Advocacy & News

Our mission is to support business prosperity through networking, shared services, advocacy, and events. The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce vision and mission along with our close connection to the community guides every decision we make as an organization, particularly our policy and advocacy work.

Chamber Priorities

Priority Item
Number 1 Priority Item
Number 2 Priority Item
Number 3

Priority Item
Number 1

Competitive Business Environment

Traditionally, cost competitiveness has been an advantage that we have had in New Brunswick, however, this has eroded over the past five years (pre-pandemic). NB businesses have seen increases in the minimum wage, property tax, corporate tax, HST, EI rates, carbon tax, CPP increases, land transfer tax, and WorkSafe NB premiums (amongst other costs).

However, the business environment is about more than just costs. It also includes the regulatory environment (red tape, roadblocks to development, overlapping jurisdictions, etc.), availability of housing, health care, and more.

New Brunswick businesses are already some of the most over-regulated, and overtaxed in North America. The tax burden is still one of our key issues provincially and 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.

Priority Item
Number 2

Workforce Development

For decades, New Brunswick has been staring down a demographic shift that has seen significant outmigration to other provinces. This trend, combined with a low birth rate has made us one of the oldest and slowing growing provinces. The past couple of years have seen an uptick in the right direction, but the province must continue to focus on growing our population, lowering our average age, and increasing the number of people in the labour force to fill positions that enable business growth. It's this growth that funds the programs, services, and infrastructure that New Brunswickers deserve.

Priority Item
Number 3

Immigration and Population Growth

Growing New Brunswick's population is one of the foundational goals for sustained economic growth moving forward and the Fredericton Chamber addresses this issue primarily by working closely with new Canadians and post-secondary students/institutions.

The Chamber advocates the provincial nominee program, express entry program, start-up visa, and others. We also actively work to connect post-secondary students with local businesses and the community generally by working with businesses, our economic development organizations, post-secondary institutions, and students themselves. There is substantial alignment of goals between these four groups and the Chamber works to connect them and advocates for policies that put this alignment into practice.

Advocacy

Joint Chamber Letter – NB Urban Mental Health Strategies – November 22, 2022

Nov 30, 2022

Advocacy & News

Chamber Priorities

Competitive Business Environment

Advocacy

Joint Chamber Letter – NB Urban Mental Health Strategies – November 22, 2022

Commentary – Reforms crucial to a more prosperous region and province

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Response to the Fall Economic Statement – November 3rd, 2022

Commentary – Making New Brunswick a better place to work and do business

Commentary – Save EI and our economic recovery –

Response from Minister Fitch on Medicare delays for newcomers

Employment Insurance Revisions: Key points put forward by Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton chambers

Commentary – Energy, hope and optimism – but not enough workers

Commentary – Making The Case For a Prosperous Future

Saint John Region Chamber Letter to President of Air Canada – YSJ Flights

2020-2021 Budget Priorities – Finding Strategic Alignment

2022-2023 Provincial Budget Priorities

Commentary: Seizing Opportunities For a Strong Energy Future

Medicare Delays for Newcomers – Chamber Letter to Minister Fitch

Employment Insurance Revisions: Key points put forward by Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton Chambers of Commerce

Letter to Minister Green – Provincially designated highways funding program for Town of Rothesay

Energy, hope and optimism – but not enough workers

New Brunswick Allotment For Provincial Nominee Program & Atlantic Immigration Program

Temporary Immigration Support For Food Service Business

Saint John Region Revving Back Up

Prompt Payment Legislation Follow Up Letter – June 6-2022

Capping Food Delivery App Fees

2021-2022 Food Service and Liquor Licensing Fees

Premier Higg’s Response to Economic Reopening & Recovery Letter

Economic Reopening & Recovery from Covid 19 Pandemic

Rapid Testing Kits Available Through Chambers of Commerce

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Granted Intervenor Status by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Chamber Releases Poll Results on Businesses Plans for Reopening

The Chamber Launches 2021 Bare Necessities Campaign in Partnership with the Greater Saint John Community Foundation

Chamber Announces “#LiftUpLocal” Campaign

Chamber Releases Results of Vaccine Passport/Document Poll

Chamber Launches Vaccine Passport Poll

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce statement on Federal budget 2021

Commentary: YSJ Has Closed Again, Lets Make Sure That Doesn’t Last

Majority of businesses support plastic bag ban: survey

As Airports Struggle, City’s Business Community Lobbies For Help

Taskforce will boost YSJ

Fixed Cost Relief Letter – NB Chambers

Pandemic Preparedness for Business

Commentary: A Bright Energy Future for Greater Saint John

City of Saint John steering in the right direction

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Responds to Federal Budget 2019

New Brunswick’s Carbon Plan: A Tax on All of Us

Death by 13,000 Cuts – Improving Canada’s Regulatory Competitiveness

Fair, Simple, and Competitive Taxation: The Way Forward for Canada

Ten Ways to Build a Canada That Wins

Federal Tax Submission – 2017

Letter to MP’s – Tax Planning Using Private Corporations

News

Air Canada to add flights to Montreal and Toronto from Saint John

Air Canada picking favourites with its N.B. service, Saint John Chamber says

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The Greater Saint John Community Foundation launches the 22nd Annual ‘Bare Necessities’ campaign

Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Receives National Accreditation – Organization recognized for continuous long-term excellence

Winners Announced for the Prestigious Outstanding Business Awards

The Chamber announces finalists for the 40th Annual Outstanding Business Awards (OBA’s)

New Flights Added at YSJ Air Canada Meets With Local Growth Agencies

Michael Sadavoy appointed as Director of Membership Development & Marketing

Rapid Testing Kits Available Through Chambers of Commerce

The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce Granted Intervenor Status by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Chamber Releases Poll Results on Businesses Plans for Reopening

The Chamber Launches 2021 Bare Necessities Campaign in Partnership with the Greater Saint John Community Foundation

The Chamber Announces Winners of the 37th Annual Outstanding Business Awards

Thomas Simms donates Portrait of His Grandfather, L.W. Simms, to the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Announces “#LiftUpLocal” Campaign

Some Businesses May Ask For Proof Of Vaccine: Chamber

‘Pointy tip of the spear’ New Chamber Chairperson Says Businesses Will Need Help After Pandemic

From Silicon Valley to Saint John: Workcation Success ‘Almost Overwhelming’

Duplisea Decries Slim Small Business Support in Province’s Budget

Chamber Announces Saint John Region Matters 2021 – Meet the Candidates

‘Workcation’ sees big interest in early months

Investment in Sussex area sawmill ‘good news’ for community: Mayor

As Airports Struggle, City’s Business Community Lobbies For Help

Commentary

Focus On People To Fuel Prosperity

Budget for Success Not Survival

Strong businesses lead to strong communities