News Release: Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2024 Business Excellence Awards
11 October 2024 FREDERICTON, NB – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Business Excellence Awards on October 10, 2024 at the Delta Hotels Marriott Fredericton, naming award recipients in nine categories. “Leading up to Small Business Week later in October, the Business Excellence Awards the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible businesses, non-profit and charitable organizations and leaders in our community.” said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton chamber. “Our organizational vision is Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity and this event does a great job of highlighting the relationship between businesses, organizations and individuals and their interconnectedness.” The chamber’s awards event began in 1983 as the “Small Business Awards.” “This idea of impact on the community has been there from the beginning. When the awards began, we had two categories and recipients were based on ‘exemplification of the spirit of ‘free enterprise’ and successful contribution to the quality of life of the community,”’ Peters added. “As we continue to celebrate our organization’s 150th anniversary this year, I am proud that our members and our community remain at the centre of everything we do. Recipients of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Excellence Awards are: Wilson Insurance Ltd. New Business Award Core Dance Collective Credit Unions Small Business Award 11th mile food co. Liberty Medium Business Award Chinova Bioworks CBDC Southwest Large Business Award Go-Go Group Inc. Jim Gilbert’s Wheels & Deals Not-For-Profit Organization Award New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation Porter O’Brien Community Impact Award Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) KPMG Charitable Organization Award Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation Spacek, Armstrong & Norrad Chartered Professional Accountants Resilience Award Greener Village Opportunities NB (Opportunités NB) Business Leader of the Year Award Asif Hasan, Climative Inc. & Neuro AI Inc. “The enthusiasm of the business and community leaders gathered in the room to celebrate entrepreneurship was palpable,” said Ross. “The level of comradery, support and mutual respect that our businesses have for one another is something that makes our community great.” The event was made possible by the following supporters: Platinum Sponsor: The Ginger Agency Gold Sponsors: Air Canada Signature Sound Award Sponsors: Wilson Insurance Ltd. Credit Unions Liberty CBDC Southwest Jim Gilbert’s Wheels & Deals Porter O’Brien KPMG Spacek, Armstrong & Norrad Chartered Professional Accountants Opportunities NB (Opportunités NB) Bronze Sponsors: BrunNet Covey Basics CPA New Brunswick Finalist Reception Sponsor: Ignite Fredericton General Reception Sponsor: Riverview Ford Lincoln and Riverview Honda Venue Sponsor: Delta Hotels Marriott Fredericton Wine Sponsor: Arterra Wines Canada Design Sponsor: Kiers Marketing Print Sponsor: Allegra Marketing and Printing Decor Sponsor: Exclusive Events Photography Sponsor: Tripple A Photography Music Sponsor: Frantically Atlantic -30- The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Community Prosperity Through Business’. Contact: Morgan Peters, CEO – (506) 458-8006 or ceo@frederictonchamber.ca Pictured L to R: Daniel Cyril, Chinova Bioworks; Peter Tompkins and Jennie Wilson, 11th Mile; Alyssa Long, NB Medical Education Foundation; Rebecca Francis, Fergusson Foundation; Alex Boyd, Greener Village; Asif Hasan, Climative / NeuroAI; Stanley Barnaby, Joint Economic Development Initiative; Aaliyah Hayes, Laurel Williams, Erin McCrea, Core Dance Collective; Kara Angus, GoGo Group Photo Credit: Tripple A Photography
News Release: Fredericton Chamber Welcomes David Shipley as 2024-25 President
25 July 2024 – For Immediate Release FREDERICTON, NB – At a time when information technology and cybersecurity have never been more important for businesses of all sizes, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share the appointment of one of Canada’s top experts as its next president. Last month at their annual general meeting, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce welcomed David Shipley of Beauceron Security Inc. as its President for 2024-2025, taking over the role from Michael Melvin of McInnes Cooper. Melvin moves into the Past President role for a one-year term. Shipley has been a board member at the chamber since 2019. During that time and in preparation for the role, he has been heavily involved in the chamber’s activities, particularly in relation to advocacy and governance. In this volunteer role, David will chair the chamber’s board of directors and support CEO Morgan Peters. “It’s an honour to be able to give back to my community, which has helped me achieve my dream of founding a made-in-New Brunswick cybersecurity company,” says Shipley. In his introductory message during the chamber annual general meeting, Shipley highlighted the important role the business community plays in creating a prosperous community and called for an ambitious urban agenda for