Saint John Board of Trade extremely pleased with announcement on the completion of Twinning Highway 1

The Saint John Board of Trade is extremely pleased with yesterday’s joint announcement by the New Brunswick Provincial Government and the Canadian Federal Government committing to the completion of twinning Route 1 from Saint John to the border at St. Stephen by 2014.

"This news is fantastic; it couldn’t be better timed with the forecasted increase in Energy projects in Saint John, and the positive impact it will have on the Atlantic Gateway Project through the creation of an uninterrupted two lane highway from Halifax to the border at St. Stephen. This project also complements the proposed East/West Highway and Utilities Corridor in Maine slated for completion by 2014 which will enhance and strengthen the Atlantic Gateway Project" said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. "But even more importantly, the twinning of this section of highway will improve the safety of truck traffic, tourist traffic and the residents in the communities along the present highway. We congratulate both the Federal and Provincial Governments for their commitment to the region’s development and safety."

The twinning of Route 1 highway between Saint John and the border at St. Stephen has been a top priority for the Saint John Board of Trade for several years and we have continuously lobbied for its completion. The Saint John Board of Trade congratulates both the Federal and Provincial Governments for working together to improve the safety and efficiency of New Brunswick’s Highways.

Saint John Board of Trade Excited to see Magnitude of Investment in the Waterfront

The Saint John Board of Trade supports the Saint John Port Authority in its endeavours to develop and diversify our working Port. The development of Long Wharf is significant to the continuing rejuvenation of the Saint John Waterfront and the economic development of the City of Saint John.  The MOU presented by the Saint John Port Authority and Irving Oil is great news for our working port.  An improved revenue stream from Long Wharf, not to mention the improvements proposed for the property, and the financial support required for the formation of a continuous strip of operational Port property at the southern tip of the peninsula will have a lasting positive impact.

The building of a new Irving Oil Headquarters on the site would add aesthetic value to the location as well as the financial benefit to the Port Authority through the equal value land transfer (the Port is actually gaining accessible waterfront) and the Uptown merchants in keeping the Irving Oil Limited employees in the Uptown area. The fact that the cruise ships will still be able to utilize the port side of Long Wharf only adds to the benefit of a redeveloped working port. The construction jobs associated with this new building and the addition to the City’s skyline will signify to other companies that Saint John is capable of housing the headquarters of a multinational company. 

“We are excited to see investment of this magnitude in the waterfront.  We know this building will set a powerful benchmark for other projects of this kind through its leading-edge architectural and environmental elements.  These, combined with the planned enhancement of Harbour Passage and Fort La Tour, make this development a clear win for the entire community” said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade.

“We are proud to be one of several groups that encouraged Irving Oil to look at the uptown for its new building location, Irving Oil, the Saint John Port Authority, and all other stakeholders should be commended for their efforts to make this project a reality”  continued Dr. Barry.  “It is great to see Irving Oil reaffirm its commitment to Saint John as its home base.” 

“The structure we saw enveiled today is nothing short of inspirational.  It is more than just a leasehold improvement to the Long Wharf site, it is something workers can be proud to construct and Saint Johners will be proud to incorporate into its skyline” said Dr. Michael Barry.

This is the first step of many required for this to happen" cautioned Dr. Barry.  "We think that the fact that this first step is being brought to the public for consultation is great and represents what the people of Saint John have been looking for - more public consultation in the development of their city."  The Saint John Board of Trade looks forward to the feedback from its members and the community in the upcoming weeks and months.

Saint John Board of Trade is Extremely Pleased with Decision on Locating Anglophone Medical Education Program in Saint John

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with the long awaited decision that was announced today regarding the location of the Anglophone Medical Education Program at UNBSJ. The Board of Trade commends Premier Shawn Graham, Minister Ed Doherty, Minister Michael Murphy, Pat Darrah, Chair of the Anglophone Medical Education Program, Saint John area MLAs, Dr. Harold Cook from Dalhousie University, and Dr. John MacLaughlin from the University of New Brunswick for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that UNBSJ has a building to house the Anglophone Medical Education Program and a start date of September 2010. 

“This is a great announcement that enables the Universities and the community to move ahead with the next stage of implementation. The choice of using the Saint John College building is a good one considering its proximity to the hospital and Ganong Hall, the sciences building. This, combined with the funding announcement of $622,000 from the Department of Post-Secondary Training and Labour, ensures the creation of the Anglophone Medical Program at UNBSJ” quoted Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We look forward to next Tuesday’s signing of the Agreement with Dalhousie University representatives as a historical signing for our community and the Province as we move towards self-sufficiency”.

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community.  With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organization and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John.  It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Long Awaited Health Plan Falls Short

The Provincial Health Plan announced on April 1st has already received feedback from various groups in the community. Today, the Saint John Board of Trade added its voice to the changes outlined in the Plan. “We are pleased with some of the changes, in particular the savings and efficiencies that will flow from the consolidation of non-clinical services, and the increased role of nurse practitioners.  However, much of this long awaited Health Plan falls short on specifics and actions” said Nathalie Godbout, Chairperson of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The Health Plan talks a lot about projects and initiatives but does not provide any timelines, benchmarks, or steps to show how these projects and initiatives will be developed.”

“We are concerned that the new Health Plan makes no mention of the Anglophone Medical Training Program, or the expansion and retrofit of the Saint John Regional Hospital. Both these projects are very time-sensitive. It is also difficult to ascertain how local hospitals will be represented under the new Health regime” Godbout added. “We are left with more questions than answers. This provincial government simply must put an end to the uncertainty that is attached to this Health Plan, and deliver on the funding for the medical school and the expansion of our regional hospital.  This will allow our community to keep in step with the government’s agenda for self-sufficiency.”

