FREDERICTON, NB (For Immediate Release)
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce applauds the announcement today by New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant and Fredericton MP, Matt DeCourcey to fund the long-awaited and needed expansion of the Fredericton International Airport. After eight consecutive years of record-breaking passenger traffic, the airport now sees double the number of annual passengers the terminal was designed to accommodate.
“The Fredericton chamber is very pleased to see this project move forward after several years of advocating for the need to expand the airport,” said Keir Clark, Fredericton chamber president. “Credit is due to the airport authority for presenting a convincing case for expansion and to our local political leaders for pushing for funding within their governments – particularly Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey and Deputy Premier Stephen Horsman.”
Independent consultant InterVISTAS measured the airport’s impact to be 586 jobs and $24-million in GDP (including direct and indirect impacts), and an expansion would 1,015 jobs and $41.5-million in GDP to New Brunswick by 2030 – in addition to the short-term construction economic and 319 job boost.
“This airport expansion will be a catalyst for growth in our region,” added Chamber CEO Krista Ross. “Local airports facilitate economic growth in a number of ways for a region focused on the global economy. New Brunswick is already the most export-dependent province in the country and our next major wave of exports will likely be services. Success in sectors such as biosciences, information and communications technology, engineering and many others means that the Fredericton Region is creating a hub of expertise that we can bring to the world.”
An expanded Fredericton International Airport is one of the Fredericton chamber’s top advocacy priorities. At the 2016 Canadian Chamber of Commerce annual conference, the chamber sponsored a policy resolution that lead to a policy change for National Airport System funding which was required to facilitate today’s investment.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with nearly 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity.
Contact: Krista Ross, CEO – (506) 458-8006
