Reconnect with UNB Saint John Become an Alumni Advisor!

This fall, UNB Saint John introduced a new program called The Bridge Network. The goal of the three-year pilot project is to foster grassroots connections between the campus and the community, encouraging students to stay and thrive in Saint John by helping them build strong career and lifetime bridges.

Since the project launch in September, students have responded with keen interest and there is a clear appetite for the program’s expansion.

You can help make The Bridge Network an even greater success by becoming an Alumni Advisor.

The Alumni Advisor program allows members of the community to connect with and support the university in a personal and unique way, by:
· Helping students set their career goals and paths at a critical point in their education
· Providing students with industry and field knowledge
· Sharing your successes and your setbacks, and what you learned from them
· Acting as a resource to help ease the transition from school to the working world

As an advisor, you also have the opportunity to identify potential future interns and employees, and access to a talented pool of bright and eager minds. The Bridge Network has been particularly helpful with international students, acting as a vehicle through which these newcomers can connect confidently with the broader Saint John community. Students need to feel they belong here, socially and professionally, and Alumni Advisors can play a big role in making that work.

Advisors set the amount of time they give and determine the level of connection with students. Participants can sit on advisory panels, offer one-on-one mentoring, join in networking seminars or give workshops on various topics. Students who wish to join the program will participate in an Orientation Session so they understand your role as well as your time and contact constraints.

The knowledge you have gathered throughout your academic and working career is invaluable; we are hopeful that you will become an Alumni Advisor and share that experience as we strengthen the connections between you, our students, and the broader community.

Please visit www.unb.ca/bridgenetwork for more information about the program. Also, be sure to check us out on Facebook – just look for The Bridge Network.

NBIF launches $100,000 Innovation Challenge

Did you know that over 90% of people's most innovative ideas go no further than their desktop? That means you or someone in your company could be sitting on a goldmine of an opportunity. But who has the time, resources and technical expertise to figure it out?
Enter the NBIF's R3 Innovation Challenge for a chance at $100,000 worth of R&D at a New Brunswick post-secondary or research institute.
If your company is selected, NBIF will help you find the research talent you need, and any intellectual property developed by the end of your R3IC project will be owned by your company.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit our website to find out more. Talk to your boss. Talk to your staff. Click here to pass it on.

Saint John one of the Top7 Intelligent Communities

Saint John has been named of the world’s Top7 high tech hot spots by the Intelligent Communities Forum. This advances Saint John’s standing from a Smart21 community to the Top7 for 2012.

This gives Saint John international recognition for the progress this Community has made over the past decade, and acknowledgement for the foundation we have built for future growth and prosperity.

For more information visit Enterprise Saint John's website.

Municipal Campaign Training Workshop for Women

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will be hosting a two-day workshop in Rothesay, February 25th and 26th, 2012, providing campaign training for women in New Brunswick. The workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including: deciding to run, financing the campaign, campaign ethics, canvassing, public speaking, and media training.

The United Nations defines 30 per cent as the minimal percentage of women required for government to reflect women’s concerns. While women make up 52 per cent of the Canadian population, only 24 per cent are elected municipal politicians: 16 per cent of mayors and 25 per cent of councillors. Based on current statistics, Canada would need more than 1400 more women elected to municipal office to reach the 30 per cent target. This represents an increase of approximately 100 women every year for the next 15 years.

For more information click here.

Irving Shipbuilding Online Supplier Registry Goes Live

The following is a news release from J.D. Irving, Limited.

On January 17th Irving Shipbuilding officially launched its Online Supplier Registry, as a part of its extensive preparation for upcoming vessel construction programs associated with the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

“Although we are only 90 days into a 30-year process, we felt it was crucial to capture the interest expressed by many local, national and global companies in becoming part of the Irving Shipbuilding supply chain,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding.

The registry database, located at www.irvingshipbuilding.com, is designed to gather and categorize information on interested potential suppliers, and assist in consistent communications regarding NSPS-related contracts and projects. Since the Oct. 19th announcement of the successful NSPS shipyards, Irving Shipbuilding has received more than 550 inquiries from suppliers interested in knowing more about upcoming opportunities to provide goods and services.

“We’re currently working on laying important groundwork with the federal government, including the recently announced agreement in principle as well as negotiating the contract for the first set of vessels,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding. “We hope to be in a position to begin production on the first set of vessels in late 2013. No supplier selection related to NSPS programs has taken place as yet. We will only be in a position to begin supplier selection when we finalize those agreements and receive further detail on vessel designs and specifications.”

The registry is searchable and will be used by Irving Shipbuilding supply chain professionals to identify suppliers to be invited to participate in future ISI-led supplier development sessions; to identify relevant suppliers to receive Requests for Interest or Requests for Proposal related to specific project requirements; and to help direct further relevant updates and information to suppliers. Both potential and current suppliers are encouraged to register. Registering on the system does not guarantee suppliers will be successful in obtaining work for the upcoming vessel construction projects.