Fredericton to shape the next 25 years of growth for the capital city. Shipley is a recognized global expert in cybersecurity, frequently appearing in regional, national and international media. He co-founded Beauceron Security in 2016 with an innovative approach to cybersecurity awareness and risk management which empowers everyone within an organization to know more, and care more, about their key role in protecting against cyber-attacks. Beauceron Security now serves more than 700 clients across North America, Europe, and Africa with 730,000+ end-users. He continues to lead the company as CEO. Prior to co-founding Beauceron Security, David was the security lead for the University of New Brunswick and developed its incident response, threat intelligence and awareness practice. He is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Information and Communications Studies, as well as a Master of Business Administration, from the University of New Brunswick. In 2023, David was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Platinum Medal by the province of New Brunswick for his service in the Canadian Forces, work in cybersecurity, and for co-founding Beauceron Security. David is a former journalist and a Canadian Forces veteran. “The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce continues to be an impactful and engaged community leader thanks to people like David passionately devoting their time and expertise,” said Chamber CEO Morgan Peters. “Our team is very fortunate to be continually led by talented and committed businesspeople that bring practical knowledge and innovative leadership to our organization.” At the chamber’s annual general meeting in June, outgoing president Melvin presented the chamber’s President’s Award to Dr. Jillian Goodyear. The award celebrates a business, organization or individual for extraordinary service and contributions that have assisted the chamber overall, but in particular – during that president’s year. Dr. Jillian Goodyear has committed her time and talents beyond demanding professional responsibilities to work with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce for the improvement of the medical resources available to physicians in service of their patients and our community. In addition to Shipley and Melvin, the other Executive Committee members for 2024-25 are: 1st Vice President – Sara Holyoke, Delta Hotels Marriott Fredericton 2nd Vice President – Dave Milburn, Focal Point Landscape Design and Installation Treasurer – Michelle Paquin, Spacek Armstrong & Norrad Acting Treasurer – Daniel Hoyles, SnapTrade Executive Member – Jordan O’Brien, Porter O’Brien Executive Member – Fanny Bodart, The Property Ladies The chamber board also had a number of incoming board members confirmed, replacing members that completed a two-year term. The newest members of the chamber board are: José Poirier, New Brunswick Multicultural Council Cory Clark, Marwood Ltd. Kaziya Chanda, Eastern College Chris Hotchkiss, Hotchkiss Home Furnishings Renna Eliakis, Cox & Palmer Pat Price, Neil Squire Society Returning Board Members are: Stanley Barnaby, JEDI (Joint Economic Development Initiative) Catherine McLatchie, Instant Imprints Fredericton Devansh Bavishi, IG Wealth Management Daniel Hoyles, Snaptrade Scott McMullin, Covey Basics Cameron McNeil, Par 94 Golf Inc. Danielle Pelletier, VIVA Therapeutic Services Kelsey Seymour, CC Goodwin Consulting Inc. Finishing their terms on the board in 2024 are: Jill Stairs – Daye Kelly & Associates Tosin Ajibola, Welkom-U Inc. Noel Eustace, Instant Imprints Atlantic Jenna Evans, Stiletto: Make A Point Ashley Dearing, Dearing Media -30- The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity’ Contact: Morgan Peters, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce CEO – (506) 451-9742
JEDI to Ensure Cultural Safety and Respect are Maintained with New “Elder Protocol”
With a commitment to cultural revitalization and supporting Elders within the First Nations community, the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), has created an “Elder Protocol”; a document that shares the appropriate etiquette when requesting the presence of an Elder or Knowledge Keeper at events. An Elder, or Knowledge Keeper, is often an elderly Indigenous person who is held in the highest of regard amongst the people. Their lived experiences; understanding of the First Nations language; and their knowledge of ceremony, medicine, and tradition, grants them the title of Elder. The title of Elder does not only belong to the elderly as, in some instances, a person could be granted the title while they are young, due to their vast knowledge in relation to practices and ceremonies. Another term you may hear in reference to this person is “Traditionalist”. The document’s purpose is to ensure that Elders are shown the utmost respect and care. The conversation on creating an Elder Protocol started nearly two years ago between JEDI’s Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module Coordinator and the Provincial Indigenous Employment Coordinator. With the rise in the cost of living, communities wanted to ensure their Elders were protected, appropriately taken care of, and compensated for their time. A