November 3, 2015, FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant, who is also the minister responsible for innovation, hosted an Opportunities Summit today in Fredericton for those involved in the Information and Communications Technology sector.
“Supporting growth in this sector and creating an innovative climate are important parts of our plan to create jobs and opportunities in our communities,” said Gallant. “Working with stakeholders, we are going to create a strong eco-system for innovation in New Brunswick which will help create growth.”
A group of stakeholders from around the province were invited to share ideas for fostering growth in the industry.
The information and communications technology sector employs more than 7,000 New Brunswickers, with an additional 5,000 in information technology jobs in other sectors of the economy, and contributes more than $95 million to the provincial GDP annually.
Recently, the provincial government announced a partnership with the private sector to create a digital lab project. This partnership will provide a platform to foster innovation by bringing together expertise from the public and private sector.
“This is an opportunity for us to create jobs while becoming a truly digital province which will allow us to accelerate job growth and investment in the information and communications technology sector while lowering costs to taxpayers,” said Gallant.
A series of Opportunities Summits are taking place around the province to identify new prospects for creating jobs and economic growth. The opportunities identified will be reviewed and evaluated for development as part of an economic action plan for the province.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Carolyn McCormack, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-453-8168.