As we head into the vibrant spring season of April 2026, the Saint John business community is looking for fresh opportunities. In a major announcement that promises to shape the future of our region, the provincial government launches economic development strategy aimed at building a more productive, investment-ready, and globally connected New Brunswick.

A Bold Vision for 2030

The newly unveiled strategy sets an ambitious target: growing the provincial economy by 10 per cent by the year 2030. Premier Susan Holt emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for the province amidst shifting global economic conditions. The plan is designed to keep New Brunswick competitive and resilient, creating the ideal conditions for Saint John businesses to scale and for local workers to thrive.

Five Pillars of Economic Growth

To achieve these ambitious goals, the strategy focuses on five key enablers of growth that will directly impact businesses in Saint John and beyond:

• Improving Access to Capital: Making it easier for startups and established businesses to secure the funding they need.
• Accelerating Innovation and Productivity: Helping companies adopt new technologies to close the productivity gap.
• Building a Skilled Workforce: Ensuring that the local talent pool meets the demands of modern industries.
• Investing in Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening trade corridors, ports, and transportation networks.
• Strengthening Energy Systems: Expanding energy capacity to support long-term competitiveness.

Capitalizing on Local Strengths

The strategy identifies specific sectors where New Brunswick holds a competitive advantage on the global stage. For Saint John, this means a renewed focus on resource-based industries such as critical minerals, agri-food, fish, and forestry. Additionally, knowledge- and technology-driven sectors like cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and defence-related industries are slated for significant support and expansion.

The New Brunswick Growth Office

Recognizing that execution is just as important as planning, the government has established the New Brunswick Growth Office. This new entity is tasked with aligning efforts across various departments, accelerating major projects, and ensuring that investments deliver measurable economic results. Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours noted that this office will help the province move faster and work smarter, ensuring that workforce training aligns perfectly with economic priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the new economic strategy?

The primary goal is to grow the New Brunswick economy by 10 per cent by 2030 through increased productivity, private-sector investment, and export diversification.

Which industries are being targeted for growth?

The strategy targets resource-based industries (critical minerals, agri-food, fish, and forestry) as well as technology-driven sectors (cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and defence).

How will the government ensure the strategy is executed effectively?

The government has created the New Brunswick Growth Office to coordinate efforts across departments, speed up major projects, and ensure that investments yield tangible economic benefits.