Jan. 10, 2023, FREDERICTON (GNB) – Opportunities NB held the first Study and Succeed in New Brunswick conference Jan. 6-8. This marked the launch of the Study and Succeed in New Brunswick program, which will offer international students access to the resources, support and connections needed to launch a successful career and fulfilling life in the province.

“Growing our population base is essential to addressing the workforce needs of the future, and access to skilled talent is crucial for New Brunswick companies of every size,” said Arlene Dunn, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Not only are international students a critical component of our talent pipeline, they also contribute immensely to making our province more diverse and inclusive.”

The program aims to increase the availability of skilled labour by retaining more international students after graduation. This builds on the success of the Study and Stay pilot program, which ran from 2018 to 2021 across the Atlantic provinces.

This three-year initiative is funded by Opportunities NB and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) through its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, with each agency investing about $500,000 in total.

By the end of the Study and Succeed in New Brunswick program, it is expected that nine cohorts of 100 international students will have participated.

REGI is a national innovation program to enhance regional industrial and technology clusters and regional innovation ecosystems.

“The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is proud to support projects like Opportunities NB’s Study and Succeed initiative that provide international graduate students with the tools, training, and professional contacts they need to stay in New Brunswick,” said Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin. “By creating the right networks and opportunities, we are fostering inclusion and strengthening our vibrant, diverse communities.”

Atwin commented for Official Languages Minister and minister responsible for ACOA Ginette Petitpas Taylor.

Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation and the lead economic development agency for the province. It aims to accelerate growth by attracting global business and talent, strengthening exports, and empowering local companies and entrepreneurs.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Michel LeBlanc, communications, Opportunities NB, michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca.

Ann Kenney, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, ann.kenney@acoa-apeca.gc.ca.