November 7, 2017, DIEPPE (GNB) – The provincial government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Southeast Regional Service Commission aimed at encouraging collaboration among partners in the region to address workforce, infrastructure and other challenges.

“We are stronger when we work together,” said Finance Minister Cathy Rogers. “The New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan identifies local and regional economic growth as an important part of our province’s success. We are pleased to work with the Southeast Regional Service Commission for the benefit of all communities in the region.”

Rogers signed the agreement on behalf of Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.

These agreements are part of an initiative led by Opportunities NB that will see similar agreements signed in the coming weeks with each of the province’s 12 commissions. The Chaleur, Western Valley, Northwest, Greater Miramichi and Kent commissions have already signed agreements.

The intention of these agreements is to identify ways in which communication can be improved and processes streamlined between local and regional stakeholders and provincial and federal economic development organizations.

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.

“Aligning the great work already being done in the southeast with the province’s plans makes perfect sense,” said Yvon Lapierre, chair of the Southeast Regional Services Commission. “We are eager to work together with all stakeholders in an effort to strengthen our community and grow our economy.”

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. The executive 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.

Agreement with Southeast Regional Service Commission 07-11-2017

From left: Yvon Lapierre, chair of the Southeast Regional Services Commission, and Finance Minister Cathy Rogers.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):

Carolyn McCormack, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-453-8168.