17 April 2019
Hon. Mary Wilson, Minister of Economic Development and Small Business
Chancery Place, 675 King Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1E9
Via email: mary.wilson@gnb.ca
Re: Budget Reductions to Opportunities NB and CyberNB
Dear Minister Wilson:
I am writing today to inquire about your government’s rationale and plans regarding two line items that saw reductions in the 2019-2020 New Brunswick budget: Opportunities New Brunswick and CyberNB. As the key economic development organization in the province and host of Cyber NB – ONB’s activities have a major impact on the business community. Cybersecurity is an important economic opportunity for Fredericton and the province as a whole, and it is important that both the public and private sectors are behind its development as a key sector in New Brunswick.
Our chamber was pleased with the budget direction overall, particularly Minister Steeves’ recognition that the province must have a strong private sector, it must be an attractive location for investment dollars, and it must be fiscally responsible to make it happen. The transparency measures promised in this budget are also part of the fiscal responsibility needed – that includes more detailed quarterly reporting and an increase to the auditor general’s budget.
However, it is also important that the reasons for reductions or increases in the budget are well understood by those affected so that more New Brunswickers can support the fiscal restraint trajectory of your government’s first budget. We therefore would like to more fully understand the nature and rationale for these cuts as we are concerned that even small reductions in resources supporting the work of ONB could unintentionally derail the province’s growth agenda.
Sincerely,
Krista Ross, CEO
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
cc: Stephen Lund, CEO, Opportunities New Brunswick
