Municipal Elections in New Brunswick are scheduled for 11 May 2026. In advance of this important date, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fredericton Inc., and Business Fredericton North asked all candidates for council positions the following question:
What specific actions will you prioritize as a city councillor to better support local businesses and strengthen the overall business environment in our community?
The responses received are below (unedited).
Additionally, on 28 April 2026, the chamber hosted a Mayoral Forum with candidates Jenica Atwin, John Reid and Steve Hicks at St. Thomas University. A recording of that event can be found here.
For further information on the candidates, including contact information, websites and social media accounts, consult the Elections NB website here. Information on when and where to vote can be found here.
Ward 1 - Heather O’Connell
There are a few things that immediately come to mind when I think about supporting businesses in our city.
- Commercial property tax – I would look at ways to lower commercial tax in the city, especially when business is adversely affected by other factors, such as:
- Construction – we need better planning in regards to shutting down street access and having alternate routes to access businesses during construction season.
- Safety – People don’t want to go downtown, and now uptown, because they don’t feel safe. This needs to be addressed in order for businesses to thrive.
- Parking – It is dwindling. We need to have parking in our city. The reality is that our transit is not ideal and most people need parking.
Ward 2 - Karen Matchett
I will work with Public Safety to enhance and continue the work being done to curb the ongoing struggle that our businesses have in managing the current situation on homelessness, vandalism, shoplifting and general disregard for the property of others. Our businesses need support and solutions, that said we need to have a working relationship that respects the challenges on all sides of this issue.
Ward 3 - Kevin Brewer
- One of the challenges that I keep hearing is the more frequent use of on-line shopping which we all know has crippled some of our smaller (and larger) businesses. I would support an awareness campaign that aggressively promoted “Shop Local”, perhaps even rewarding shoppers for repeat business in someway, (BFN dollars?) and making a big deal (because it is a big deal) out of supporting our own.
- I hear about declining foot traffic for businesses downtown caused in part because of a feeling, either real or perceived, of lack of safety caused by rising homelessness, crime, and disturbances. As a councillor I would advocate for an increased police presence, primarily foot patrol, of our downtown and trail systems with a plan in place for removal of the offender(s) and banning them from future visits to the area. In reality, this issue requires partnering with all levels of government, other social welfare partners, and possibly a change of enforcement laws to provide immediate care for those suffering with drug and mental health issues including some type of transitional housing but until that happens we must not let those few detract from or deter others from visiting our downtown and businesses. I believe that Chief Forward understands the situation and frustrations of all of those affected and we must support him in finding ways to successfully address the situation.
- Inevitably we hear of business disruptions caused by infrastructure projects and roadwork – all necessary to keep our city running but disruptive never the less. Admittedly, I do not have an understanding of construction scheduling, the why and where and timing of these events, and the consequences of weather and other unexpected delays cause to these plans. But, I would be interested in knowing if other methods have been explored such as working at a project 24/7 using night shifts, floodlights, and any means possible to hurry a project along instead of dragging it out over several weeks (or months), often times leaving it seemingly half finished for long periods at a time. Other cities do it – start a project and work tireless at it until it’s finished before moving on. I’m sure it has something to do with cost. I would be interested in exploring any options available however that might alleviate business owners concerns about construction or shut downs in their area.
Ward 3 - Colin Ebbett
Action items:
Mixed-use development:
• We need to keep prioritizing projects with commercial at street level and residential above. That’s what drives consistent foot traffic and supports local businesses.
Public safety and Cleanliness
• Everyone deserves access to support, and residents deserve to feel safe in their community. We need to review our by-laws and enforcement to ensure we’re addressing open drug use, improving cleanliness, and creating shared accountability in our main businesses areas.
The “missing middle” of businesses:
• There’s a noticeable gap between newer businesses (under 5 years) and long-established ones (25+ years), with fewer in that 10–15 year range. Supporting businesses as they grow and stabilize should be a focus.
Succession planning:
• More needs to be done to help long-standing businesses transition ownership so they can continue contributing to the city.
Building permits and timelines
• Long and unpredictable permit cycles slow things down. Investment follows speed and certainty and if we want to stay competitive, we need a more efficient and predictable approvals process.
Ward 4 - Jocelyn Pike
One of the first things to look at is Safety and Security – we need to ensure that the area’s are clean, maintained ( continue facade grants ) work with the PD on increasing foot patrols to enhance the perception and feeling of safety. Keep working to immediately remove any and all graffiti and quick repairs on any broken windows etc. – in short make the downtown areas clean and inviting.
