The Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host a highly successful breakfast event with Premier Susan Holt, welcoming close to 300 business and community leaders from across the region. The strong attendance reflected both the importance of the conversation and the deep interest of the business community in the province’s direction and priorities.
During her remarks, Premier Holt provided an overview of the Government of New Brunswick’s key priorities and shared updates on issues impacting businesses and communities across the province. She noted that Greater Saint John is uniquely positioned within her government, representing the largest concentration of Members of the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet Ministers—underscoring the region’s influence and importance in shaping provincial policy.
A significant portion of the Premier’s address focused on the evolving nature of global trade. She highlighted the changing relationship with New Brunswick’s largest trading partner, the United States, and emphasized the need for the province to strengthen its economic resilience. Premier Holt spoke about the importance of returning to New Brunswick’s roots in making, refining, and adding value to products and natural resources, noting that the province once produced and grew much of what it consumed. She also stressed the importance of diversifying markets globally to expand opportunities for New Brunswick goods and services.
Health care was another key focus of the discussion. Premier Holt shared that she is working closely with Minister John Dornan to advance a more collaborative model of care—one where patients are supported by a team of health-care professionals, rather than relying solely on a single physician. This approach aims to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes across the health-care system.
The Premier also addressed the critical role of education, particularly the need to strengthen post-secondary education and skills development. She emphasized that investing in education is essential to supporting workforce growth, innovation, and long-term economic success in New Brunswick.
Given the overwhelming response and engagement from the business community, the Saint John Region Chamber is pleased to confirm that it will now host the Premier annually, providing members with regular opportunities to hear directly from provincial leadership and engage in meaningful dialogue on issues that matter most to the region.
