Future NB

FREDERICTON - A concerted effort to grow New Brunswick's economy needs to start now says a group of business, community and education leaders.

Number of initiatives as it looks to identify

Future NB is undertaking a number of initiatives as it looks to identify, assess and develop New Brunswick's participation in business sectors and potential growth.

"This is a real change that the public and business is interested and motivated to help in," said Andrea Feunekes, the chairwoman of Future NB. "Everyone knows that it's not OK anymore to sit back and wait for government to fix something and at the time complain if it doesn't work out."

Some of the sectors the group plans to examine for possible growth include modular fabrication, cloud computing hub, deep-water aquaculture and a smart power grid.

"I think people actually are realizing that all of the things that we have tried so far haven't been as effective as we want. Our businesses aren't growing hugely, nevertheless we have had some good successes," Feunekes said.

Future NB was formed following the Future NB Summit held in Moncton last November. The organization's directors come from post-secondary institutions, business, government, labour and non-profit groups.

Interview last week

In an interview last week, Higgs said he was surprised to be told by business and industry leaders of shortages they face for employees like production-line workers, drivers and labourers.

The first step will see the establishment of a business possibility team that will include stakeholders with a direct interest.

Then, for the fifth step, Future NB will work with the business possibility team to implement the action plan so stakeholders can add steps to their plans to promote conditions that will foster economic growth.