I would like to see increased attention to planning so vacant buildings, for example, should not be sitting empty in the heart of our downtown area. If necessary, work with planning officials to get mixed use approved – perhaps even turn some vacant buildings into apartments. Increase the walkability of our downtowns. Continue to work with the BIA’s as they are truly the lifeblood of the downtown area. The open event space at Officer’s Square should be a draw for all to head to the downtown. Have the City continue to work on the aesthetics of Queen and Main Street. The more welcoming the better.
A bike lane downtown would be amazing. At one time I had the idea to completely close off Queen Street between Regent and York and make it totally walkable during the summer months. Would be interested in hearing thoughts on that.
Ward 5 - James (Jim) Wisted
My priorities as a Ward 05 city councillor are to better support the local businesses and strengthen the overall business environment in Marysville and Fredericton communities by working with the Mayor and Council.
As councillor I will endeavour to:
- Expand the use of The Ville Cooperation facility to benefit the citizens of Marysville and Fredericton
- Advocate for the expansion of Fredericton Active Transportation system to Maryville.
- Support the Marysville mountain bike trail system
- Encourage and promote small businesses like “the Landing” which encourages biking and socialising for our community.
- Promote proper road planning to ensure public safety and traffic flow between existing roads through Maryville and Fredericton.
- Promote the repurposing of vacant and under-utilized properties in the Ward 5 following up on planning and environmental considerations.
- Minimize the opportunities for vandalism by reducing abandoned properties that have been kicked down the road.
- Work with the Mayor and Council to deal with public safety and homeless issues which while is a predominantly downtown issue does impact Ward 05.
- Work closely with city staff and the business community to minimize disruptions during construction projects
- Promote the rich and warm heritage of Maryville as growth continues in Ward 05.
- Increased affordable housing while maintaining the natural beauty of the Nashwaak River.
Collectively these initiatives will make a positive contribution to the well-being of Ward 5 and the city of Fredericton, and local businesses in our community I believe in the power of local businesses in Ward 5 areas to help our friends and neighbours to thrive. When they do well, we all do well.
Ward 5 - Daniel Dearing
In speaking with residents and local business owners across Ward 5, I’ve heard a consistent message: businesses need a city that is responsive, practical, and easy to work with.
If elected, I would focus on three priorities.
First, clear and accessible communication. Business owners should know who to contact, how to get answers, and feel heard when they raise concerns. Being present and approachable as a councillor matters.
Second, more efficient and predictable processes. Permitting, zoning, and approvals should be clear and timely. Reducing unnecessary delays helps businesses operate and grow with confidence.
Third, strong core services. Reliable snow clearing, well-maintained infrastructure, and safe, accessible streets directly impact businesses, their employees, and their customers every day.
Supporting local business also means supporting a community where people want to live, work, and spend time. A vibrant city benefits everyone.
My approach is simple: listen, be accessible, and work toward practical solutions. I believe strong relationships between Council and the business community are key to Fredericton’s continued growth.
Ward 5 - Jacob Cloutier
With nearly a decade of experience in business development, market intelligence, and working alongside economic growth organizations such as Opportunities New Brunswick, I understand both the challenges local businesses faceand the conditions needed for long-term success.
As a city councillor, I would prioritize making Fredericton one of the best places in Atlantic Canada to start, grow, and scale a business. That begins with practical support for existing businesses through responsive local government, efficient processes, and strong communication between City Hall and the business community.
In a community survey I ran, economic growth and jobs were identified as a large priority by more than half of respondents, while housing, transit, property taxes, and employer/employee support were also major concerns. To me, that shows residents understand that a strong business environment is not just about attracting companies, it is also about making sure workers can afford to live here, get to work, grow their careers, and build a future in Fredericton.
I also believe we need to focus not only on creating jobs, but on creating careers. Fredericton should be a city where people can build meaningful futures, develop their skills, and continue advancing professionally without feeling they need to leave for larger markets. That means attracting and supporting businesses that offer upward mobility, competitive wages, and long-term opportunity.
At the same time, we should work to attract experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to Fredericton. Bringing talented, business-minded people into our city helps strengthen our workforce, mentor local founders, and create new companies and opportunities for residents.
