FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2025
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Supports Call for Regionally Tailored Population Growth Strategy
Fredericton, NB — The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has joined chambers and boards of trade across Atlantic Canada in signing a joint letter to the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, urging the federal government to adopt a region-specific strategy to support population growth in Atlantic Canada.
The letter, coordinated by the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates immigration policy with domestic population attraction and retention efforts. The goal is to reverse demographic decline, address labour shortages, and build a sustainable future workforce for the region.
“Fredericton’s future depends on our ability to grow our population, not just through immigration, but by retaining our graduates and attracting talent from across Canada,” said Morgan Peters, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. “We need federal policies that reflect our regional realities and support long-term community and economic development.”
“Atlantic Canada’s unique geography and labour needs must be reflected in Canada’s workforce strategy. Without a tailored immigration approach, our region risks losing critical momentum in key sectors,” said Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “We’re calling on the federal government to implement region-specific solutions that support employers, strengthen population growth, and turn student attraction into long-term community building.”
The Chamber highlights several key challenges:
- Labour shortages across strategic sectors including healthcare, education, hospitality, cybersecurity, and natural resources.
- Outmigration of domestic graduates, particularly from post-secondary institutions that attract high numbers of out-of-province students.
- Stagnant retention rates, especially in rural and smaller urban centres.
The submission emphasizes the importance of maintaining, expanding and strengthening successful immigration programs such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which have been instrumental in supporting local employers and communities.
The Chamber also supports potential pilot programs recognizing Atlantic Canada as an education destination, a policy concept that positions education as a driver of population growth by enhancing pathways to permanent residency for international students and strengthening retention of domestic graduates.
Fredericton’s post-secondary institutions play a vital role in attracting both domestic and international students. “We’re proud of the talent our universities and colleges attract,” added Peters. “But we must do more to ensure those students stay and build their lives here. That’s how we grow our communities and strengthen our economy.”
Key Recommendations to the Minister of Immigration include:
- Initiating a federal-provincial dialogue to implement an Atlantic population growth carve-out.
- Expanding rural retention strategies and employer-driven solutions across key sectors.
- Supporting pilot initiatives focused on international and domestic student retention in Atlantic Canada.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with federal and provincial partners to advance these recommendations and support a robust, responsive population strategy for Fredericton and the Atlantic region.
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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, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce – (506) 451-9742; ceo@frederictonchamber.ca.