Saint John Board of Trade supports the need for Peel Plaza

The Saint John Board of Trade is supportive of the creation of a new Police Headquarters and the development of Peel Plaza as a justice complex. “The creation of a long-term, sustainable building that enables our Police force to work in a more efficient and effective manner while meeting national standards and regulations is important to us” said Kathryn Craig, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “Presently they are having a hard time meeting national standards as the location in City Hall was only meant to be a temporary site”.

The new facility will enable the Saint John police force to better serve the public, victims, staff and prisoners. From a modern, properly equipped forensics unit, to the Major Crimes Project Room, to a LEED design which will eliminate harmful odours and chemicals Peel Plaza will be a proper building for our police force.

“These improvements over their current location are necessary, standard requirements that the force currently does not have. We can’t expect them to do their best without the proper equipment. Simple things, like ensuring that victims and prisoners are separate are capabilities our force does not have in its current location” Ms. Craig highlighted. “Ensuring that our force is well equipped to provide the best protection to our residents and businesses is key to growing our community.”

In examining the issue of Peel Plaza, the Board of Trade has met with the Police Chief, Police Commission Chairman, and the City’s Commissioner of Finance to determine the need and costs of the project. Presently, the breakdown of costs for the development of Peel Plaza is approximately: $25 million for the police station; $15-17 million for the parking garage; and $2 million for the Plaza itself. The Commissioner of Finance has assured the Board of Trade that the development of Peel Plaza will not impact the tax rate in Saint John.

The City is presently waiting for 3 proposals for public-private partnerships. “We look forward to seeing the quotes for the development of Peel Plaza as a public-private partnership to see if there will be substantial difference in the cost. We trust the City will choose the most effective, efficient and sustainable route in creating Peel Plaza”.

While the Board of Trade realizes the development of Peel Plaza will cost about one-third of the City’s Capital spending budget over the next 4 years, we would like to see the City develop a long-term list of priorities that balances new development with on-going maintenance and up-keep of current infrastructure. “This would indicate to current and potential investors, residents and businesses where our City plans to be in the next 10 years. A balanced, planned road map for our municipal infrastructure development should be designed in conjunction with the new municipal plan to ensure proper location and allocation of resources” Ms. Craig suggested.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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 organizations 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.

Saint John Board of Trade pleased with investment in New Brunswick Southern Railway

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with Tuesday’s announcement by the Provincial and Federal governments to fund the upgrading of New Brunswick Southern Railway lines in Saint John and McAdam. With matching funding from New Brunswick Southern Railway, the total investment in this project will be $36 million. This is a long-term investment which will lead to greater payload efficiency and improved costs for businesses.

“The continuing investment by New Brunswick Southern Railway and both levels of government in the lines makes New Brunswick and its businesses more competitive with the rest of Canada and enhances our role as an integral part of the Atlantic Gateway” said Kathy Craig, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The economic and environmental benefits from this project will help us on the road to self-sufficiency. We were pleased to hear that New Brunswick Southern Railway will be using a local supplier for its environmentally friendly railway ties. This is in line with the Benefits Blueprint’s design for supporting local businesses through the supply-chain. ” added Ms. Craig.

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The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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 organizations 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.

Saint John Board of Trade excited about the possibilities of Fibre Optic

The Saint John Board of Trade is excited about the possibilities of yesterday’s announcement regarding Bell Aliant’s installation of Fibre To The Home technology in the municipalities of Saint John and Fredericton. “The potential for growth and development is great” said Kathy Craig, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The increase in the ability of individuals and businesses to send and receive large amounts of data will greatly enhance the competiveness of our businesses and the attractiveness of our Province as a place to do business. This is another step on the road to self-sufficiency. ”

“The investment of $60 million by Bell Aliant in our Province during these times of economic uncertainty is exciting. This infrastructure will lay the groundwork for future development which will further enhance our Province’s competiveness in business. The benefits of this investment encompass all sectors, including ICT, Health, and education” continued Ms. Craig.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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 organizations 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.