set standard for an honorarium and additional expenses was established. After careful consideration, and consultation with 10 different Elders from local First Nations Communities, it was decided that it would be best if the protocol was shared by an Indigenous Organization to accurately represent cultural safety and respect with the public. After extensive research by JEDI’s Indigenous Training Assistant, Tiger Levi, he found a strong lack in education relating to what the most respectful interaction with an Elder should look like. “Our culture grounds us in the need to honour the ones who hold knowledge. Our communities’ cultural traditions have been buried due to colonialism, and a document such as this helps the important reimplementation of these traditions into the workforce and is accessible for use to those outside the community as well.” – Tiger Levi (Indigenous Training Assistant) With 16 Indigenous communities in New Brunswick alone, along with several different Indigenous organizations and academic institutions, there are still very few documents that share the same detailed guide as the Elder Protocol created by JEDI. The Elder protocol was launched at the Indigenous Workforce Summit on June 6, 2024, which was hosted by JEDI along with the Wabanaki Tribal Council Inc. (WTCI), to share with allies on how they can incorporate this into future workplans. “We hope that having these resources accessible to those in and outside our community will encourage positive education on First Nations Peoples and strengthen the path to truth and reconciliation.” – Stanley Barnaby, CEO of the Joint Economic Development Initiative
Response to April 3rd Joint Letter – Minister Miller – July 2024
Morgan Peters Commentary: Summer Reflections on Action and a Direction Forward
Looking Back and Going Forward Over the past year I have been saying the word “Action” quite a bit – whether in meetings, commentaries, and beyond, “Action” has driven our agenda at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. I wanted to take this time during the summer, when one hopefully gets the chance to reflect and recharge, to talk about the meaning of Action both now and in the months to come. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s organizational vision is “Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity” and in my first year as CEO I think a lot about the inverse of that vision as well, Business Prosperity Through Stronger Community. There is a reason that our member’s #1 issue is to improve health care and that housing, education and childcare are right up there at the top of member’s issues as well. The things that were once siloed as ‘social’ issues, are now clearly business enablers. We will not be able to continue our current population growth trajectory without making the right investments in our province and our communities that will stimulate the corresponding economic growth required to adequality meet the scope of the challenges we face today and the needs of the future. As I look to these challenges, I often think of how Michael J. Fox once put it, “I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it’s proactive and there is positive intent behind it.” At our Annual General Meeting at the end of June, we had the opportunity to reflect on the past year. In a time of change and renewal, the glaring consensus from our work, especially concerning advocacy is the recognition that our province is at a tipping point, in which the state of our recent growth and all the gains that entails, is fragile and cannot continue without the necessary action and alignment of supports. At the start of 2024 we presented that smart investments were necessary to provide much needed stability, growth, and sustainability within New Brunswick. Based on a glaring urgency to compel action in numerous issue areas affecting our province, we concluded that the consequences of any form of inaction was tantamount to the wrong action. Corresponding Evidence On June 20th the New Brunswick Business Council released a report by David Campbell of Jupia Consultants entitled Growing the export economy: Key to New Brunswick’s future prosperity. The report calls attention to the significant decline of New Brunswick’s economic growth in recent years. Contributing to this decline is an identifiable lack of productivity and competitiveness, a low rate of private sector investment and weak exports leading to a growing trade imbalance. The Campbell report presents three initiatives that can be immediately implemented by the provincial government: to create an investment tax credit for companies that invests in automation and digitization, accelerate a path for employers to recruit specialized workers from outside the country, and match the housing incentives of other Maritime provinces to stimulate housing development. The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John Region welcomed this report and it was also supported by the leading economic development agencies: Ignite in the Capital Region, Envision Saint John, Economic Development: Southeast Regional Service Commission, as well as the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association. To have a viable economy