Chamber News
Shaping the Debate: The Knowledge Industry Shift – A Seen and Heard Commentary
Over two days of thoughtful dialogue and forward-looking discussion, what stood out most was the level of engagement from our community. Leaders from government, academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector came together not just to share ideas, but to build bridges.
But dialogue alone is not enough. A unified vision is now required. As VP Bill Best, in closing the event on behalf of our partner UNB noted the common recognition of opportunities and urgently needed actions, to this he stated what so many in the room identified as a call to action when he expressed, let’s just do it!
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is prepared to take the next step: to help align the vision of all parties, including educators, policymakers, business leaders, researchers, and government officials to define the immediate priorities and long-term impact of our Knowledge Industry. This is no longer about planning for the future, it is about acting now to ensure that New Brunswick remains competitive, resilient, and inclusive in the face of global transformation.
Federal Budget Submission 2025 Highlighting Fredericton – New Brunswick’s Knowledge Industry as a National Contributor & Asset
Budget 2025
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce respectfully recommends that the Government of Canada:
1. Recognize the Knowledge Industry as a strategic national contributor and asset.
2. Invest in education and experiential learning to strengthen talent pipelines.
3. Support region-specific immigration strategies to sustain population and workforce growth.
4. Fund regional healthcare infrastructure and credential recognition to support community resilience.
5. Ensure equitable federal investment in regional research ecosystems, partnering with ResearchNB to scale innovation and address funding disparities in New Brunswick.
6. Support regional airport infrastructure.
7. Expand interprovincial regulatory harmonization systems.
8. Invest in cybersecurity and defense innovation through regional hubs like Fredericton.
Fredericton is ready. Atlantic Canada is ready. With federal partnership, we can transform regional strengths into national solutions, to contribute and build a future for Canada defined by knowledge, security, creativity, health, and shared prosperity.
August Commentary – Morgan Peters, From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Health Care in a Growing City
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 system meets the needs of a modern and growing capital city.
July Commentary Morgan Peters: Fredericton’s Knowledge Industry: A Mid-Year Update on a National Contributor
As we move into the second half of 2025, the momentum behind Fredericton’s Knowledge Industry is undeniable. The next step is clear: we must formalize and strengthen partnerships across the entire knowledge industry. This means fostering deep collaboration between educational institutions, the business sector, entrepreneurs, researchers, and all levels of government, municipal, provincial, and federal. By aligning our efforts, we can accelerate research, education, technology, and innovation in ways that drive not only economic growth, but also social and individual advancement. This kind of integrated cooperation is what will transform Fredericton’s Knowledge Industry from a regional strength into a national force for prosperity and resilience.
“Looking Back to Move Forward”: A Summer Reflection from the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce – June Commentary Morgan Peters
“The challenges we’ve faced—trade disruptions, healthcare needs, education reform—are not isolated. As we prepare for the second half of the year, let’s carry forward the lessons we’ve learned. Let’s continue to advocate, collaborate, and innovate. Let’s remain focused on building a Fredericton—and a New Brunswick—that is ready for the future, and a national leader.”
Thinking Local: an Interview with Ben Harrison, Executive Director, United Way Central NB
Q: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges currently facing non-profits in the Fredericton area?
Ben Harrison: “There is growing need for expanded services across the non-profit sector. Our capital city is growing, and so are the needs of our community. Unfortunately, the greatest barrier to increased capacity is always funding. And, like many businesses, staff retention and affordable, accessible spaces to deliver programming are also challenges the sector is facing.”
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Applauds Government Support for Hybrid Operating Room at DECRH
The Chamber has long championed this project, recognizing the hybrid OR as a key element in improving patient care and supporting local physicians. In December 2023, the Chamber formally called on the Government of New Brunswick to commit to this essential project by sending a letter to then-Health Minister Bruce Fitch. This call for action emphasized the business and community impact of ensuring health care infrastructure keeps pace with medical standards.
Building on this advocacy, the Chamber partnered with the Greater Fredericton Area Physicians Staff Organization in March 2024 to host a Physicians Round Table, providing local doctors with a platform to express concerns and discuss urgent priorities—including the need for a properly equipped hybrid surgical suite. Through these efforts, the Chamber reinforced its commitment to a strong and sustainable health care system that benefits patients, healthcare professionals and most certainly our business community.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce was also proud to co-host Fredericton’s Health Care Summit: Clear and Present Needs of a Growing Capital City on November 12, 2024, in partnership with St. Thomas University, the City of Fredericton, and the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation. This summit brought together medical professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to address the most pressing health care challenges facing Fredericton, including the urgent need for a Hybrid Operating Room.
Letter to Premier Holt Re: Fredericton’s National Contribution (Knowledge Industry)
Education is the bedrock of economic prosperity, societal resilience, and national strength. Fredericton stands as a gateway for talent, innovation, and global collaboration, ensuring that New Brunswick remains a driving force in Canada’s future. The Knowledge Industry is not merely a sector—it is the catalyst that fuels every industry, from technology and finance to healthcare, cybersecurity, and creative enterprises.
Commentary – Morgan Peters: Building a Stronger New Brunswick through Education, Communication and Planning: Addressing New Brunswick’s Teacher Shortage
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce recognizes education as the cornerstone of the Knowledge Industry. As a vital societal and business investment, education can foster economic growth, workforce development, and societal well-being. However, the acute teacher shortage poses a significant challenge, jeopardizing K-12 and post-secondary education’s ability to meet both employers’ and society’s needs. Addressing this crisis is critical to ensuring New Brunswick’s productivity, resilience and prosperity.
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