Chamber Priorities
New Brunswick is the only province to register a net population decrease in the last census. The Government of New Brunswick named a minister responsible for immigration in the new Blaine Higgs cabinet, the honourable Arlene Dunn, proving that the focus has shifted to immigration as the priority for population growth.
We need a plan to grow our population, attract more immigrants and maintain a labour force that meets the needs of our economy.
- Two resolutions from the CCGM have been included in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Book: 1st resolution aims at reinstating Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services in our region. 2nd resolution seeks to expedite foreign credential recognition for new immigrants across Canada.
- The CCGM is a lead partner in the Southeast Labour Market Partnership, which is executing a three-year labour force strategy. John is chair of the SLMP’s Labour Market Information working group.
- The Chamber has been listed as the lead of supporting stakeholder in 16 action items in both the Greater Moncton Immigration Strategy and the Southeast Regional Workforce Strategy.
- The federal government announced creation of a $13 million Centre for Francophone Immigration just prior to the federal election. This will include a full IRCC processing centre in Greater Moncton – a big win for CCGM lobbying.
- The appointment of Sean Fraser of Nova Scotia as the new Minister of Immigration provides access to a regional minister on this important file. We will attempt to work with Ginette Petitpas-Taylor to set up a meeting with Minister Fraser as soon as possible to press our concerns.
- Monitoring provincial and federal budgets to ensure government commitment to population growth.
- We are working with local stakeholders to ensure support of Ukrainians hoping to integrate the local workforce following arrival to the region (either under refugee status or with work visa.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. The crisis is so broad that it impacted all geographic, demographic and economic sectors. Actions taken now by governments, businesses, organizations and individuals can set the foundation for the economic future of our province and survival of small, medium and large businesses. The CCGM has been active since the start of the pandemic participating in multiple ad hoc committee, advocating all levels of government for help for businesses of all sizes, and informing the business community and residents of our region on programs available and latest initiatives.
- While not expressly advocating for vaccination of everyone, the CCGM has consistently called for any measures that will support the full and early economic recovery of the entire region.
- We have supported measures such as circuit breakers and proof of vaccine for entry to certain establishments if they lead to curbing the rise of COVID-19 cases.
- The Chamber is participating in the Southeast Economic Recovery Task Force initiatives.
- Surveyed members on the effects of COVID-19.
- Surveyed larger businesses of the region on the occupancy of offices in Downtown Moncton with 3+ Corporation and other stakeholders in November 2021 – Presented preliminary results to stakeholders and the city.
- Commentaries published in BNI newspapers:
- Sept. 11 calling for economic recovery as a pillar for the next federal government, focusing on population growth and targeted federal assistance to businesses.
- Jan. 8 What Business Needs to Start 2022 calling for more accessible and timely provincial financial assistance, ongoing federal support and revamp of EI program, redoubled shop local efforts from consumers.
- Mar. 12 The Return to Normal for Business reminding business recovery uneven and the fall of restrictions
- Mar. 15 Joint letter requesting cost surge protection form province.
- Work with all stakeholders in economic development in the province to put in place a balanced recovery plan from COVID-19 providing assistance to small and medium businesses, help our larger employers to maintain their employment levels, introduce programs to rejuvenate the retail and hospitality sector, and support for our airports in New Brunswick.
- John continues to be part of a frequent call with deputy ministers from Public Health, Public Safety and ONB to gauge business impacts of provincial government decisions. It provides a forum for us to take our concerns and suggestions directly to people who influence government decision-makers.
- Southeast Economic Recovery Task Force (SERTF) now meets monthly, chaired by John. This group of stakeholders discusses how best to support business recovery.
- SERTF brainstorm scheduled March 24 to create Economic Recovery 2.0 blueprint with other community stakeholders.
- Follow-up with large employers who still haven’t answered the occupancy survey to get a more complete picture of the space that will soon be vacated.
Multiple members of the Chamber, and other business owners in our three communities, have identified homelessness and security as the #1 issue our municipalities need to focus on.
To learn more: Read the Joint Action Report on Homelessness and Downtown Security, our latest update, and check out the Homelessness & Security Scorecard.
Members and other business owners are facing theft and vandalism on their property or near their businesses. More police presence is requested in the three municipalities, especially in downtown Moncton. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness doubled in the past year with 132 now listed as ‘chronically homeless’. identified.
- Homelessness & Security need to be addressed in our three communities, because business owners are experiencing daily crime, panhandling and homeless ‘squatting’ at their premises.
- As well, media coverage could have negative impacts on business confidence and private investment in the region.
- The Chamber lead the creation of the Community Task Force on Homelessness and Downtown Security (CTFHDS). The group, which includes a leadership council composed of John, Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, MLA Greg Turner, Mayor Dawn Arnold, Denis Foulem, vice-chair of DMCI, and Myriam Mekni, executive-director of Rising Tide Initiative.
- The Chamber organized a Community Forum on Homelessness and Downtown Security held Sept. 23. More than 100 people attended. A full report on what was heard that day, and recommendations on future steps, has now been completed.