Another key priority is helping more early-stage businesses succeed. Many promising local entrepreneurs struggle to access support in the earliest stages because young companies are often seen as high risk. I would like to explore ways the city can partner with provincial, federal, and private organizations to better identify high-potential startups and help connect them with mentorship, investment, and growth resources earlier. Even a few successful companies can create lasting jobs, attract talent, and reinvest back into our local economy.
Finally, I would advocate for stronger coordination between municipal, provincial, and federal governments so that investment attraction, workforce development, housing, and infrastructure efforts work together toward shared goals.
Fredericton has enormous potential. With smart leadership and a stronger growth strategy, we can build a city where businesses thrive, innovation grows, and more people choose to build their future here.
Ward 5 - Sara Cunard
Ward 6 - Blair Sullivan
I believe strong, vibrant communities and a healthy local economy go hand in hand. When our streets are clean, safe, and welcoming, businesses are better positioned to attract customers, retain staff, and invest with confidence. Without the constant pressure of theft, vandalism and increased insurance costs, the city becomes more attractive to small business.
As a candidate for city council, I believe we need to take a balanced, practical approach. That starts with improving cleanliness and enforcement, addressing litter, vandalism, and public safety concerns so our commercial areas reflect the pride we have in our city. But we also need to address the root problems. The challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental health are not just social issues, they directly impact our business community and quality of life.
I will work with all levels of government, local organizations, and the private sector to support meaningful solutions. That includes advocating for better access to treatment and recovery services, supporting frontline organizations doing the work on the ground, and ensuring there are clear expectations and accountability around public behaviour in shared spaces.
At the same time, I want to make sure businesses feel heard and supported at City Hall, whether that’s through more responsive services, clearer communication, or policies that encourage growth and investment.
My goal is simple: a cleaner, safer city where businesses can succeed, residents are proud to live, work, and spend time and visitors want to come.
Ward 6 - Eric Megarity
I will continue to support the conditions that allow local businesses not just to operate—but to grow, compete, and succeed—while building on our strengths as a capital city, university hub, and innovation centre.
I will continue to support our Innovation District, anchored by UNB, Knowledge Park, and our cybersecurity cluster. Municipal land-use and infrastructure decisions must protect employment lands and encourage smart, mixed-use growth that attracts and retains skilled talent. A strong innovation ecosystem creates high-quality jobs, drives investment, and strengthens every sector of our economy.
I will continue to support Ignite Fredericton, the City’s, and region’s economic development arm. Ignite plays a vital role in business attraction, investment support, and entrepreneurship development. Ensuring it is well-resourced and aligned with Council priorities positions Fredericton to compete confidently and grow strategically.
As the provincial capital, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our public-sector presence. I will continue to support “municipal-as-first-customer” approaches that allow local firms to pilot solutions in digital government, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure—turning policy proximity into real economic opportunity. When local businesses succeed, Fredericton becomes more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable.
I will continue to support strong investment in downtown vitality and placemaking. Upgrades to Officers’ Square have strengthened our ability to host major concerts, festivals, and community events that generate foot traffic for restaurants and retailers. Ongoing support for tourism—and the tourism fund that sustains our sporting and cultural infrastructure—helps attract tournaments and conferences, bringing more heads in beds, full restaurants, and increased retail activity.
Equally important, I will continue to support our Northside business and commercial nodes. Main Street and surrounding corridors are critical economic drivers. Investing in roads, streetscapes, lighting, sidewalks, snow clearing, and traffic flow directly improves access, safety, and business confidence. The same focus must apply to Hill-area retail hubs and our industrial parks, where reliable infrastructure and expansion capacity are essential to long-term growth.
When our local businesses succeed, Fredericton doesn’t just grow — it rises.
Ward 7 - Manisha Varma
Small businesses are a big part of what makes Fredericton feel like home. They create jobs, bring life to our streets, and shape our neighbourhoods, especially in Ward 7. As your councillor, I want City Hall to work with you, not against you.
I will make it easier to open and grow by pushing for faster permit timelines and a clear point of contact so business owners are not sent from office to office. I also want to review outdated zoning and licensing rules that slow people down.
I will invest in the places people actually go. Better lighting, sidewalks, snow clearing, and streetscaping in areas like Main Street, Prospect Street, and downtown will make spaces feel more welcoming and bring more people through local businesses.