The Board of Trade is seeking a response on the following initiatives:
• That the Health Plan be unrolled rapidly so that uncertainty surrounding ongoing operations can be alleviated;
• That a CEO/upper management position be developed an filled for the immediate and continued management of the Saint John Regional Hospital to pursue major initiatives;
• Continued preservation and enhancement of tertiary care programs, with no loss of existing or planned services;
• Rapid development and implementation of the trauma system;
• Rapid decision and support for a high level medical education program within the next 30 days;
• Delivery of details and information concerning the New Brunswick Research and Innovation Council;
• Information on how the Department of Health will work with post-secondary institutions for the training of in-demand health professionals;
• Advice on how local senior management of our hospitals be structured.

“Healthcare is an integral part of our community; we cannot underestimate the repercussions these changes will have. Already we have heard of medical practitioners moving away because their future in their community and their jobs is uncertain. Our members need to know how this new system will work effectively for greater Saint John before we are prepared to support it”. 

The Saint John Board of Trade is dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community.  With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organization and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John.  It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

For more information contact:

Nathalie Godbout, Chair, Saint John Board of Trade
Ph: 633-3505

Imelda Gilman, President, Saint John Board of Trade
Ph: 634-4157

The Saint John Board of Trade is Excited to Welcome BP to our Community

The Saint John Board of Trade welcomes the announcement that Irving Oil Limited will work together with BP on the next phase of engineering, design, and feasibility for the proposed Eider Rock refinery in Saint John.

“This is exciting news as it is a crucial next step in the further development of the proposed 2nd refinery” said Nathalie Godbout, Chair, of the Saint John Board of Trade.  “We would like to extend a warm welcome to BP, their employees and families to our community.”

This next phase will support the further development of the New Brunswick energy hub and the refining industry on the east coast, as well as our province’s goal of self-sufficiency.

“BP is an international company with a renowned reputation for environmental performance and for working with the communities where it operates.  We are excited to have a company of this calibre being a part of our community, and we congratulate Irving Oil on their efforts to bring them to Saint John” continued Ms. Godbout.

Change to Health Care System Unsettling says Saint John Board of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade has reservations regarding some of the transformational changes announced earlier this week by the Minister of Health, The Honourable Michael Murphy.  “We are pleased that the consolidation of selected non-clinical services under a new public sector company.  That will most certainly build efficiencies into the health system and reduce infrastructure costs” said Nathalie Godbout, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade.  “We do, however, have some concerns surrounding the announced changes to the way health care will be administered in New Brunswick.”

“This move from eight to two Regional Health Authorities within several months is an unsettling measure that is going to be challenging and problematic” Godbout stated.  “As a business community, we need more detail regarding how this governance structure will meet the present and future needs of the Saint John community and its medical professionals” said Godbout.

“With no local Board or CEO, we are concerned that these changes will mean a loss of local autonomy for this region’s hospitals” continued Godbout.  “Meanwhile, doctors and medical staff who require rapid responses to unique situations will face challenges if reporting to a centralized body in another part of the province, with no clear explanation as to how this will improve efficiency and cost.  Whatever the details are surrounding this plan, one must take into consideration the very basic need for local autonomy in the day-to-day management of hospitals.”

The Board of Trade is also seeking clarity on other related issues, such as:
• The impact this could have on recruitment and retention of doctors and other health professionals;
• Potential impact on the new Anglophone medical school;
• How the implementation of the new trauma system may be impacted;
• The impact on community foundations and fundraising efforts should be clarified, as fundraising efforts are ongoing.  Several large events are held each year in support of the Regional Hospital and St. Joseph’s.  What will happen to these funds:  will they stay in the community or will they be divided among various hospitals in the region?  Community fundraising, through the support of the Foundation, the Board and administration, has helped make our regional hospital a leader in innovation and patient care;
• What will be the requirements for, and application process of the Health Council members?
• Do the savings the government is proposing ($20 million in 5 years on a $2.2 billion budget=1%) warrant such a drastic move?

Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation is an integral part of our community and our largest employer.  The answers to these questions are crucial with the anticipated growth that is projected for our community.  “Our members need to know that this new system will work effectively for greater Saint John before we are prepared to support it.”

North of Union project an excellent opportunity, should lead to creation of urban plan-says Saint John Board of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade sees the development of the North side of Union Street as a tremendous opportunity for positive growth in our community.  The Board is encouraged by the ongoing community consultation process and looks forward to the report on the outcome.  It is important that this development reflect the needs of the City and that a timely decision is made.

“This development, if done correctly, could be the platform to spur future growth and investment.” said Nathalie Godbout, Chairperson of the Board of Trade.  “However, the recent debate has highlighted an inescapable factor regarding business development in Saint John:  the need for an updated urban plan. This community has the opportunity to design a comprehensive urban plan that will reflect our anticipated future needs, designate specific areas of the city for targeted growth, and promote further development for the entire city.  This plan would then be the roadmap for future development and identify opportunities to potential developers.” 

“Also important in this process is the need to monitor the cost of such development to the City, and to ensure that sufficient funds are available.” Ms. Godbout continued “Any plans for major development should also include a plan to protect residents and business owners from tax increases.  We are confident that City officials will keep this fiscal responsibility top of mind in their plans.”