Province Commits $10-Million To Saint John Economic Development Agency
SAINT JOHN – The provincial government has committed $10-million in funding for the Saint John region’s new economic development agency.
The 10-year commitment will help fund the agency, which will serve the city and its outlying municipalities, including Grand Bay-Westfield, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Hampton and St. Martins.
Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder announced the funds at a news conference at Port Saint John on Friday morning.
Holder said he was proud to announce the funds, as a life-long resident of the area.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the outlying areas, for not only believing in us here in Saint John but stepping up to the plate financially as well,” Holder said.
The funding will go to a new regional economic development agency to procure labour market and population growth programming and services, thereby benefitting businesses and residents.
“Having the provincial government as a financial partner sets the example of what can be achieved by working together as a region and demonstrates the commitment of the government in support of economic development efforts building on the past with a vision of the future,” said Ron Gaudet, CEO of Economic Development Greater Saint John.
The new agency would bring the activities of Discover Saint John, Develop Saint John, Economic Development Greater Saint John and the City of Saint John’s Population Growth service under one roof.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said the funds were a sign of the great things taking place in the city this year.
“We know we can work from home, we can work from anywhere, I’ll tell you if you live in Toronto or Vancouver or New York City, Greater Saint John is the place to be.”
The mayor cited the new economic development agency, as well as the $205-million modernization of Port Saint John, as a few examples of how the city’s fortunes are turning.
“A few years down the road we’ll look back and say 2020 didn’t break this region. 2020 is what helped us pivot and it was the gasoline in our tank to take us to another level.”
Ben Burnett is a reporter with Country 94/97.3 The Wave, Huddle content partners.