November 27, 2017, NEW MARYLAND (GNB) – The provincial government and Regional Service Commission 11 have signed a memorandum of understanding to encourage increased communication and collaboration to help grow the local and regional economies.

“Your government understands the value of working together to grow and strengthen our province,” said deputy premier Stephen Horsman. “By creating strong partnerships with all stakeholders, we will be able to grow the economy and create jobs in the communities that make up Regional Service Commission 11.”

The 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 aim 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.

“We have many great resources and stakeholders in the region, and we are eager to bring everyone to the table to work together on building our local communities and economies,” said Judy Wilson-Shee, commission chair.

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.

Regional Service Commission 11 Agreement 27-11-2017
From left: Judy Wilson-Shee, chair of Regional Service Commission 11; and deputy premier Stephen Horsman.

MEDIA CONTACT(S):

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