BAS-CARAQUET (CNB) - The provincial government will encourage economic growth and new opportunities for northern New Brunswick through a three-year regional plan unveiled today by Premier Shawn Graham.

"The government's Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick identifies specific actions to stimulate the northern economy and seize opportunities to create jobs in the region," said Graham. "Economic growth is dependent upon the government making wise investments in highways, wireless communications, energy, ports, airports, railways and other public infrastructure."

Joining Graham were Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Infrastructure Initiative, Bas-Caraquet Mayor Agnes Doiron and community and business leaders.

The plan urges governments at every level, private industry and community partners in northern New Brunswick to embrace a shared vision for growth.

Key actions:

Creating an environment that will enable northern New Brunswick industry to create 2,700 permanent jobs during the next three years. Identifying modular fabricated and component construction industries; industrial development; and resource-based industries as major growth opportunities. Developing a marketing plan to promote northern New Brunswick for work, visiting and investing. Creating an economic development team to implement the action plan. Creating a more competitive business environment to spur entrepreneurial activity, innovation, investment and growth in the region. Strengthening partnerships among colleges, universities, centres of excellence and industry to enhance learning and training opportunities. Making strategic investments in tourism and infrastructure projects that support economic growth. Increasing the pool of the skilled workers by developing a strategy to keep young people from leaving; attracting and retaining immigrants and repatriating skilled New Brunswickers to the region. Increasing economic and social inclusion in keeping with the provincial poverty reduction plan, Overcoming Poverty Together. Creating a northern regional forum of business, municipal, community and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the action plan. An advisory board including provincial government deputy ministers, the Northern New Brunswick Leadership Council, the Conseil Economique du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Association francophone des municipalities du Nouveau-Brunswick, and municipalities will address issues, track results and provide direction to the economic development team. "This action plan was developed through a community-style approach that harnessed the region's greatest resource, its people," said Arseneault.

Last July, Graham and Arseneault announced the development of the action plan in consultation with stakeholders including: communities; economic development organizations; the Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick; the New Brunswick Business Council; social organizations; Association francophone des municipalities du Nouveau-Brunswick; and other interest groups.

10/01/23

MEDIA CONTACT: Bruce Macfarlane, Regional Development Corporation, 506-444-4606, 506-476-1376 (cell), bruce.macfarlane@gnb.ca.