and support social progress, New Brunswick needs a prosperous business sector. Our united position encourages the provincial government and business leaders to embrace a clear growth agenda. Our chamber has continually encouraged decisive action and alignment of government policy to address pressing issues hindering economic growth within the province and we have presented the immediate actions required to regain a competitive balance with our neighbouring provinces. Housing and Development The NBBC report stands as another urgent call for action to protect future growth in our province by identifying strategic investments to regain competitiveness with our fellow provinces. As recently as May 7th of this year, the chambers of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John Region jointly addressed the Premier of New Brunswick, regarding the pressing issue of housing development. The letter underscored the severe shortage of available housing units in New Brunswick and emphasized the urgent need for increased development. The chambers urged the provincial government to eliminate the provincial portion of the HST on new building construction for purpose-built multi-unit dwellings, aligning with actions taken by other provinces and most importantly, completing reforms to the property tax system, generally referred to as removing the “double tax”. These actions are desperately needed as New Brunswick appears to be a less desirable location for rental housing business. The NBBC Campbell report serves to emphasize our position, as it offers that in the first four months of 2024, Nova Scotia has seen nearly twice as many new housing starts adjusted for population size compared to New Brunswick. In completing actions to reform our property tax system, removing the provincial portion would result in the rental housing rate being the same as the owner occupied rate in NB, and ultimately presenting the same playing field for developers as our Atlantic Canadian neighboring provinces. Recently, an article entitled “Housing policy subsidizes wealthiest, at expense of the poorest: economist” presented Dr. Herb Emery’s assessment of why housing has become unaffordable in our province. New Brunswick has suffered from charging much higher property tax rates on apartment buildings, as Emery states that construction “remains too flat for apartments”. This is the exact intent of our call for action, to help enhance and promote the livability of our communities by investing in New Brunswick. Health Care We have repeatedly stressed that the New Brunswick must modernize to provide truly world-class health care. To do this, we must utilize all available resources, by responding to the needs of professionals working within the system daily, maximize existing and potential partnerships, and seeking new solutions to long-standing problems. In March, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Fredericton Area Physicians
News Release: Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Signs Partnership Agreement with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) – 24 June 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Signs Partnership Agreement with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) Collaboration with National organization brings opportunities for growth, engagement to Fredericton’s diverse business community. FREDERICTON, NB, JUNE 24, 2024 – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). The partnership aims to support the growth of LGBT+ businesses through the development and delivery of essential programs, as identified by the memberships of both chambers. “This partnership with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce is a natural fit for us as one of our organizational values is openness – meaning that we are an organization for the entire community and exemplify a spirit of inclusiveness, diversity and transparency,” said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber. “This agreement with the CGLCC provides us with tools, educational resources, and tangible benefits that our members can use to expand their business opportunities through a meaningful commitment to embracing diversity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQI+ business community.” The two organizations agree to collaborate to identify metrics on diversity, intersectionality, and allyship within Fredericton Chamber’s membership, to provide responsive and relevant programming to members. “We are so pleased to join the Fredericton Chamber in carrying out its vision of Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity,” said Ashleigh Brown, Director of Business Development at CGLCC. “Equity and inclusion are attainable goals when we have the privilege of partnering with local organizations like the Fredericton Chamber. Throughout our discussions with leadership, they have demonstrated time and again that 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses and their allies are not only welcome in Fredericton, they are a key contributor to the growth and sustainability of the competitive business environment in New Brunswick.” The Fredericton Chamber and the CGLCC will support Chamber members by waiving the certification