Which local suppliers accelerate your business?
That’s the question we asked our readers to answer across 21 different B2B categories—and wow, did they respond! We received more than 1,500 votes on everything from best law firm to best insurance provider to best place to eat when you’re on a per diem.

By the way, this wasn’t one of those online polls where people see results in real time then submit multiple votes for their preferred nominee (often themselves). Nor did we offer choices for people to vote on. Votes were submitted blind: each voter submitted their own unprompted category favorites and no one could see which way the voting was going until the poll closed and we downloaded the results. That’s why we believe our Best Of list offers real insights.

Based on reader response, we know the Best of Atlantic Canada Readers Choice Awards will be back again next year. If you’d like to recommend a category that’s not included in this list, email your suggestion to [email protected]

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Best Accounting Advisory Firm

Readers’ Choice for medium-to-large size companies: Grant Thornton LLP
This leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm has 26 offices across Atlantic Canada providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations.

Readers’ Choice for small business: Clarified Accounting
With offices in N.L. (St. John’s, Stephenville, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City) and Halifax, N.S., Clarified Accounting specializes in start-ups and small business.

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Best Financial Institution

Readers Choice for medium-to-large size companies: RBC
In Atlantic Canada, RBC’s Business Financial Services team has over 190 financial professionals offering industry-specialized advice and solutions to small, medium and commercial businesses.

Honourable Mention: Scotiabank (branches throughout Atlantic Canada)

Readers Choice for small business: Credit Union
These co-operative financial institutions serve almost 300,000 member-owners across the region and manage financial assets of almost $6.8 billion.
“My credit union really understands me and my business—they want me to succeed as much as I do!”

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Best Law Firm

Readers Choice: Cox & Palmer
This full-service, top ranked Atlantic Canadian law firm has 200 lawyers in nine offices throughout the region.

Honourable Mention: Stewart McKelvey (offices throughout Atlantic Canada)

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Best Health/Medical Insurance Provider

Readers Choice: Medavie Blue Cross
Based in Moncton, N.B., Medavie is an all-in-one carrier that provides health, dental, travel, life and disability benefits to individuals and organizations.

Honourable Mention: Atlantic Benefits Collaborative (Saint John, N.B.)

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Best Property/Vehicle Insurance Provider

Readers Choice: Wedgwood Insurance Ltd. (N.L.)
With offices in St. John’s and Corner Brook, Wedgwood is Newfoundland & Labrador’s largest independent insurance broker, providing personal and commercial insurance advice.
“Wedgwood insured our downtown home when no other local broker would. We’re very happy with their service.”

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Best Institution for Professional Development

Readers Choice: University of New Brunswick College of Extended Learning (Fredericton, N.B.)
Provides courses and programs designed for busy professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and sharpen workplace skills. They also specialize in customized training for organizations.
“Great range of programs and online options for busy professionals.”
Honourable Mention: Bluedrop Learning Networks (St. John’s, N.L.)

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Best Industry Association

Readers Choice: Noia
Noia is the largest association in Canada representing approximately 460 members involved in the supply and service sector of the offshore oil & gas industry.
“Tireless advocates for our offshore industries.”

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Best Telecommunications Provider

Readers Choice: Bell Aliant
A subsidiary of Bell Canada, Bell Aliant provides mobile, Internet, TV, Smart Home and connectivity communications services for residential, business and public sector clients throughout the region.
Honourable Mention: Rogers (offices throughout Atlantic Canada)

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Best Marketing/Branding Firm

Readers Choice: Inconclusive, the voting was too close to identify a winner. Contenders include Brainworks, Idea Factory, M5, Ray Agency, Revolve and WeUsThem.

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Best Retailer for Office Furniture

Readers Choice: Atlantic Business Interiors
Providing workplace solutions and office furniture since 1986, they have offices in Halifax/Dartmouth, N.S., Saint John/Moncton, N.B., St. John’s, N.L. and Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Honourable Mention: Dicks and Co. (St. John’s, N.L.)

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Best Dealer for Company Vehicles

Readers Choice: Steele Auto Group
A diversified group of automobile dealerships, with 41 dealerships across Atlantic Canada selling 27 brands.
Honourable Mention: O’Regan’s (Halifax, Dartmouth and Bridgewater, N.S.)

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Best Retailer for Office Supplies

Readers Choice: Staples
Founded in 1991, Staples Canada is a privately-held company based in Richmond Hill, O.N. with a network of over 300 stores across Canada.
Honourable Mention: Dicks and Co. (St. John’s, N.L.)

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Best Retailer for Computer Equipment

Readers Choice: Best Buy
Canada’s largest consumer electronics retailer with 175+ stores across the country.

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Best Source for Corporate Swag

Readers Choice: Inconclusive, the voting was too close to identify a winner. Contenders include Custom Design and Printing, Kadopromo and Valley Graphics.

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Best Construction/Renovation Company

Reader’s Choice: rcs Construction
Based in Bedford, N.S. and with offices in St. John’s, N.L. and Moncton, N.B., rcs launched in 1996 as a retail contractor. It has grown into a general contractor specializing in construction management and general contracting.

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Best Trucking/Transportation Company

Reader’s Choice: Midland Transport
A subsidiary of J.D. Irving, Ltd., Midland is located in Dieppe, N.B. and employs more than 1,700 people in Canada and the United States.

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Best Hotel Chain for Business Travellers

Reader’s Choice: Marriott
Marriott International is comprised of 30 hotel brands and 7,000+ properties across 131 countries.
“The Marriott reward program is one of the best in the business and their service is consistent across the brand.”

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Best Location for a Corporate Retreat

Reader’s Choice: Fox Harb’r
An all-in-one luxury golf, spa and oceanside resort experience in Fox Harbour, N.S. for groups of 10 to 170.
“Fantastic selection of activities and amenities. Well trained staff, beautiful location.”

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Best Airline

Readers Choice: PAL Airlines (St. John’s, N.L.)
One of the largest independent airlines in Eastern Canada, its core services include scheduled flights, air charter and air cargo.
“I can’t always fly PAL, but when I can, I do. Their service makes flying fun again!”

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Best Restaurant to Impress a Client

Readers Choice (N.B.): Wolastoq Wharfcasual fine-dining seafood restaurant in Fredericton.
“I will never stop coming back for the seafood fettucine!”

Readers Choice (N.L.): The Merchant Tavern in St. John’s offers fresh local fare, served with gourmet flair.
“The lively atmosphere makes this a perfect place to take a client. It’s such a happening place you feel comfortable talking business.”

Readers Choice (N.S.): CUT Steakhouse on the Halifax waterfront delivers a curated dining experience.
“From helping you select your steak to pairing it with the perfect wine, the service here is a CUT above (pun intended).”

Readers Choice (P.E.I.): Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Charlottetown, where locally-raised beef, big wine and Island hospitality come together.
“I was so impressed, I’m recommending Sims Corner private dining for our next board meeting.”

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Best Places to Eat on a Per Diem

Readers Choice (N.S.): Tarek’s Café (Halifax)
“Authentic, tasty Lebanese take out with lots of meat and meatless options. You can tell how good it is by the number of locals who come here.”

Readers Choice (NB): Irving Big Stop diners
“When I’m on the road between N.B. and N.S. and I want a fast, filling, sit-down meal, the Salisbury Big Stop is my go-to.”

Readers Choice (N.L.): The Salt House Kitchen (St. John’s)
“From burgers to fettucine, they have really good food at really great prices.”

Readers Choice (P.E.I.): Olde Dublin Pub (Charlottetown)
“There’s nothing like comfort food when you’re away from home. Olde Dublin delivers pub classics in fine style.”