I will keep City dollars in Fredericton by making procurement more accessible and ensuring local businesses have a fair shot, especially for smaller projects.
I will also work closely with organizations that already support businesses and keep pushing a strong support local mindset across our city.
My focus is simple. Real actions, clear timelines, and results that help businesses succeed.
Ward 7 - Kyle McKay
To better support local businesses, I would address the addiction crisis and unhoused in our city. A major barrier for shoppers and tourism, especially downtown, are the unhoused. Between the current population boom, low vacancy rateand rising percentage of Frederictonians living under the poverty line we can only expect this issue to worse.
With better access to addiction/mental health services and low-income housing initiatives, we can have shopping districts freer of concern for our safety and well-being. Shop owners could see thefts and property damage decrease. Summer and Harvest tourists would be less likely to turn away.
Simply put – the more we invest in and the better we take care of our most vulnerable the better off we all are.
Ward 8 - Greg Ericson
The ‘highest and best purpose’ that municipal councillors can serve regarding the support of business interests in our community is to maintain strong relationships between the institutions that represent business owners, the operators of local businesses, and City Hall. I think of this as establishing a relationship of ‘institutional trust.’ This means having an open-door policy for local business owners to hear their concerns, this means maintaining the alignment between the City’s procurement policy and local business interests, and this means participating in the collective engagement functions hosted by the representative business organizations in Fredericton, i.e. DFI, BFN, and our Chamber. This also means having a strong enough relationship with businesses to share the real challenges of governing effectively, this means realizing that not all City spending can be done locally, and this means inviting the business community to public engagement events outside of their tradition sphere of influence so that the whole of civic society can be engaged.
This is how institutional trust can be implemented, but before that can be done it must be founded on a clear understanding of the competencies and characters of those involved. It has been my experience on Council over the past 14 years, that the best way to familiarize oneself with the character and competencies of the business community and their representatives is to participate in their community. This means showing up for annual general meetings, this means populating representative organizations with committee volunteers from both the City Administration and Council, and this means participating with local business to achieve their goals.
For example, when the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses hosts a candidate briefing for the 2026 Fredericton City Council hopefuls, it’s wonderful to hear that their ‘Municipal Construction Mitigation Campaign’ for member business is a direct reflection of what City staff are already doing. And that the one outstanding element of their campaign, which is creating a fund for mitigating business expenses due to municipal construction, only requires participation through advocacy to the provincial government, which already aligns with the municipal advocacy activities through our municipal representative groups.
Ward 9 - Jeff Shanks
First off, we need to try and balance the construction that the city needs to undertake each year. These projects are unavoidable, but the planning committees could certainly do a better job of not having several main corridors all shut down at the same time. If the downtown business area must be under construction, you should not have the bulk of Main Street under construction at the same time.
Secondly, we (city council) and the Policing services need to do a much better job of keeping the situation of homeless (addicted/mental health) individuals from loitering around any of the businesses in Fredericton. On that same point, it would be great if the CSSU could do a slightly better job of patrolling the two major business districts and protecting the properties.
Thirdly, there must be something done about the available parking in the downtown core. People do not want to patronize a shop or restaurant on Queen Street if they have to walk three or four blocks from where they park.The paid lots and parking structures (garages) are not ideal (mostly due to the cost of the parking garages). Having “free” parking after 5PM downtown is not a great value if the store you want to shop at closes at 6PM.
In my area (Ward 9) I have several “shopping malls” which have large parking lots, but I also have the Oaks Centre (former City Hotel) located at one of the busiest and most dangerous (provincial accident reports) intersections in Fredericton. The need for facilities to house the people living rough is absolutely necessary and the John Howard Society is doing the best they can, but that is definitely NOT an ideal location for such a facility. People are panhandling on the lane islands, they are loitering around the shops and fast food restaurants, and just making people feel completely unsafe. Heck, I can not even use the ATM at my own bank (TD) outside of banking hours, since homeless people seem to want to camp out in the ATM vestibule.
Also, the number of encampments in the wooded areas need to be disassembled and cleared out. The amount of “night prowling” and the level of property theft up the hill and all around the city, has increased terribly! I live in an “old neighbourhood”and we used to have no issues leaving items out in our yards… Nothing is safe anymore. It seems that it is almost a required accessory to have cameras around your property now, and that only is a mild detergent. These culprits are going to steal whatever they can, and some even smile at the camera while doing it.