fee for diverse suppliers for the first year, as well as a discount on future certification fees. Fredericton Chamber members will also receive a discount on the Rainbow Registered Accreditation. This accreditation is awarded to businesses or organizations that meet a stringent set of standards to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted. Accredited businesses are deemed market-ready for the 2SLGBTQI+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark. Commencing immediately, the partnership will see Fredericton Chamber share and promote information on the CGLCC’s programs, including the Supplier Diversity Program for 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses, the Mentorship (Out for Business) Program, and the LGBTQI+ Newcomers Program. The Fredericton Chamber will also collaborate with the CGLCC to organize business meet-ups for diverse-owned businesses and their allies. The CGLCC’s capacity has been strengthened by the support of the Government of Canada’s creation of the world’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, and the powerful connection that the Fredericton Chamber has with the business community is a path to realizing the potential of this program in important regions like Atlantic Canada. -30- About Fredericton Chamber of Commerce The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity’. Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Contact: Morgan Peters (he/him), CEO Email: ceo@frederictonchamber.ca Direct: (506) 451-9742 About Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) links 2SLGBTQI+ businesses in Canada to the wider business and corporate community. It fosters economic growth by supporting and nurturing 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, entrepreneurs, students, and allies, and by helping Canada’s corporate world connect with the 2SLGBTQI+ business community. For more information, visit https://cglcc.ca/. CGLCC Contact: Julie-Léonora Kesch (she/her), Marketing and Communications Manager Email: julie-leonora.kesch@cglcc.ca Direct: 416-761-5151 x127
Joint Chambers Statement of Support – Growing the export economy: Key to New Brunswick’s future prosperity – 20 June 2024
The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John Region welcome the new report commissioned by the New Brunswick Business Council. Growing the export economy: Key to New Brunswick’s future prosperity, a report by David Campbell of Jupia Consultants Inc. that calls attention to the significant decline of New Brunswick’s economic growth in recent years. Attributing to this decline is an identifiable lack of productivity and competitiveness, a low rate of private sector investment and weak exports leading to a growing trade imbalance. The Campbell report presents three initiatives that can be immediately implemented by the provincial government: to create an investment tax credit for companies that invests in automation and digitization, accelerate a path for employers to recruit specialized workers from outside the country, and match the housing incentives of other Maritime provinces to stimulate housing development. This report stands as another urgent call for action to protect future growth in our province by identifying strategic investments to regain competitiveness with our fellow provinces. Its intent matches the united message of our chambers. As recently as May 7th of this year, the chambers of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John Region jointly addressed the Premier of New Brunswick, regarding the pressing issue of housing development. The letter underscores the severe shortage of available housing units in New Brunswick and emphasizes the urgent need for increased development. Specifically, the chambers urged the provincial government to eliminate the provincial portion of the HST on new building construction for purpose-built multi-unit dwellings, aligning with actions taken by other provinces. This report serves to emphasize our position, as it offers that in the first four months of 2024, Nova Scotia has seen nearly twice as many new housing starts adjusted for population size compared to New Brunswick. The NBBC report appropriately presents that to have a viable economy and support social progress, New Brunswick needs a prosperous business sector and encourages the provincial government and business leaders to embrace a clear growth agenda. Our chambers of commerce have previously encouraged decisive action and alignment of government policy to address pressing issues hindering economic growth within the province. We have presented the immediate actions required by our provincial leaders, especially concerning housing and development, to regain a competitive balance with our neighbouring provinces by creating an eco-system conducive to urgently needed development. Today we add to this call the forward-thinking investments needed to boost productivity, competitiveness and to foster increased export revenue to bring down our trade deficit. The chambers of commerce of Fredericton, Greater Moncton and the Saint John Region stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in efforts of ensuring a future of sustained growth in New Brunswick.
