MONCTON (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant met with his regional counterparts and federal cabinet ministers in Riverview on Tuesday to discuss the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
“We were pleased to host these important meetings in our beautiful province,” said Gallant. “We discussed job creation and economic growth in Atlantic Canada.”
The strategy focuses on the following five priority areas:
- Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce and immigrants.
- Fostering greater business innovation, driving leading-edge technology and generating new ideas.
- Reaching climate change targets and advancing clean growth.
- Creating long-term growth and high-quality jobs through trade, investment and tourism.
- Supporting growth and connecting people through infrastructure.
An Atlantic Study and Stay Pilot Program will be implemented. The program, which is based on an initiative currently offered in Nova Scotia, aims to attract international students and help them transition to jobs so that they remain in Atlantic Canada.
“To grow our economy, we must grow our population,” said Gallant. “To grow our population, we need to keep New Brunswickers here, bring Atlantic Canadians back here, and attract new Canadians here. It is not an either-or conversation. We need all three to happen at the same time.”
In addition, the ministers and premiers announced plans for a trade mission to China to promote international trade and investment opportunities in the business and educational sectors.
They also reviewed current initiatives and considered new directions for the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
21-02-18