- Nov. 26 CTFHDS developed and launched Joint action report on homelessness and downtown security containing 27 actions.
- Dec. 16 Hosted Downtown stakeholder meeting focused on the security actions with update from the City and Ron DeSilva of Codiac Regional RCMP
- John has now toured Harvest House, Maison Nazareth and Ensemble to get a better understanding of the situation involving homeless individuals.
- Weekly taskforce meeting to advance the 27 action items.
- Update to city council next month.
- Codiac RCMP set to announce downtown community police unit by end of March.
New Brunswick businesses are already some of the most over-regulated, overtaxed in North America. Tax burden is still one of our key issues provincially and also at the federal level. ONB introduced a new Business Navigator Program in 2019. A new minister responsible for Economic Development, Small Business and ONB was named to the cabinet, Arlene Dunn.
- Atlantic red-tape reduction initiative needs to show real bottom-line results. Government has to be cognizant of impact of taxes on business growth.
- We support the new Business Navigator Program.
- Pressed government at every opportunity on overall tax burden and how it is a disincentive to business growth.
- 2021-2022 Provincial Pre-budget consultations took place on January 20.
- The CCGM participated to the federal budget input session organized by Ginette Petitpas Taylor.
- The Chamber also attended a pre-budget consultation with Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party of Canada Jobs and Industry critic.
- Participated in various EI reform discussions, consultations and roundtable, including with Commissioner Nancy Healey.
- Provincial budget commentary included request to end double-taxation on non-owner-occupied buildings.
- We will continue to work with our fellow Chambers across NB to push for ‘real’ progress on red tape reduction and more harmonization of regulations between the four Atlantic provinces. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the level of dysfunction that exists on the health side between the four provinces – it is the same with business services and economic development.
- Monitoring both budgets to ensure competitive business sector is made a priority.
The Greater Moncton Roméo-LeBlanc International Airport is one of the Top 10 economic contributors in the entire province. Other transportation solutions have been impacted heavily by COVID-19 (Maritime Bus, Via Rail, etc.) in the province. Transporting goods is also one of the most important industries in Southeast New Brunswick generating more than 1 billion dollars to the region GDP.
Our airport needs equal access to federal infrastructure funding to compete.
- A letter was sent to MPs of our region to press the federal government to put in place more measures to help the GMIA.
- CCGM commented on the reduction of services by WestJest.
- PAL Airlines announced new connections between Moncton and St. John’s, and added connections to Wabush and Deer Lake. CCGM has supported this expansion
- Push all levels of government to help airports of the province to have access to funding.
- Succeeded in pushing the federal government for programs like the Airport Relief Fund, expansion of the Airports Capital Assistance Program, Regional Air Transportation Initiative, which have all benefited GMIA.
- Wrote a letter of support to GMIA and helped secure Swoop as a low-cost air carrier for the airport.
- Nov. 9 Letter to federal transportation minister and direct lobby to local MLAs for the return of international flight status in time for sun destination travel. Status returned too late for 2022 season.
- Introduced a resolution at the AGM of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Oct. 27-28) calling for specific support for small and medium-sized regional airports. The CCC delegates passed the motion with 99 % support. This will now become part of the Canadian Chamber’s national advocacy playbook.
- Will monitor the pending retirement of Bernard LeBlanc as CEO of GMIA.
Labour Shortages
New Brunswick is experiencing an unprecedented lack of labour in virtually every business sector. This may stall economic recovery from the pandemic.
We need to increase the number of immigrants allowed into New Brunswick from 6,000 to 10,000 annually to help support workforce growth.
Carbon Tax
Ottawa accepted the last NB plan addressing carbon tax.
Carbon pricing should be revenue neutral, meaning the net impact will not be another layer of tax on business.
Advocacy efforts to focus on “How does the NB plan incent businesses and consumers to reduce emissions?”
Minimum Wage
Some provinces are increasing their minimum wage to $15. This would have a drastic impact on NB businesses.
Rather than place the entire burden of offering a ‘livable wage’ on business, a broad-based solution should include raising the basic personal exemption, cheaper access to child-care and education, and cost certainty for business.
Tourism Growth
Southeast New Brunswick represents more annual tourism revenue than all of P.E.I. This is a sector key to our region’s growth.
The communities and business community of southeast NB need to collaborate to increase tourism infrastructure and revenue.
WorkSafeNB Rates
WorkSafe NB announced a reduction of the average employer premium from $2.17 to $1.69 per $100 of assessment for 2022.
We need to restore balance in NB’s workers’ compensation system and keep rate hikes to a minimum.
Candidate Connect – September 11′ 2024
Economic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. The crisis is so broad that it impacted all geographic, demographic and economic sectors. Actions taken now by governments, businesses, organizations and individuals can set the foundation for the economic future of our province and survival of small, medium and large businesses. The CCGM has been active since the start of the pandemic participating in multiple ad hoc committee, advocating all levels of government for help for businesses of all sizes, and informing the business community and residents of our region on programs available and latest initiatives.