Commentary – Morgan Peters – Atlantic Chambers in Action
Recently, the staff of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce attended the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Annual Conference in Halifax. Events such as this allow us to share best practices, create contacts for supports and coalesce around issues of common concern. This conference and the role of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce in general is representative of the role of any chamber of commerce in that the connection provided by sharing and discussing successes and concerns, in providing and learning best practices, and the overall sense of working together towards shared goals is a benefit needed in today’s business world. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce was an excellent host, and a highlight was their partnership with SURGE for the “Accessibility Ready Lunch” to discuss the progress of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, passed in 2017. With New Brunswick presenting similar legislation last month, this was a very timely session to understand not only the broad range of considerations within the legislation, but equally, the opportunities presented to businesses through enhancing accessibility. We look forward to continuing to work with government, stakeholders and the business community on this priority. After a very successful 2024 Atlantic conference, I thought it helpful to share an overview of our advocacy efforts within this larger Atlantic business community and demonstrate the power of coming together to effect change. A Transition Message of Much Needed Context The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, who announced he will leave the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on August 31, attended the conference and spoke to our collection of Atlantic chambers. Mr. Beatty spoke passionately of the many strengths Canada offers and how he recognizes these most acutely when he travels internationally. Our standard of living and resources offer endless potential for trade and development of business opportunities. Perhaps even more profound, he noted, was the respect and reverence other nations hold for our form of democracy and the benefits they recognize in our open and fair society. We were reminded that these principles, along with the ability to engage with people from different political or social positions in productive discussions, should never be taken for granted. He also noted our physical proximity and long-standing special relationship with the largest market in the free world, the United States of America. Our access to such a vast population must be utilized and continually developed through the recognition of shared goals. We can sometimes get mired in our issues and lose sight of our many advantages as Canadians. What We Heard – Need for Alignment, Action and Support It was a time of renewal across many chambers, and as a result, the energy and commitment to the work of chambers was high, but the obvious concerns were prevalent. Most recently, the chambers of Fredericton, Greater Moncton, and the Saint John Region united to call attention to the urgent actions needed within our province to address the long-standing housing crisis. It is simultaneously daunting and uplifting to hear of the same concerns from chamber representatives of the other Atlantic Provinces. Under the heading of best practices, it is especially encouraging to hear of the positive development numbers reported by the provinces of Nova Scotia and PEI. The fact that these chambers are concerned and struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, reaffirmed the need for our province to match the actions of its fellow provinces to assure a competitive ecosystem for housing development. In keeping with the Atlantic theme, it is equally as obvious that in terms of health care, we are all in the same boat, but we all search to identify health care professionals from the same talent pool. It was also a very fitting time to be in the Halifax region as nearly a year to the day since the start of the terrible wildfires, the realities and concerns of climate change were also foremost for many of the chamber representatives. There does exist an entrepreneurial spirit throughout Atlantic Canada, however, recognizing the shared potential for green energy projects. Employee identification and retention was a leading topic of chambers based on member feedback, especially concerning our higher education institutions, which act as vital talent pipelines. We learned about TPM – Talent Pipeline Management – business-created system which provides employers and their education and workforce development partners with strategies and tools to co-design talent supply chains that connect learners and workers to jobs and career advancement opportunities. By identifying the industry-specific needs as the opportunity for a specific population of talent, businesses (even competitors) with similar needs can collectively address their workforce concerns while offering clear career pathways for talent. Based on the success of other jurisdictions, we intend to explore this potential system for industries and workforce development within the Fredericton community. Resolute Action Another major function and benefit at the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce conference are the Atlantic Policy Resolution sessions. Individual chambers submitted original policies for presentation to the entire conference to introduce our current work and improve the resolutions before submission to the national conference. The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has been actively engaged in issues of immigration regulations and the international student program. We view the policy resolution process as an opportunity to incorporate the principles we encourage through our advocacy, specifically the call for action and alignment of resources to support our educational institution and students, both domestic and international, to assure our local businesses prosper. Recently, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that international students will be able to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting in September 2024. The federal government temporarily waived the previous 20-hour cap on work hours for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic to ease labour shortages. This followed a previous announcement of January 22nd, that Canada will reduce the number of new international student permits by 35 per cent this year as part of a temporary two-year cap on foreign enrolment. A rapid increase of