Irving Shipbuilding’s Online Supplier Registry will also feature helpful links, including a link to ACOA for further information and background on the federal government’s Industrial Regional Benefits programs. In addition, for assistance in Controlled Goods, Security Screening, Quality Assurance, Safety and Continuous Improvement, links to participating audit firms have been provided.

Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP)

As part of the Government of Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy, NRC-IRAP has been selected to deliver the Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP) from October 2011 to March 31, 2014. DTAPP represents a significant investment into the Canadian economy in an effort to increase the productivity growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada across all sectors through the adoption of digital technologies.

For more information click here.

On-line Supplier Registry for Shipbuilding

On January 10th the Saint John Board of Trade hosted a 2012 Outlook Luncheon at the Delta Brunswick Hotel. During the Luncheon Mr. Irving referenced the creation of an on-line supplier registry for companies interested in becoming suppliers for the $32 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy contract Irving Shipbuilding was awarded in October 2011.

Irving Shipbuilding's on-line supplier registry is now 'live'.

For instructions in English click here.

For instruction in French click here.

NBIF launches $100,000 Innovation Challenge

Did you know that over 90% of people's most innovative ideas go no further than their desktop?

That means you or someone in your company could be sitting on a goldmine of an opportunity. But who has the time, resources and technical expertise to figure it out?

Enter the NBIF's R3 Innovation Challenge for a chance at $100,000 worth of R&D at a New Brunswick post-secondary or research institute.

If your company is selected, NBIF will help you find the research talent you need, and any intellectual property developed by the end of your R3IC project will be owned by your company.

Terms and conditions apply. Visit our website to find out more.

Talk to your boss. Talk to your staff. Click here to pass it on.

Crown Land Task Force Report Submission

On January 13, 2012 the Saint John Board of Trade made a submission to the Department of Natural Resources highlighting support for several recommendations made in the Report by the New Brunswick Crown Land Task Force. To view a copy of the submission click here.

Province of New Brunswick announces Canadian Blood Services decision

The following is an excerpt from a news release from the Province of New Brunswick.

The provincial government will continue its relationship with Canadian Blood Services. Health Minister Madeleine Dubé made the announcement today.

"Our government has carefully reviewed the reports and data that were submitted to us along with the comments we received from New Brunswickers and stakeholders," said Dubé. "While our preference was always that Canadian Blood Services blood production remain in New Brunswick, I am comfortable that we have done all in our power to keep Canadian Blood Services here and that this decision to continue and strengthen our relationship with Canadian Blood Services ensures that we have an affordable, safe and available blood supply."

Since early 2009, the provincial government tried to convince Canadian Blood Services to reverse its decision to consolidate blood production services in Dartmouth, N.S. ....

Canadian Blood Services has provided assurances that it remains committed to providing blood services in New Brunswick, and it has made adjustments to its consolidation plans to address concerns expressed by New Brunswick stakeholders.

While production and distribution functions are being consolidated to Dartmouth, Canadian Blood Services will continue:
● to collect blood, plasma and platelets in Saint John;
● to maintain the apheresis platelet program in support of the bone marrow transplant program;
● to use Saint John as the hub for mobile collections in the province;
● to maintain a stock holding unit in Saint John with an inventory of finished blood products for regular, ad hoc and emergency deliveries, which will improve services to hospitals as it results in two distribution points instead of one; and
● to continue to collect blood in Moncton.

To view the full news release click here.

Municipal Campaign Training Workshop for Women in Rothesay

The following is a news release from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will be hosting a two-day workshop in Rothesay,
February 25th and 26th, 2012, providing campaign training for women in New Brunswick. The
workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including: deciding to run, financing the campaign,
campaign ethics, canvassing, public speaking, and media training.

The United Nations defines 30 per cent as the minimal percentage of women required for
government to reflect women’s concerns. While women make up 52 per cent of the Canadian
population, only 24 per cent are elected municipal politicians: 16 per cent of mayors and 25 per
cent of councillors. Based on current statistics, Canada would need more than 1400 more
women elected to municipal office to reach the 30 per cent target. This represents an increase
of approximately 100 women every year for the next 15 years.

Since 2005, FCM’s Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal
Government has undertaken a number of initiatives, activities and programs to encourage
women who are considering running for municipal office. Adopting strategies that are designed
to increase women’s participation in municipal decision-making supports FCM’s mandate to
improve the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable
municipal government.

The Getting to 30% program is being funded for a two-year period by Status of Women Canada.
The funding is being used to develop, promote and present the Municipal Campaign School
Workshops and Webinars across Canada.

For additional information, please visit www.fcm.ca/women or contact Jennifer Mowbray, 613
907 6219 or jmowbray@fcm.ca

Registration is now open at www.fcm.ca/women

Looking for more choice at the Saint John Airport?

