LISTEN: A new regional construction alliance forms across Atlantic Canada, PEI tables its largest deficit in provincial history, Maritime lobster markets recover after China’s tariff reversal, and a snow crab pricing deal ends a two-week standoff in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This week on the Atlantic Canada Business Report, host Peter McCully covers regional labour markets, a new construction industry alliance, fishery pricing developments, a record provincial deficit, a long-term care strike, and a federal fuel tax suspension. Labour market data shows Atlantic Canada entering the second quarter with gains in all four provinces — Nova Scotia up 3,900 jobs, New Brunswick at a year-over-year high of 9,000, Prince Edward Island adding 2,600, and Newfoundland and Labrador growing 2% year over year. Eight provincial construction associations have united to form the Atlantic Construction Alliance, representing more than 100,000 contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers, with a mandate to improve procurement, labour mobility, and housing delivery across the region.

Maritime lobster harvesters are heading into spring with improved pricing expectations following the removal of China’s 25% tariff on Canadian seafood, though rising fuel and bait costs are squeezing margins. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union and the Association of Seafood Producers reached a snow crab pricing agreement, ending a two-week dispute that delayed the 2026 season opening. Prince Edward Island tabled its 2026–27 operating budget projecting a $410 million deficit — the largest in the province’s history. In Nova Scotia, more than 2,200 long-term care workers are on strike across 25 facilities. Ottawa has also announced a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax from April 20th to September 7th.

Highlights:

Atlantic Canada - Eight provincial construction associations have joined to form the Atlantic Construction Alliance, a new regional body representing more than 100,000 contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers. The alliance will advocate for fairer procurement, improved labour mobility, stronger workforce development, and accelerated housing delivery.

Nova Scotia - More than 2,200 workers across 25 long-term care homes are on strike, seeking a $5/hour wage increase across all classifications. Workers include continuing care assistants, licensed practical nurses, and support service staff such as dietary and laundry employees.

New Brunswick - The New Brunswick government has reached a tentative agreement with more than 3,500 public service workers, covering 11 bargaining units now consolidated into one master agreement. Full details are being withheld pending ratification.

Prince Edward Island - PEI has tabled its 2026–27 operating budget projecting revenues of $3.4 billion against spending of $3.8 billion — a $410 million deficit, the largest in the province’s history and the largest relative to GDP of any province in Canada.

Newfoundland and Labrador - The Fish Food and Allied Workers Union and the Association of Seafood Producers have reached a snow crab pricing agreement, ending a two-week standoff. Harvesters received $6/pound through April 18th, adjusting to $5.75/pound thereafter, with prices tied to weekly markets.

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