Commentary – Morgan Peters – Necessary and Timely Actions for Improving Health Care
Engaging with Health Professionals, Providing Industry Standard Resources and Alignment of Community Support Networks Engaging Health Professionals Last month, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater Fredericton Area Physicians Staff Organization, hosted our first Physicians Round Table. Health care is an essential component of a livable city and a primary concern of the business community – in fact, it has been the #1 member-identified issue in our annual survey for the previous two years. With an issue as fundamental as health care, we have to go to the source of those foundations – the professionals with experience in our local hospitals, our clinics and lives. Our recent work understanding the concerns of many physicians and other health care workers has led to the conclusion that recruitment and retention efforts now must also include supplying those who are here, who are dedicated, and who want to serve their patients, with the tools they need to do their job. By bringing together physicians from our community to discuss the current state of our health care system, we not only wanted to better inform our research based on the personal experiences and expertise of those working within it daily, but also to better communicate the needed actions within our system to the community. Healthcare professionals of the Greater Fredericton Region are dealing with more professional, physical, emotional, and social stresses than could ever have been expected. Physicians working within an ill-equipped health care system yet pressed further with exponential population growth, patient care is now only one of the many expectations placed on their overloaded “plates”. Within our provincial health care system, increasing strain has caused many to ask what is the role of physicians in achieving a stable and acceptable health care system? More and more physicians are forced to become systemic advocates when faced with deteriorating conditions that have put their patients care at risk. They have always been advocates for their patients on an individual level, but this is something larger beyond this direct patient care role. This is a professional and dedicated group, who have stepped forward to express that there is an immediate need for our health professionals to receive the industry standard resources they require to serve their patients. Health care professionals working with patients across numerous fields and specialities possess both the training and practical experience to recognize areas of immediate concern and understand the realities of our growing community. Despite stepping forward with concerns, there is an increasing disconnect between provincial policy and local, first-hand, evidence-based recommendations. In the very short course of our discussion, immediate and obvious needs in our province and specifically our local community emerged. To summarize broadly, our discussion touched on numerous topics including access to longitudinal primary care for all New Brunswickers. Amongst the long list of obstacles and areas of potential reform to help improve access, tangible issues affect progress every day. Within such a large and complicated area such as health care, we may fail to realize the everyday logistical barriers in setting up a mixed-use clinic or family practice. Something as tangible as the identification and access to office space, for example, is a real impediment in our community. Staffing and recruitment also emerged as an urgent need and our system requires innovative changes made to recruiting and retaining physicians, nurses, and technicians across health care fields to incorporate everything from industry-expected resources, practical supports and livability issues which encompass the modern concerns of professionals. The example of removing logistical barriers through red-tape reduction was highlighted and the chamber once again points to the industry leading progress exhibited in Nova Scotia by the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Services and their effectiveness in directly “Reducing Red Tape for Physicians”. A new vision for shared practices and clinics must also be embraced by the government and our communities, as only once these services are made available, meaning adequately staffed and supplied with resources, will the public alter their utilization of health services. The delivery of these practices and clinics must also include the essential role played by Licensed Practical Nurses, Personal Support Workers and others. Timely access to diagnostics is key to a successful system but can only be achieved by adequately staffing and suppling these departments the necessary resources. An effective and complete innovation strategy concerning technology and supports can only work if everyone within the system has access to the same equipment and programs. This would represent a streamlining of time-consuming functions, increased access to records and simplified filing, all in efforts of increasing time for patient care. Any reforms and improvements to these areas, whether large or small, represents the act of taking time consuming elements off the plates of our physicians and allowing more time to be devoted to their primary focus, patient care. Only through effective engagement and communication can we apply the modern multidisciplinary approach to medicine needed in our province. This brief overview of our discussion is an example of the ideas that can be identified