Let’s send a message to Porter Airlines

The local tourism and business communities are working together to bring competitive service to the Saint John Airport. We believe that Porter Airlines is a good option for our community and we want them to know.

We are asking you to take a minute and sign-up for a VIPorter Membership at https://www.flyporter.com/VIPorter/Points?culture=en-CA

The long-term viability of the Saint John Airport rests on its ability to offer competitive service. By joining the VIPorter Membership program, we are signaling our support as a community for an additional airline serving Saint John.

You can find out more about Porter Airlines at www.flyporter.com and choose VIPorter to sign-up as a member.

Let’s bring Porter Airlines to Saint John!

New Brunswick Securities Commission Full Sail Stakeholder Consultation

Making Headway Newsletter
STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

This edition of the Capital Markets Newsletter is focussed on the review of Minimum Amount and Accredited Investor Exemptions currently underway.

The New Brunswick Securities Commission is looking for input from New Brunswick stakeholders in a Canada-wide consultation process.

Click here for more information: www.nbsc-cvmnb.ca/makingheadway

TO TRULY TACKLE POVERTY, SUPPORT THE CREATION OF JOBS

This joint opinion piece by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Saint John Board of Trade was published in the Wednesday, January 4, 2012 Telegraph Journal on page A5 under the headline 'Higher wages would hinder job creation'.

In recent months there has been plenty of discussion about the increase of the minimum wage in New Brunswick and how this has been linked to the Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. In our view the best way to tackle poverty in New Brunswick is to create prosperous employment opportunities, and recent dramatic increases in the Province’s minimum wage have limited the ability of our small businesses to create jobs. Not only does this undermine any meaningful strategy to reduce poverty but it also hinders our Province’s ability to flourish.

In the past two years our province has seen a 21% increase in the minimum wage, an amount that has risen much higher than the rate of inflation. This, coupled with the increases of doing business, has put financial strain on the small business sector at a time when the Province is still severely challenged by the global economic downturn.

The majority of employers in New Brunswick are small businesses. Indeed, 97 percent of businesses are considered to be small and medium sized. Increases in minimum wage only increase an employer’s costs, and in fact, have a ripple effect throughout the entire economy. More often than not, these increases have unintended employment consequences. To underline this point, consider that New Brunswick is still the only province in Canada to have fewer jobs than it did before the 2008 economic crisis began.

It is our opinion that wage increases should be permitted to grow at a rate that is in tune with natural economic growth in the province. In Alberta, where starting wages vary widely, the legislated minimum wage, as of September 2011 is $9.40 per hour, 10 cents below what we have in New Brunswick. The average hourly wage in Alberta is $26.16 while in New Brunswick it is $19.73. That makes the minimum wage in Alberta 35.9% of the average wage compared to 48.1% in New Brunswick. In Alberta the provincial economy is better positioned to absorb minimum wage increases than in New Brunswick.

Quebec economist Pierre Fortin has argued that if the minimum wage is greater than a certain percentage of the average hourly wage in a province, economic evidence suggests that further increases to the minimum wage can have a profoundly negative employment effect. Fortin has suggested that as long as minimum wage remains less than 45% of the average wage it will not impact employers. Above the 45% threshold, employers need to make difficult choices to reduce their costs. For a number of small businesses, that choice unfortunately is layoffs. With the next scheduled increase to $10, N.B.’s minimum wage will jump to an estimated 50% of the average hourly wage in the province. This will only lead to further hard choices for business owners in the province.

In New Brunswick, approximately 23,000 households, rely on social assistance compared to the 15,000 individuals (mostly students) who make minimum wage. The focus should be more on improving policies like tax benefits and other targeted social initiatives rather than imposing increases on employers who work in a free market economy where the laws of supply and demand rule the day.

The poorest households of New Brunswick would be better served through changes to social programs and policies such as increasing the maximum income before tax, increasing the ceiling on income assistance (especially with respect to health cards), and other initiatives to encourage greater participation in the workforce.

A good job is the most meaningful way out of poverty, and our business members would welcome an opportunity to help create more jobs in New Brunswick. We believe an aggressive minimum wage increase undermines this approach.

In closing, the Saint John Board of Trade and Fredericton Chamber of Commerce agree that poverty is too high and the New Brunswick government needs to take concrete steps to reduce the cycle of poverty. However, we do not believe this should be on the shoulders of business. Virtually all economists agree that increasing the minimum wage as a means to tackle poverty is too blunt a policy instrument, and may have unintended employment consequences. Considering that 1 in 5 young New Brunswickers is already unemployed, our province can ill-afford further experimentation with wage rates.

With more than 900 members, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest chambers of commerce. A dynamic and relevant business organization, the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce is actively engaged in policy development that affects the competitiveness of our members and of the Canadian business environment.

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. The elected Board of Directors is representative of the diversity of the membership and their concerns.