From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Health Care in a Growing City
Health care remains a top policy priority for our members at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, and for good reason. It is not only a fundamental public service but also a critical enabler of economic growth, population attraction and retention, and a key indicator of community well-being. That’s why we see this moment as a perfect opportunity to highlight the deep and growing commitment across Fredericton to improve our health care. Guided by the voices of our members and the needs of our community, we are working hard to foster alignment and partnerships among all levels of government, health professionals, civic and private organizations. From our Health Care Summit to ongoing advocacy, Fredericton is sending a clear message: we are ready to collaborate, innovate, and to act to ensure our health care systems meets the needs of a modern and growing capital city.
A Milestone in Advocacy: Advancing Health Care Infrastructure
Most recently, on June 5, 2025, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce welcomed a major step forward in health care investment with the Government of New Brunswick’s announcement confirming support for the completion of the Hybrid Operating Room (OR) at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. This long-awaited decision represents a critical advancement for the Greater Fredericton Area, equipping local medical professionals with up-to-date surgical technology and strengthening the province’s ability to attract and retain top-tier health care talent.
The Chamber has been a consistent advocate for this project, recognizing the hybrid OR as a lynchpin of modern patient care and a vital asset for physician recruitment. In December 2023, we formally urged the provincial government to prioritize this initiative, emphasizing its importance not only for health outcomes but also for the broader business and community landscape.
That advocacy continued in March 2024, when the Chamber partnered with the Greater Fredericton Area Physicians Staff Organization to host a Physicians Round Table. This event provided a platform for local doctors to voice their concerns and highlight urgent priorities—including the need for a fully equipped hybrid surgical suite. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to a sustainable, high-performing health care system that supports patients, professionals, and the economic vitality of our region.
Celebrating Commitment: Welcoming the Next Generation of Physicians
In a celebration of community, collaboration, and commitment to healthcare, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Medical Residents & Clerks Welcome Reception this July at the stunning Beaverbrook Art Gallery. This annual summer event, a cornerstone of the Chamber’s physician recruitment and retention efforts since 2014, brought together medical students, residents, healthcare leaders, and dignitaries from across the Greater Fredericton Region.
This year’s reception welcomed 41 medical residents and students, including 18 from the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH), seven Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship students from Dalhousie and Memorial Universities, and—for the first time—16 residents from Saint John who were in Fredericton for Dalhousie’s FM/EM resident retreat.
The evening was graced by a strong show of support from government and community leaders, including Premier Susan Holt, Health Minister John Dornan, Minister Luke Randall, and municipal representatives from across the region.
Special guest speakers Dr. Brittany Gillis and Dr. Melissa Perry shared heartfelt reflections on why they chose Fredericton to build their careers. Dr. Gillis, originally from Prince Edward Island, now practices family medicine in Fredericton and mentors future physicians. Dr. Perry, a psychiatrist with expertise in perinatal mental health, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the local medical community and her role in teaching the next generation of doctors.
The other speakers all echoed a shared message: Fredericton is not only a great place to practice medicine, but also a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and enjoy a rich quality of life. Gift bags filled with local treats and gift certificates to encourage residents and students to experience what Fredericton has to offer.
City of Fredericton Steps Up: A Strategic Push for Physician Recruitment
On July 9, the City of Fredericton continued its commitment in healthcare recruitment with the launch of its Embrace Our Pulse campaign: an initiative designed to attract and welcome physicians to the region. At City Hall’s Council Chamber, the city unveiled a powerful series of testimonial videos featuring local physicians who shared their personal journeys and deep-rooted commitment to the community.
These videos, now available on the City of Fredericton’s YouTube page, offer authentic insights into what makes Fredericton a compelling place to live and practice medicine. From professional collaboration to quality of life, the stories reflect a shared message: Fredericton is not just a place to work—it’s a place to belong.
The campaign is part of a broader, multi-faceted strategy by the City to address physician recruitment and retention. This year, Fredericton invested Community Recruitment Support Committee (CRSC) funding into two New Brunswick Medical Education scholarships, each tied to a return-of-service agreement in the city—ensuring that new physicians not only train here but stay to serve the community.
As the second-fastest growing Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in New Brunswick, Fredericton is taking a proactive approach beyond policy and promotion, the City has also curated a series of immersive experiences throughout the year to help medical residents and students discover all that Fredericton has to offer—from its vibrant arts and culture scene to its welcoming neighborhoods and natural beauty.
Together, these efforts reflect a city not only responding to the healthcare needs of today but actively shaping a healthier, more connected future for tomorrow.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum of Fredericton’s Health Care Summit
Last November, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Fredericton, St. Thomas University, and the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation, hosted the inaugural Health Care Summit: “Clear and Present Needs of a Growing Capital City.” The event brought together 108 attendees—including medical professionals, municipal leaders, educators, and business stakeholders—for a candid and collaborative dialogue on the state of health care in Fredericton.
The summit opened with a powerful keynote that set the tone for the day: a direct acknowledgment that Fredericton does not yet have the health care infrastructure of a modern, growing city. That honesty sparked meaningful conversations around access, system reform, and the urgent need for investment in tools, technology, and collaborative care spaces.
Key data presented at the summit painted a stark picture, as one-third of New Brunswickers without a family doctor live in the Fredericton health zone—approximately 62,000 people. Only 68% of Fredericton residents have a primary care provider, compared to 86% in Saint John and 95% in Miramichi. While Fredericton is among Canada’s top-10 fastest growing CMAs, with a population increase of over 4,500 in just one year, nearly half of Fredericton’s active family physicians are aged 50 or older.
These facts underscore the urgency for infrastructure renewal and policy reform. Local doctors often lack the tools and spaces needed to provide the care they know their patients deserve. A recurring theme was the need for medical professionals to have a direct voice in shaping clinical policy.
Building on the success and momentum of the first summit, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the second iteration: Health Care Summit II – “Empowering Knowledge to Enable Action.” This year’s themes will explore how traditional barriers to health reform can become strengths in Fredericton, and how the region’s growing knowledge industry can serve as a health accelerator.
More details, including registration information, will be announced in the coming months. As Fredericton continues to grow, the Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for improved health care infrastructure and supporting the professionals who care for our community. Together, we aim to elevate facts, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change.