Saint John Board of Trade calls for input from all stakeholders on implementing the Provincial Trauma System

Last year’s announcement by the Minister of Health in February regarding the designation of eighteen hospitals as part of the province’s integrated trauma system was welcomed with excitement. The proposed collaboration among the health regions in the care of trauma patients was a positive step for improved health services to all parts of New Brunswick and the government deserves to be commended for this.  We now need to focus on completing the process and implementing the system.

The Saint John Board of Trade is calling on the government, Minister of Health and the Trauma committee to ensure that the new trauma system receives the benefit of full input from all stakeholders, including the Department of Health, both Regional Health Authorities, and the medical staff who will deliver trauma care.  This approach will also serve to restore credibility to the process of building and implementing the provincial trauma system.

We strongly encourage the government, the Minister of Health, and the Trauma Committee to reach out to Dr. Trenholm and ensure that he is invited to participate in the implementation of the new trauma system. 

The circumstances in which Dr. Andrew Trenholm withdrew his application for the position of Medical Director of Trauma are concerning.  As one of only a handful of orthopedic trauma surgeons in Canada, it would seem imperative that Dr. Trenholm be involved in the implementation of the new provincial trauma system.  Dr. Trenholm has given generously of his time and commitment towards this important work for the past six years, and he is intimately acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. 

“This issue not only impacts our ability to attract new doctors but also in attracting a highly skilled workforce to our community” said Imelda Gilman, Board of Trade President.  “This is vital to our ability as a province to becoming self-sufficient.”

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The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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 organizations 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.

 

Saint John Board of Trade very concerned with cuts to CBC Radio & encouraging members and the community to voice their concerns

The Saint John Board of Trade is very concerned with the proposed cuts of one-half of the staff at the CBC station in Saint John. “The CBC is a well respected media outlet in our region which provides excellent coverage of local issues” said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We, as a community, fought hard to get them here 30 years ago. We’re very concerned that these cuts will lead to an eventual closing of the station in Saint John.”

“The CBC’s commitment to our community through various activities including the Annual Harbour Lights Campaign which raises money for food banks in the region, is exemplary.

“As a Board of Trade we are encouraging our members and the community at large to let their voices be heard either by calling the Talk Back line at 1-800-632-7743 or 632-7747 and/or by sending a letter to The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6.

“The Saint John Board of Trade is currently preparing letters to the Minister, Prime Minister, and local area politicians” Dr. Barry stated.

 

Saint John Board of Trade Concerned with Closure of Blood Distribution Center

The Saint John Board of Trade is concerned with the decision announced by Canadian Blood Services to close the Saint John distribution center on University Avenue. “I think there is some shock in Saint John that we were not alerted to this prior to the announcement. This impacts our ability to provide the best health care, from a spectrum of specialties including oncology, surgery, hematology and Trauma, to the residents of Saint John and the Province of New Brunswick” said Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade. “The Board of Trade urges both levels of government and Canadian Blood Services to work together on this issue to develop a rapid solution to mitigate the potentially negative impact on our healthcare system.”

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization 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 organizations 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.

Letter to the Editor "Thanks for Hospice Backing"

On February 17, 2009 the following letter from Dr. Michael Barry, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade was published in the Telegraph Journal.

On behalf of the Saint John Board of Trade members and staff I would like to congratulate Hospice Saint John and the Province of New Brunswick for making palliative care a priority in our Province.

First, I would like to recognize all the Hospice Saint John volunteers and staff for their compassion and caring. Their commitment and hard work has paid off. I would especially like to extend thanks to our local area MLAs, Minister Michael Murphy, and Premier Graham for making Hospice Saint John a reality. Thank you for contributing not only to the capital campaign to renovate the location, but also committing to the operational funding of Hospice.

As a doctor I know the tremendous impact this will have on the patients and their families in providing quality end of life care; as the Chair of the Board of Trade I know the economic benefits this will have on our health budgets; and as a member of the community I know the role this will play in the lives of the people of Saint John and surrounding areas. With this funding New Brunswick and Saint John will become a leader in providing palliative care in Atlantic Canada.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Barry

Chair