I would like to think that with ALL the levels of Government, and since Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick, we could do a little bit better job for our local businesses (and all of our property owners).
Ward 9 - Ruth Breen
The City of Fredericton enjoys a robust relationship with the business community through the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Fredericton Inc and Business Fredericton North. Along with Ignite, continuing and growing these relationships is vital to ensure economic vitality. Your priorities must be our priorities and through regular meetings and open communication we can continue to work collaboratively.
I prioritize strategic investments in Recreation, Active Transportation, Playgrounds, and our Creative City Strategy, with these we can attract families that are looking for opportunities and community. By creating a vibrant city where Physicians, and others who look to succeed, see a home in Fredericton we will support positive growth.
The City of Fredericton does Physician recruitment work, it is important to let every medical student in Canada know Fredericton is a great place to work, live and raise a family. Working with the Chamber of Commerce on Physician recruitment continues to be a priority for me.
The changes made by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to the limits of newcomers and international students will have a negative impact on our local economy. It is important to continue work with partners advocating for local solutions for immigration and international student numbers.
Housing is also a priority I share with the Chamber of Commerce. We must continue to track the housing needs of residents and strategically use our talents and partnerships to meet those needs. We need to follow the advice of the many experts on our Affordable Housing Committee.
I support city initiatives such as free programming (ie skate loan) and entertainment (ie music in the parks) as well as an efficient transit. These efforts help residents enjoy an affordable lifestyle, build community connection, and bring folks into the business areas.
The implementation of the 47 recommendations of the Task Force on Community Safety must continue and that collaborative solution focused path is important to maintain. I also believe my priorities will result in a long-term social return on investment that improves public safety and overall social determinants of health.
Ward 9 - Allan Hilchie
Supporting local businesses means making it easier for them to succeed — not harder.
Ward 10 - Kelly Murray
A lot of what makes Fredericton attractive to businesses is the same thing that makes it attractive to people: safe neighbourhoods, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, good amenities and transportation options, and a city that’swell managed and fiscally responsible. Livability is what draws and keeps a skilled workforce, and a skilled workforce is what businesses need most. As a councillor, I’d focus on getting those fundamentals right.
Beyond that foundation, I’d prioritize three things.
First, a predictable, efficient, supportive business environment. Businesses need clear processes, timely decisions, and standards they can plan around. That includes a “bias to yes” in approvals, supporting mixed use developments that bring people and businesses together, and also practical things like adapting streets and sidewalks to incorporate summer patio space and giving businesses adequate notice of construction timelines and street closures. I’d like to explore a fund to help small businesses weather prolonged construction disruptions. A major street project can mean months of reduced access and foot traffic for nearby businesses, even when everything runs on schedule, and right now there’s no mechanism to cushion that.
Second, downtown safety and maintenance. Visible crime, aggressive individuals, and open drug use in public spaces are affecting businesses directly — their staff, their customers, and their willingness to invest. The city has taken real steps to address this, such as investing in the Community Safety Services Unit, but the situation continues to worsen. It needs sustained attention from council. Similarly, the city should be prompt about cleaning up graffiti and keeping the downtown clean. People go to restaurants and shop downtown when it feels safe and looks appealing.
Third, continued investment in the partnerships that drive economic development. Organizations like Ignite Fredericton and business accelerators, Downtown Fredericton Inc., and the Chamber do essential work in business development, innovation, and advocacy. The city’s role is to be a reliable partner: sustaining funding, showing up, and making sure municipal decisions support their efforts.
Fredericton has real advantages as a capital city with strong universities, a growing tech sector, an engaged business community, and a track record of attracting newcomers. If elected, I’d work to make sure municipal decisions reinforce those advantages rather than take them for granted.
Ward 10 - Jeff Thompson
Local businesses are the heartbeat of Fredericton, shaping the very essence of our community. I have experienced this personally over many years, including through my work in economic development, co-chairing Vision 2020, and later chairing Ignite through much of the Vision 2030 process.
One of my priorities will be to ensure that Council is actively supporting the implementation of Vision 2030 and that its goals, objectives, and outcomes are realized. Vision 2020 worked because business, government, post-secondary institutions, and community leaders pulled in the same direction.
Vision 2030 correctly identifies the need to make Fredericton a place where it is easier to start, grow, and retain businesses, while attracting talent, investing in community assets, and strengthening our knowledge, creative, defence, and natural resources sectors. These sectors are well known. What is needed now is action, delivered through genuine collaboration across the public and private sectors, academia, and organizations such as the Chamber.