CCGM Position
- The government has advised that they do not expect that a vaccine will be available for 8-10 months or more, meaning life will not return to normal for some time. Physical distancing, health screenings, physical barriers (plexiglass), hand-washing, surface cleaning, masks and face coverings will be the new normal.
- Members of the Chamber identified payroll and rent as the two main issues facing the pandemic of COVID-19.
Entrepreneurs also needed guidance information regarding reopening the economy (Operational Plan, signage, Pre-Screening Tool, Physical Distancing, Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures, Facilitating Personal Hygiene Etiquette, Personal Protection Equipment)
Action Taken
- The Chamber is participating in the Southeast Economic Recovery Task Force initiatives.
- Hosted the regional COVID-19 information website.
- Surveyed members on the effects of COVID-19.
- Participated on a survey with larger businesses of the region on the occupancy of offices in Downtown Moncton with 3+ Corporation and other stakeholders.
- The Chamber participated in a biweekly NB Organizational Check-In with business development organizations of the province and the development of the Turning Points podcast series.
Next Steps
- Work with all stakeholders in economic development in the province to put in place a balanced recovery plan from COVID-19 providing assistance to small and medium businesses, help our larger employers to maintain their employment levels, introduce programs to rejuvenate the retail and hospitality sector, and support for our airports in New Brunswick.
- Ask all levels of government to stay focused on economic measures to help the business community facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Population growth and labour force development
New Brunswick is the only province to register a net population decrease in the last census. The Government of New Brunswick named a Minister responsible for immigration in the new Blaine Higgs cabinet, the honourable Arlene Dunn, proving that the focus has shifted to immigration as the priority for population growth. We need a plan to grow our population, attract more immigrants and maintain a labour force that meets the needs of our economy.
CCGM Position
We need a plan to grow our population, attract more immigrants and maintain a labour force that meets the needs of our economy. – Two resolutions from the CCGM have been included in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Policy Book: 1st resolution aims at reinstating Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) services in our region. 2nd resolution seeks to expedite foreign credential recognition for new immigrants across Canada.
Action Taken
- The CCGM and 3+ Corporation presented the Workforce 20/20 Summit on Nov. 12-13 in Moncton.
- The Chamber has been listed as the lead of supporting stakeholder in 16 action items in both the Greater Moncton Immigration Strategy and the Southeast Regional Workforce Strategy.
Next Steps
- The CCGM is taking part in the implementation of the immigration strategy.
- The Chamber is working with all stakeholders for the implementation of the Regional Workforce Strategy.
Homelessness and Security
Multiple members of the Chamber, and other business owners in our three communities, have identified homelessness and security as the #1 issue our municipalities need to focus on. Members and other business owners are facing theft and vandalism on their property or near their businesses. More police presence is requested in the three municipalities, especially in downtown Moncton. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness doubled in the past year with now 300 individuals identified.
CCGM Position
- Homelessness & Security need to be addressed in our three communities, because media coverage could have negative impacts on business confidence and private investment in the region.
Action Taken
- John Wishart met with the city of Moncton and multiple stakeholders on homelessness in late August. A follow-up meeting with newly-elected MLAs was held in early October.
- The CCGM issued a press release exhorting all political parties to make homelessness and security a key issue of the provincial election.
Next Steps
- From the $300 million from the Federal Government, the province is going to fund only 151 affordable housing units over the next three years. Our community needs to press the government to do more, more quickly.
- The CCGM is trying to link the business community and the homelessness stakeholders to find solutions for our region.
Tax reform, tax burden, and red tape reduction
New Brunswick businesses are already some of the most over-regulated, overtaxed in North America. Tax burden is still one of our key issues provincially and also at the federal level. ONB introduced a new Business Navigator Program in 2019. A new Minister responsible for Economic Development, Small Business and ONB has been named to the cabinet, Arlene Dunn.
CCGM Position
- Atlantic red-tape reduction initiative needs to show real bottom-line results. Government has to be cognizant of impact of taxes on business growth.
- We support the new Business Navigator Program.
Action Taken
- Pressed government at every opportunity on overall tax burden and how it is a disincentive to business growth.
Next Steps
- With the introduction of the Business Navigator program last fall, now the government has to introduce ways to actually reduce the amount of red tape.
Airport Development
The Greater Moncton Roméo-LeBlanc International Airport is one of the Top 10 economic contributors in the entire province.
CCGM Position
Our airport needs equal access to federal infrastructure funding to compete.
Action Taken
- A letter was sent to MPs of our region to press the federal government to put in place more measures to help the GMIA.
- CCGM commented the reduction of services by WestJest.
- PAL Airlines announced new connections between Moncton and St. John’s 5 times per week.
Next Steps
- Stay connected to WestJest when they will reintroduce connections in our region.
- Push all levels of government to help airports of the province to have access to funding.
- Pending the purchase of Air Transat by Air Canada, the Chamber needs to protect the number of winter Transat flights heading to the Caribbean.
“We have had a great experience since day 1 of joining the Chamber. John and his team are approachable and open to free discussions on all issues affecting our business community.”
– Dawn and Derek Ermen – Ermen Plumbing & Heating Ltd.