
Anthony Azard
Chief Executive Officer
Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce
January 31st, 2025
The State of the Province Address 2025 marked a notable departure from previous government speeches. The dynamism of New Brunswick’s new Premier, Susan Holt, and the inclusion of several key ministers in the speech reflect a more collaborative approach and a recognition of the complexity of the issues facing New Brunswickers. This suggests a willingness to move away from the status quo, an evolution the government seems to have grasped.
Persistent Economic Challenges
Businesses in our region, like those throughout New Brunswick, face structural challenges that hinder their development. Skill shortages are a daily reality for many employers, limiting their ability to meet demand and innovate. Rising housing costs affect not only employees, but also companies’ ability to attract and retain talent. Access to healthcare, essential for a productive workforce, remains uneven, with waiting times impacting on workers’ availability. Finally, fiscal pressure, while necessary to fund public services, can become an obstacle to investment and growth if not balanced.
Need for Close Collaboration with the Business Community
For these initiatives to bear fruit, close collaboration with the business community is essential. Entrepreneurs possess in-depth knowledge of market realities, and can offer valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed policies. Without their active involvement, there is a risk that the measures adopted will not adequately address the needs on the ground or produce the desired effects.
The Mission Cap-Acadie, held over the past few days in Fredericton, was a valuable opportunity to strengthen this dialogue. During this mission, representatives of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce met with various ministers and senior government officials to discuss the specific challenges facing businesses in our region. These exchanges revealed a willingness to listen attentively and to work together to find appropriate solutions. Crucial issues such as export support for local SMEs, improved transport infrastructure and vocational training were discussed in depth. We are confident that these discussions will translate into concrete action in the near future.
From Announcement to Action: the Importance of Implementation
While announcements are an important first step, the real measure of success lies in their actual implementation. Bureaucratic delays, lack of intergovernmental coordination and lack of follow-up can turn promising initiatives into missed opportunities. It is therefore essential to establish transparent monitoring mechanisms, with clear performance indicators, to assess the progress of projects and make any necessary adjustments in good time. The Government of New Brunswick has made a commitment in this direction by creating a web page to track the progress of projects.
For example, in the case of the elimination of the HST on the construction of multi-residential housing, it would be appropriate to set up a follow-up committee including representatives from the construction sector, urban planners and members of the business community to assess the real impact of this measure on the ground. Similarly, for apprenticeship programs, collaboration with local educational institutions and industries will ensure that the training provided matches the skills sought by employers.
Towards shared prosperity
The State of the Province Address 2025 introduced ambitious proposals to address New Brunswick’s economic and social challenges. However, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on the government’s ability to work closely with the business community and adapt its policies to regional realities. By working together, with a common vision and shared determination, we can turn these announcements into concrete action, and build a prosperous future for all New Brunswickers.
ABOUT THE CEO
Anthony Azard has been Chief Executive Officer of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce since 2021. An award-winning leader, he was named Executive of the Year 2024 within the Canadian Chambers of Commerce network. He leads an organization that is nationally accredited for its high standards of governance, operations, and management. Prior to joining the Chamber, he held management positions at various French-language community radio stations, enriching his commitment to the French-speaking world, in addition to beginning his career in journalism.