January 22, 2018, CAMPBELLTON (GNB) – The Restigouche Regional Service Commission has become the 12th and final commission to sign a memorandum of understanding with the provincial government that will encourage collaboration among partners to address key workforce, infrastructure and other opportunities and challenges.
“The provincial government believes that working hand-in-hand with communities is essential,” said Labour, Employment and Population Growth Minister Gilles LePage. “As we continue to grow the province’s economy and population, agreements like this demonstrate that we are committed to building strong relationships in every region of New Brunswick.”
LePage signed the agreement on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
The agreements are part of an initiative led by Opportunities NB that has seen similar agreements signed with each of the province’s 12 commissions. The intention is to identify ways in which communication can be improved and processes streamlined between partners in each of the regions.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
“This is a great initiative,” said Michel Soucy, chair of the Restigouche Regional Service Commission. “This region has excellent infrastructure in place, from the port, to the airport, college, modern schools and other facilities. We are eager to put more of a focus on the economic growth of our region and look forward to working with the province.”
Under the agreement, Opportunities NB will place a community economic development executive in each region. The executive will meet with municipal government and local service district advisory committees, industry groups, and other local and regional stakeholders on a regular basis to discuss specific economic opportunities. The executive will support local and regional opportunities through their connections to appropriate provincial and federal government departments and agencies.
The new executives are in place in 11 of the 12 regions, with recruitment underway to fill the position in the Chaleur region.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Eric Lewis, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-866-6938, eric.lewis@onbcanada.ca.
