Fredericton Chamber Optimistic about Governments Business-Like Approach to Second Budget

For Immediate Release
March 28th, 2012

(Fredericton, NB) – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about the 2012-13 provincial budget and its approach to identifying internal efficiencies to address the province’s deficit.

“We’ve had the opportunity to meet with Finance Minister Blaine Higgs and his colleagues on several occasions to discuss the budget, and we’re pleased to see this government maintain a consistent, business-like approach to identifying efficiencies within government to solve our deficit and debt challenges” said Andrew Steeves, President of
the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. “We think this consistency bodes well for a return to balanced budgets in 2014.”

The Fredericton Chamber is also registering their approval of several key investments announced in the budget,particularly in primary health care, immigrant funding, innovation, and additional seats in the New Brunswick Community College System. “These investments are in areas that our members have identified as priorities, and we’re encouraged to see that this government has recognized their importance” remarked Krista Ross, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber. “We look forward to receiving more information in the coming months on how each of these investments will be applied and how our members will benefit from them.”

Despite their overall optimism around the 2012-13 budget and approve of its key investments, the Fredericton Chamber is disappointed that the budget contained few new revenue items. “We appreciate that the Province has adopted a business-like approach to government operations, but we encourage them to continue to seek revenue generating opportunities” said Krista Ross. “Just as revenue is essential to the success of enterprise, so too can it be a key part of
government’s return to financial stability.”

With more than 900 members, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest chambers of commerce. A dynamic and relevant business organization, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged in policy development that affects the competitiveness of our members and of the Canadian business environment.

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Contact: Krista Ross, Chief Executive Officer, 451-9744.