New Brunswick Premier Addresses Edmundston Chamber of Commerce

As part of his province-wide tour of communities, New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant visited the Edmundston Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. 

Gallant told people in attendance that the provincial government must do more for youth in New Brunswick.

“Too many young people are looking for work,” he told the Chamber. “We need to make investments and support projects that will help educate and train our youth so they can work right here in New Brunswick.”

Gallant, who also spoke in Perth-Andover on March 16,  said he is optimistic that the federal government’s new youth employment program, together with programs developed by the province for youth employment, will prepare them to take full advantage of the new economy.

“We will invest record amounts in education, training and youth employment opportunities,” he said. “Our government will soon be bringing forward a 10-year education plan, a literacy strategy, and measures to make university and college more accessible and affordable.”

Gallant also praised the new province-wide bursary program, part of the Opportunities NB Connects outreach initiative that will award $1,000 to 10 students entering their first year of post-secondary education.

Gallant also spoke to Chambre de commerce de la région d'Edmundston about the federal budget tabled this week. “We are supportive of the federal government’s focus on growth,” he said. “We are also supportive of its additional investments in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce skills development.

“It is our hope that there will be flexibility in the federal programs to allow smaller provinces and communities to take full advantage of new infrastructure spending. It is important to recognize that the infrastructure needs and fiscal capacity in a small province or community are different from those of bigger centres, and that flexibility is key for us.”

The Premier is travelling across the province to consult with community leaders and entrepreneurs who power the province’s economy, talking about job creation and economic growth in a chamber of commerce tour. The tour started Monday, March 14 in St. Stephen and wraps up on Tuesday, March 29 in Memramcook.