29 April 2021 (FREDERICTON)
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has published the responses to its “Questions that Count” for the 2021 Municipal Election. The chamber initiative involved providing all candidates for city council and mayor with seven municipal-government-focused questions that are relevant to local businesses. The responses provided by candidates can be found on the chamber’s website election page: https://www.frederictonchamber.ca/2021-municipal-election/.
“Engaging with candidates at all levels of government is one of the ways that we provide value to our members and the community-at-large,” said Krista Ross, chamber CEO. “Municipal government often has the most immediate impact people’s lives, so I’m encouraged to see a higher level of interest in this election cycle – hopefully that engagement can continue beyond May 10th.”
The seven questions asked were:
- What are your top three priorities for Fredericton over the next four years?
- What local government changes do you hope to see from the provincial government’s municipal reform consultation?
- What role should the municipality play in addressing affordable housing and homelessness? What specific municipal policies are needed? Does the City of Fredericton need a dedicated housing officer?
- What specific actions can the municipal government make to attract and retain more newcomers?
- How do you think that municipal government can best provide a good environment for businesses?
- There has been a lot of public discussion about the following projects: performing arts centre, a new public pool, Officer’s Square and the Exhibition Grounds. What is your position on each of these projects?
- How can the City of Fredericton best support development and economic growth?
“The questions that we asked the candidates are a mix of pure business/economy questions but also some of the other issues currently being discussed that have a direct impact on businesses,” added Ross. “For example, housing and retaining more newcomers are key priorities for the business community and are unquestionably linked.”
The chamber also hosted a mayoral debate on Rogers TV on 22 April 2021 – the event can now also be viewed on the chamber website’s election page.
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About the 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’.
For more information, please contact:
Krista Ross, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
(506) 458-8006