PC Leader Blaine Higgs speaks on the Saint John waterfront during a campaign stop. (photo by Tamara Steele)
Blaine Higgs was in Fredericton today, delivering a statement that his party would continue to work on population growth if elected.
The PC leader told media and supporters that his party would continue to implement its five year action plan on population growth and retention.
Higgs estimates 120,000 jobs will be open by 2030, and he says their earlier promise from this year’s State of the Province address to add 10,000 new residents a year by 2027 continues to be their benchmark.
“Since taking office, our government has been focused on growing our population and making sure that our future workers have the skills they need to fill jobs in years ahead,” Higgs said.
At the heart of the PC’s plan is a partnership with post-secondary institutions and professional associations to bring in international students and match students with employers.
Higgs also cited the importance of local municipality stewardship for bringing on new residents.
“You see it in St. Quentin, you see it in Chipman, you see it in St. George. These are great examples of communities that are taking charge of their destiny with tailor-made growth plans,” Higgs said. “They are attracting people and enticing them to stay.”
The Premier also said he is hopeful for younger New Brunswickers that previously left to work elsewhere could begin to return to the province.
“We’re seeing a renaissance in New Brunswick. We’re seeing people wanting to come back to New Brunswick right now,” Higgs said. “I’ll bet many of you who in the past number of years would have seen people leaving the province are now hearing stories about people coming home. Young demographics that are going to rebuild our province together.”