My top priority for the business environment is public safety. Downtown and other commercial districts must be safe and welcoming for everyone, all the time. I have heard from residents who no longer shop, dine, or visit downtown businesses as often because of safety concerns. I also know of a long-standing business closing in part because of the mental health, addictions, and public disorder crisis downtown. Compassion matters, but businesses cannot be left to absorb unplanned costs arising from these societal crises — lost sales, theft, vandalism, security costs, and the daily stress these issues place on owners and staff.
I would ask for improved engagement with small businesses affected by construction projects. Ward 10 will see more necessary infrastructure work, but we can do more than “businesses remain open” signage. Earlier notice, practical access planning, regular communication, and direct problem-solving with affected businesses should become standard.
Finally, I will keep property tax reform and regionalization review on the radar. Both may create opportunities or present risks for Fredericton and its business community.
The goal remains what Vision 2020 captured well: Fredericton should be a place where people live, work, and thrive. That mission is just as important today.
Ward 11 - Gray Miller
As a city councillor I will support local businesses by aggressively pursuing rezoning measures to allow small businesses to operate in residential areas. This will help create dense walkable communities, and will create many new opportunities for entrepreneurship. Additionally I will improve foot traffic to existing downtown businesses by improving public transportation and establishing more biking routes in the downtown core. Numerous reports and studies have shown that walkability and ease of access are essential to maintaining a thriving downtown, and as such I will prioritize building walkable infrastructure and letting businesses operate where it benefits people the most.
Ward 12 - Janet Moser
As you all know, I have been very active in supporting business startup, investment and retention if immigrant entrepreneurs for close to two decades. I’ve also had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to work for the Fredericton Chamber just shy of 10 years. So I would suggest I’ve been immersed.
I am full on in favour of council working with all three of your organizations to increase awareness of what you are doing, promoting the opportunities that come with your memberships, and for council to play a larger role in attending your events and knowing your missions and vision statements for our local business longevity and success.
Further than that, building capacity to increase our footprint once again as the startup capital. I would be interested in the new council being introduced to all programs and training activities that are available through the business development organizations the city funds, as I am quite sure that many of the new candidates and even current sitting councillors do not have a business background, therefore would have little knowledge of the full scope of who is doing what and for who and even why.
We are the Capital city of our province! I see so much untapped opportunity for our downtown and beautiful riverfront. Adam, I’ve spoken to you about the idea of a Christmas “European” style market downtown in and around Officers Square and City Hall which would drive tourism and increase foot traffic to our downtown core each December.
And here it comes….
My greatest wish, and I say wish because I haven’t seen it happen in 20 years, is to see more inclusion and advanced engagement with the city and PETL to promote, encourage and invest in targeted attraction of immigrant investment.
We continue to lose immigrant investors because they are not feeling connected. They are dealing with bias and racism, on a greater level than I’ve seen in the past.
I believe our city hall has a greater role to play in creating a pathway for their success. The Thursday night markets are wonderful. And they offer immigrants an audience to their culture and foods. But I’m talking about larger and greater investments.
Since the PNP entrepreneurial stream was dropped to almost nothing, and with immigration currently being literally shut down, it is affecting our universities and our businesses. I would want to promote a coordinated effort with Fredericton and the other two major cities to stand with NBMC to advocate to IRCC that our situation is unique and should not be covered and stifled with a blanket approach with the rest of the country.
I believe strongly that there are pathways to increase and enhance our business communities in a way that includes immigrant investors, but this would mean an all hands on deck from local Chambers, Cities and the Province to move forward to Federal gov. I am however, not confident there is an appetite for such a push.
If ever a date and time would work for the three of you, I would love the opportunity to have a sit down to hear your thoughts and ideas on how city hall plays a role in your organizations, and what could the city be better at? This would be incredibly insightful for me as I enter the final weeks of the campaign.
You know I am in step with the great work you all do, and will be a strong advocate on council for your organizations if elected.
Ward 12 - Stacey Collett
Public Safety will be key to the Northside and Downtown business‘ survival. Once we create a safer environment, I believe we will be able to see the business’ flourish. With the amount of vandalism, theft and overall unsafe feels, there is no way of survival and will only get worse if we don’t start dealing with this immediately.