FREDERICTON (GNB) – Investments in the tourism sector’s Invitation strategy, provincial parks, sport and recreation, the arts and culture sector, and the film industry were announced today when Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace presented the department’s 2022-23 main estimates in the legislative assembly.

The department’s $68.7 million budget represents a $14.3 million increase from the previous fiscal year, or 26 per cent when nonrecurring COVID-related spending is excluded.

“Over the past two years, the various sectors and organizations we support have been forced to pivot multiple times in response to the pandemic,” said Scott-Wallace. “The record investments we are making this year clearly demonstrate that our government recognizes the challenges they face and the important work they do.”

Highlights of the main estimates include:

  • $4.1 million to promote and increase tourism in the province.
  • $1.3 million to be invested in the Invitation strategy to promote New Brunswick as the province of choice to visit and in which to live and build a business.
  • $20.3 million to be invested in provincial parks, which are major tourist attractions that provide many benefits to visitors, the environment, and the economy.
  • An additional $3.2 million for the arts and culture sector to help it continue to inspire and engage people.
  • An increase of $2.5 million to support the film, television and new media industry. The plan is to increase this annual investment to $20 million by 2026.
  • $4.6 million to be invested to support organizations which provide an opportunity for sport participation and active living.

“Our Building on Successes budget is about managing New Brunswick’s finances responsibly and in ways that benefit our economy,” said Scott-Wallace. “With the investments we are making, we will see the tourism, heritage, arts, sport and cultural sectors work in collaboration to assist in the province’s economic recovery.”

 

21-04-22