Thread by @Gov_NB

State of the Province 2021-Stay tuned for live tweets.

It’s more important than ever that we stay focused on our priorities. We need to continue to recognize the progress that is happening across our province and the people who are making it happen. #SOTP2021

Our response to the pandemic was, and continues to be, deliberate and bipartisan. We are balancing the need for immediate financial supports to front-line workers and employers, while being prudent with taxpayers’ money and building for the future. #SOTP2021

Over the last 10 years, our economic growth has lagged considerably. We must start doing things differently if we are to change the trajectory and close the gap between New Brunswick and the rest of Canada on economic growth and social progress. #SOTP2021

During this past year, New Brunswick has consistently led the country in jobs recovered and our employment is now at 99% of pre-pandemic levels according to Statistics Canada #SOTP2021

Despite the pandemic, our population has seen growth in several areas. Moncton continues to grow at an impressive rate – it currently ranks 7th amongst all CMAs in the country for population growth. #SOTP2021

7 out of 10 New Brunswickers are employed by a small-to-medium sized business, and during these times smaller businesses are especially fragile. We all have to be aware of the impact of our actions as COVID persists. #SOTP2021

We are working to more proactively connect businesses to opportunities, and we are streamlining and adjusting design specifications where possible. #SOTP2021

Boosting local business is very important, but helping them tap into global markets is absolutely critical for our province’s long-term economic health. #SOTP2021

New Brunswick now has more exporters than it did before the pandemic struck. And Saint John was the only major Canadian city to record an increase in exporters between October 2019 and October 2020. This is a huge accomplishment for our province. #SOTP2021

We are not just recovering as we work through the pandemic, we are REINVENTING NEW BRUNSWICK TOGETHER! #SOTP2021

The momentum is taking hold everywhere – much of it through private investment, which is a strong vote of confidence that businesses want to be here and grow here. #SOTP2021

Our government has been making steady progress on our strategy for small modular nuclear reactors. If we can capture just 1% of the Canadian market for SMRs, it would mean $190 million in annual direct and indirect impacts to our local economy. #SOTP2021

I am announcing today a $20 million investment in the research and development of advanced nuclear reactor technology. #SOTP2021

We are confident that through this investment, not only will we be supporting the development of local expertise, but we will help create a critical mass to attract top talent, which allows other firms to grow. #SOTP2021

We know that our priorities for a robust economy, population growth, and improved healthcare rely on having vibrant and sustainable communities. #SOTP2021

Our government announced the details of the first phase of our local governance consultation process, that will take place over the coming months. #SOTP2021

We’ll be looking for innovative ideas, opportunities for regional collaboration, and ways to empower our communities. #SOTP2021

With an aging population, the demands on our health care system will only continue to grow, and we must act decisively to prepare for tomorrow’s needs. #SOTP2021

We must engage more New Brunswickers to solve some of our most persistent challenges. We all must be ready for change and to be part of the solution. #SOTP2021

Our government has taken steady strong action to improve environmental impacts. #SOTP2021

We are clearly committed and being responsible. However, being responsible means taking your time to understand all impacts of regulations – no matter how well intended. #SOTP2021

One of the most significant learnings from COVID is that we must become more self-sufficient – whether it’s food, medicine, or energy. We don’t want to be over-reliant on resources from other countries. #SOTP2021

New companies are continuing to look to New Brunswick, and they are liking what they see. #SOTP2021

And what they see is collaboration like never before. A sense of urgency to improve. It’s a testament to every New Brunswicker. #SOTP2021

We are all staying focused on being the best we can be. We cannot miss this window of opportunity to change things for the better. #SOTP2021

It is easy to give up but there are so many reasons to be hopeful #SOTP2021

Our plan is working. The momentum is tangible. We are showing the world what we can achieve. Together, we are REINVENTING NEW BRUNSWICK! #SOTP2021
www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en…