SAINT ANDREWS, N.B. – Premier Brian Gallant and his caucus met Thursday in St. Andrews to discuss priorities and get acquainted. He also made two announcements.
First, that the newly elected Premier will be heading to Alberta Sunday, to persuade both oil and investors to come east.
“It’s important for us to look at all opportunities to grow our economy and create jobs,” Gallant said. “One of the ways we’re going to do that is by making the case for the Energy East Pipeline, to make it’s way to New Brunswick.”
Gallant says he’s planning to assure Alberta Premier Jim Prentice that he’s open to many energy projects, despite his position on shale gas.
Now, he says, is the time to get ready for those projects.
“That means that domestically here in the province we have to ensure that we’re ready for the jobs that can be created, the investments that can be made, we want to make sure that our businesses are ready, and we want to make sure it happens,” he said.
Thursday’s second announcement could help the province do just that.
Gallant also announced a Youth Employment Fund, which will pair young people with paid, short-term job placements.
“I’d like to know how many young students I’ve met that just can’t get bridged to that job, I think there’s a tremendous opportunity here to help out those students find the job they need,” said Rick Doucet, Minister of Economic Development.
Gallant is counting on those placements turning into fulltime jobs, so that they can be included in his promise to create 5,000 jobs in the first year of his mandate.
“The Youth Employment Fund itself, when it will be fully operational, will create the equivalent of 1,100 jobs,” Gallant said.
The Premier will return from Alberta Wednesday.
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