Government launches economic development strategy
Press Release
April 23, 2026
SAINT JOHN – The government has launched an economic development strategy focused on building a more productive, investment-ready and globally connected New Brunswick.
The strategy positions the province to grow stronger in a time of global economic uncertainty. It sets a goal of growing the economy by 10 per cent by 2030 by focusing on increasing productivity, attracting private-sector investment and growing and diversifying exports.
“This is a pivotal moment for our province,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Global economic conditions are shifting, and New Brunswickers are feeling that uncertainty. Our job is to make sure our economy stays competitive, resilient and ready for what comes next. This strategy creates the conditions for businesses to grow, for workers to succeed, and for communities to thrive.”
The strategy reflects a shift toward strengthening the fundamentals of the economy. This includes closing the productivity gap, preparing investment-ready opportunities and helping New Brunswick companies reach new markets.
“We’re focused on turning this strategy into results,” said Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “That means helping businesses adopt new technologies, scale up and compete globally, while making it easier and faster to invest and grow here in New Brunswick.”
The strategy focuses on five key enablers of growth: improving access to capital; accelerating innovation and productivity; building a skilled workforce; investing in economic infrastructure; and strengthening energy systems to support long-term competitiveness.
The plan also identifies areas where New Brunswick has a competitive advantage and growing global demand. These include resource-based industries (critical minerals, agri-food, fish and forestry) as well as knowledge- and technology-driven sectors, such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and defence-related industries.
“New Brunswick has what the world needs, from critical minerals to seafood to world-class expertise in cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing,” said Holt. “We need to move with focus and urgency to seize those opportunities.”
As part of this work, the government plans to advance major, nation-building opportunities that will strengthen New Brunswick’s role in Canada’s economy and global supply chains. These include developing critical mineral resources, strengthening trade corridors through ports and transportation infrastructure, expanding energy capacity, and positioning the province as a leader in interprovincial trade.
“We welcome the government’s focus on strengthening economic development at a critical time for our province,” said Monica Gaudet-Justason, president and CEO of the New Brunswick Business Council. “Sustained economic growth is essential to creating jobs, supporting strong public services and ensuring long-term prosperity for New Brunswickers.”
Recognizing the importance of co-ordination and execution, the government has also established the New Brunswick Growth Office to align efforts across departments, accelerate major projects and ensure investments deliver measurable economic results.
“The Growth Office will help us move faster and work smarter,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours. “It will ensure our workforce, training systems and economic priorities are aligned so New Brunswickers can benefit from new opportunities and good-paying jobs.”
Holt said the strategy is grounded in partnership with businesses, workers, First Nations, communities and regional leaders – recognizing that economic growth is strongest when it reflects local priorities and creates shared prosperity.
“Government does not create growth on its own; people and businesses do,” said Holt. “Our role is to remove barriers, make smart investments, and work as a team to turn the opportunities in front of us into real results for New Brunswickers.”
The strategy also reinforces that a strong economy and strong public services go hand in hand.
“We know that access to quality health care is essential to attracting workers and growing our economy,” said Holt. “That is why we are making progress on collaborative care clinics and strengthening our health-care workforce, because healthy people make for a strong economy.”
Related links
Economic Development Strategy and the New Brunswick Growth Office
Related topics
Media Contact(s)
Michel LeBlanc, communications, Opportunities NB, michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca.
Rebecca Howland, communications, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, rebecca.howland@gnb.ca.
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