November 6, 2017, PETIT-ROCHER (GNB) – The provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding today with the Chaleur Regional Service Commission that encourages collaboration among partners to help grow the local economy.
“Local and regional economic development is a key part of the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Brian Kenny. “By working closely with partners in the Chaleur Regional Service Commission, we can strengthen and grow the local economy and community.”
Kenny signed the agreement on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.
This agreement is part of an initiative led by Opportunities NB that will see similar agreements signed with each of the province’s 12 commissions. The intention is to identify ways in which communications can be improved and processes streamlined in each of the regions. Local and regional stakeholders will work with provincial and federal economic development organizations to address key workforce, infrastructure and other challenges.
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.
“We are eager to collaborate with the province on this project to strengthen our community,” said Jean-Guy Grant, chair of the Chaleur Regional Service Commission. “By bringing everyone to the table, we can better focus and utilize the many great resources we have in this region of the province.”
Under the agreement, Opportunities NB will place a community economic development executive in the region. The executive will meet with municipal government and local service district advisory committees, industry groups, chambers of commerce and other local and regional stakeholders on a regular basis to discuss specific economic opportunities. They will support local and regional opportunities through their connections to appropriate provincial and federal government departments and agencies.
Recruitment for the position has begun, with an employee expected to be in place in January.
From left: Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Brian Kenny; commission chair Jean-Guy Grant; and , Chair, Chaleur Regional Service Commission, and Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Carolyn McCormack, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-453-8168.