and the changes that can occur as a result of open and constructive communication. Perhaps the most concerning issue negatively impacting health care reforms is the prevalent conclusion that health care professionals do not feel they are part of the process in policy decisions. Repeatedly, examples exist in which their first-hand, expert and evidence-based knowledge has not been consulted during the decision-making process. As a result, decisions in health care have been increasingly removed from our community perspective. Local advocates and community supports are required to ensure that resources meet the demands of the growing Fredericton region. This recognition entails coordinating proactive supports offered to the health care community by municipal representatives, businesses, community service groups, and ultimately individual community members. Fredericton is an engaged community and must make clear to health care workers and the provincial government that we are committed to the improvement and growth of our health care system. A Timely Plan of Action? Standards and Deliverables
Joint Letter – Minister Miller – International Student and TFW Blanket Caps – 3 April 2024
April 3rd, 2024 The Honourable Marc Miller Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship 365 Laurier Ave West Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1L1 Dear Minister Miller, We are writing to you on behalf of the Chambers of Commerce for Greater Moncton, Fredericton, and the Saint John region, to express our concerns regarding a series of policy related changes to immigration – most recently, your announcement on capping the number of temporary residents allowed in Canada. We were quite surprised to see a second blanket cap on a critical immigration stream in 2024, when you have already acknowledged that adjustments are required for the international student cap announced in January. During the recent Democracy Forum at Toronto Metropolitan University, you emphasized the imperative of taking action rather than succumbing to inaction—a sentiment with which we wholeheartedly agree. Indeed, we recognize that exponential growth in terms of volume and disturbing instances of exploitative conditions for vulnerable foreigners, underscores the urgent need for government intervention. While we acknowledge the validity of the examples you highlighted, we must also voice our apprehension regarding the current policy approach. It appears that the policies enacted thus far fail to effectively address existing problems while inadvertently penalizing reputable entities with established records of responsible management – and therefore our regional economies. Moreover, as representatives of communities within the Province of New Brunswick, and the broader Atlantic Canada region, we emphasize the importance of recognizing the unique demographic dynamics and industry requirements of our province and region. A blanket national policy overlooks these distinctive realities and risks undermining the economic vitality and social cohesion of our communities. The presence of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada is instrumental across multiple sectors, addressing critical labor shortages and sustaining economic vitality. Industries such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and hospitality heavily rely on the contributions of TFWs to maintain productivity and meet market demands. Beyond mere labor provision, these workers often bring diverse skills, experiences, and cultural perspectives, enriching the local workforce and fostering innovation. However, your announcement to restrict the intake of temporary immigrants, fail to address the fundamental needs of New Brunswick and its key industries. On January 22nd, you announced that Canada will reduce the number of new international student permits this year as part of a temporary two-year cap on foreign enrolment. As the allocation of cap space would be determined by province based on population, New Brunswick’s allocation of permits will equal roughly 7,560 – a steep reduction of the 11,410 international students welcomed in 2022. The policy outlined the duty of distributing these permits to the provincial government, and the federal government’s onus was to continue to work with the provinces to refine the policy. We encourage this partnership to quickly accommodate the required alterations. We had hoped that a one size fits all policy would not be applied to our region, which boasts so many examples of positive integration and supports for international students, while obviously offering world class educational experiences. We call, therefore, for the necessary and timely actions to support and protect our universities and colleges which have exhibited a history of sustainable growth, including an alteration to this two-year policy to allow for the realities of the Atlantic provinces. Through this form of inclusive partnership-based policy, we see an opportunity to proactively prescribe and affirm that higher education is an essential resource and partner in Atlantic Canada, serving a function as a talent pipeline and as an indispensable resource within numerous issue areas such as health care, housing, innovation, and far beyond. In light of these considerations, we also urge you to reconsider the proposed temporary resident cap and collaborate with regional stakeholders to devise more nuanced and effective solutions that safeguard both the integrity of our immigration system and the well-being of our communities. Without this kind of close collaboration to understand the unique circumstances our of region – unintended consequences of blanket national policies will be a near certainty. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We remain eager to engage in proactive dialogue and partnerships towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Sincerely, Morgan Peters, CEO, The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Nadine Fullarton, CEO, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton Tracy Bell, CEO, The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce