward accountability at all levels.
4. Collaboration and Trust
Teams that trust each other work more efficiently. They collaborate effectively because they believe in one another’s skills and intentions. Trust reduces team friction and promotes mutual support. Successful teams rely on seamless coordination, where each player knows their role and trusts their teammates to execute theirs.
Habits to Adopt:
• Engage in team-building activities.
• Define and promote a culture of mutual respect and shared success.
5. Adaptability and Resilience
Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. What sets high-performing teams apart is their ability to adapt and stay resilient in the face of adversity. They learn from failures, adjust strategies, and keep moving forward.
Habits to Adopt:
• Foster a growth mindset by viewing mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Stay flexible with strategies while staying committed to goals.
6. Continuous Learning and Development
High-performing teams never settle for the status quo. They embrace continuous learning, whether through professional development, feedback, or cross-training. This keeps skills sharp and helps teams stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Habits to Adopt:
• Invest in training and development programs.
• Encourage personal and team growth through learning challenges. The habits of highly effective teams are no accident—they are deliberate practices built on trust, communication, shared vision, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. By cultivating these habits, organizations can unlock their full potential and sustain long-term success. Regardless of company size, industry or market, the formula for success remains the same: strong collaborative team efforts are driven by deliberate, consistent habits and clear alignment to goals.
Learn more about Gran Sasso HR Solutions at: gransassohr.com
How to increase confidence
Increasing self-confidence and team confidence
SUSAN POWER FOUNDER & CEO POWERUP LEADERSHIP
Confidence
is often mistaken as a feeling. Often, leaders hesitate to make a decision or take action because they do not feel confident. A better definition of confidence is the willingness to try something new despite your fear.
We know that any new skill, whether that is trying a new sport, or leading a team for the first time, takes time to learn and master. With practice and “putting in the reps,” leaders grow their confidence in how to engage their team and lead effectively. The problem is when leaders stop themselves from taking action because they don’t feel ready, as they will never feel ready to try something new. Just like you can’t learn to ride a bike by reading about it and preparing for it, leadership involves trying out leading, engaging, and interacting with others.
Some techniques that are effective for building confidence include:
Reframe fear
Fear is false evidence appearing real. Our brains often fuse onto negative thoughts (it helped us survive as a species) and fear can send us into a negative spiral. One of the most useful methods for building confidence is to interrupt
that negative thinking loop. One visualization exercise involves picturing each thought as a leaf floating down a stream. As you close your eyes, observe each one of your thoughts as a leaf floating down the stream. Eventually, you will uncover a negative thought. Calling out that thought—like, “Hey here is a doom and gloom thought,” or “another judging thought,” or “a protecting thought—will help you distance yourself and defuse from the negative thought. With regular practice of this visualization, during times of stress, you will be able to avoid fusing to negative thoughts when under pressure and take more confident action.
Practice, practice, practice
No one wants to hear this, but there is a reason that the masters of any field are so skilled and often confident in their capabilities. Think about Michael Jordan. He didn’t make his high school basketball team, but he practiced and practiced, taking thousands of shots, and became one of the best in the field. Think about Tiger Woods, who picked up his first golf club at the age of 18 months, practicing for hours with his father at a young age. By assessing what is working well and what areas you can improve in each day, you will improve and become more confident.
Progress is incremental and you will get better. Imagine getting better by 1% each day on a focused skill: you will be 365% stronger by the end of the year.
Treat yourself like a friend
Most of us are much more critical and judgmental of our own performance than we ever are of a friend or a co-worker. By practicing self-compassion each day and focusing on our wins and what went well, we create a much more supportive narrative for increasing performance and confidence over time. It is important that you do not expect perfection of yourself as that is an unrealistic standard, and you will never be able to meet it sustainably over time.
PowerUp Leadership is focused on creating inspired leadership to increase employee performance. We do this through our leadership development programs that include training, coaching, and assessments, as well as our HR membership portal for unlimited HR support. Confidence building is one of the modules in our public leadership development program.
Learn more about PowerUp Leadership at: powerupleadership.ca
Storytelling in the digital age
Anchored in tradition, reaching toward forever
MARGO JAY, JULIA CAMPBELL, AND NICK CAMPBELL NORTH SHORE DISTILLERY LTD.
In Nova Scotia, storytelling is as much a part of life as the salt air and the sound of the waves. It’s not just something people do—it’s who they are. Whether it’s a nickname shared at the family table or a tale told by the bonfire, stories have always been a way of connecting, remembering, and belonging. But in a world where stories now live online as much as in the moment, the question arises: Is something being lost, or are new ways being created to hold on?
The beauty of a story lies in its ability to live on. Once told, it weaves its way into memory, carried by those who hear it. Digital media has created a unique extension of this magic. A shared video, a captioned photo, or even a tweet may seem fleeting, but they carry stories across distances and through time, creating something close to permanence. According to a study from Stanford University, digital storytelling has proven to preserve cultural and personal narratives, enhancing both the accessibility of stories and the bonds they create in communities.
Picture a kitchen party on the shore, where fiddles play and laughter flows. Twenty years ago, that memory lived in the hearts of those present. Today, a video of that same moment can be shared with relatives across the globe or replayed by those who were there, allowing them to relive it like a favourite chapter in a book.
Digital storytelling comes with a gift: reach. It shares the heart of Nova Scotia’s traditions with the world, connecting this place to people who may never have set foot here. But something
“Digital storytelling comes with a gift: reach. It shares the heart of Nova Scotia’s traditions with the world, connecting this place to people who may never have set foot here. But something is also risked: the texture.”
is also risked: the texture. The leaning-in, the sparkle in the teller’s eye, the rhythm of a voice. Stories online can sometimes feel polished but distant, losing the heartbeat that makes them unforgettable. Even so, digital stories bring their own kind of magic. They amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard and provide a permanence that even memory can’t match. Nicknames spoken in a Maritime kitchen may one day fade from living memory—but a photo captioned with “Banty Rooster,” “Fiddler MacDonald,” or “PJ” can live on,
preserving the humor and humanity of the people who carried those names. At Salty Poet, the belief runs deep that stories are more than moments— tying people to the past and carrying them into the future. Whether told face-to-face or shared online, they hold the warmth, humour, and grit of Nova Scotia’s identity. Each story deserves to be told, with a little salt and a lot of heart.
Learn more about Salty Poet at: saltypoet.com
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From residential to commercial systems, including farms and agricultural systems, trust us to provide you with the quality only experience can bring.
For your free solar assessment please contact us
SM ALL BUSINESS IS ALWAYS A BIG DEAL.
Sure, it can be a challenge for a single small business to make noise. But when you’re a member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, it’s not you against the world—it’s the world behind you. Our thousands of members act as a single, powerful voice to promote local business interests. We also support businesses of all sizes with with training, information sessions, and networking events. Become a member today.
