News Release

OROMOCTO (GNB) – The second Aboriginal Economic Opportunities Summit, involving First Nations chiefs, business leaders and community members from across the province, is being held today in Oromocto.

“First Nations communities are significant drivers of economic growth throughout New Brunswick and, indeed, are key contributors to identifying economic growth opportunities,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson, who is also the minister responsible for aboriginal affairs. “Our government values our relationship with First Nations chiefs, community members and the Joint Economic Development Initiative. We are pleased to partner with First Nations to grow our economy and create jobs, not only in First Nations communities, but throughout the province.”

Participants at the summit include representatives from the Joint Economic Development Initiative, the provincial government, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, as well as economic development officers from First Nations and various aboriginal organizations.

Discussions focus on actions implemented over the past year, as well as developing plans for future action and considering new economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

The event is a followup to a previous economic opportunities summit to help identify new prospects for job creation and economic growth in New Brunswick.