New Brunswick's Key Industries

New Brunswick's economy is driven by a variety of industries, with forestry and lumber being among the most significant. The province is largely forested, with wood and wood products forming a cornerstone of its economy. In addition, mining, fishing, and agriculture are also important sectors, with New Brunswick being self-sufficient in forage, milk, and poultry production. The manufacturing sector is another key industry, encompassing food and beverages, pulp and paper, furniture, and metal processing. Tourism is vital to the economy, and information technology has emerged as a growing sector, with New Brunswick branding itself as the Call Centre Capital of North America. Other industries include real estate, healthcare, education, finance, transportation, and arts and entertainment.

Forestry and lumber

The New Brunswick forest industry is made up of many different mills that produce a wide range of forest products, from lumber and paper to wood-based furniture. The Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development (DNRED) is responsible for overseeing the forest harvesting of Crown timber, ensuring that the province's forests are used sustainably. Through the collaborative work of scientists, government, and industry, New Brunswick is a leader in responsible forest renewal and management, maintaining the long-term integrity of its forests.

The forestry industry in New Brunswick has a significant impact on the provincial economy, contributing approximately $1.5 billion annually to the gross domestic product (GDP). In addition to the economic benefits, the forests of New Brunswick also provide a habitat for wildlife and offer recreational and spiritual value to the residents of the province.

New Brunswick's forest products are not only important domestically but also internationally. Approximately 80% of the province's forest products are exported to the United States, while other export markets include India, China, South and Central America, and the European Union. This diverse range of export destinations contributes to the overall strength and stability of New Brunswick's forestry and lumber industry.

By maintaining a careful balance between renewal, harvest, and regeneration, New Brunswick aims to preserve the health and productivity of its forests for future generations. This sustainable approach ensures the long-term viability of the forestry and lumber industry, which plays a crucial role in the province's economy and provides a wealth of environmental and social benefits to the people of New Brunswick.

Food and beverage manufacturing

The province's strategic location, with its three coastlines—Chaleur Bay, the Bay of Fundy, and the Northumberland Strait—makes it ideal for the seafood industry. The Bay of Fundy, in particular, experiences the world's highest tides, which can submerge a four-storey building. This unique geographic feature, along with the province's coastal location, contributes to the success of the seafood industry in New Brunswick.

The food and beverage industry in New Brunswick is supported by various organisations such as Food & Beverage Atlantic (FBA), which aims to foster collaboration and growth among food and beverage companies in the region. FBA provides its members with access to industry leaders, training opportunities, and discounted rates with suppliers. MIXR is another platform that helps food and beverage stakeholders connect and create a strong and resilient ecosystem.

In addition to seafood, New Brunswick's agricultural sector also contributes to the food and beverage industry. The province is self-sufficient in the production of forage, milk, and poultry. With its diverse natural resources, New Brunswick has a strong foundation for its food and beverage manufacturing industry, which is further bolstered by its manufacturing capabilities and proximity to the US border.

Tourism

One of New Brunswick's most famous natural attractions is the Bay of Fundy, where visitors can witness the world's highest tides, with water levels rising up to 15 meters. The Bay of Fundy is a true natural wonder, creating a powerful current that rivals the flow of all the world's rivers combined over a 24-hour period. The Bay's dramatic tides offer a unique opportunity to walk on the ocean floor and explore the coastal ecosystem up close.

In addition to its remarkable coastline, New Brunswick also offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of adventures. The province's vast forests, mountainous regions, and river valleys provide the perfect setting for activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and winter biking. For those seeking a thrill, ziplining and aerial adventures are also available. The province's national and provincial parks offer countless opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation.

New Brunswick's cultural offerings are equally enticing. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, with a significant Francophone population outside of Québec, the province offers a unique blend of French, British Loyalist, Scots, and Irish traditions. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of the First Nations people, including the Mi'Kmaq and Malecite nations, whose presence in the region dates back thousands of years. The province also boasts a vibrant arts scene, including film, theatre, dance, and music performances, as well as local chefs and restauranteurs showcasing the best of New Brunswick's culinary scene.

The tourism industry in New Brunswick has been a significant economic driver, with nearly 1.5 million people visiting the province's attractions in 1991. The province continues to promote itself as a desirable destination, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the warm hospitality of its residents.

Information technology

New Brunswick has a vibrant and diverse Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. The province has become a nearshore hub for technology leaders like IBM, Salesforce, CGI, Xerox, MNP, Tech Mahindra, and HCL Technologies. The region's favourable immigration options and educated workforce have attracted many ICT companies.

The ICT sector in New Brunswick includes strengths in geomatics, ocean tech, digital health, SaaS, and telecommunications. The province is also home to many startups and established brands that are innovating the Information Technology industry.

Some of the notable Information Technology companies based in New Brunswick include:

• 3D Planeta
• Kognitiv Spark
• SimpTek
• EChart Healthcare
• Plato Testing
• Loft1
• Scene Sharp Technologies
• Populus Global Solutions Inc.
• IPSNP
• GARAGO software
• Bulletproof Solutions
• ITacit
• Tech Knowledge Solutions
• InteliSys Aviation Systems
• Global Intelligence
• Shift Energy
• Brovada Technologies Incorporated
• Blue Spurs
• MaxSys Staffing & Consulting
• Cirrus9
• Tsi Auto Solutions
• Missing Link Technologies
• Techgage
• Apprento
• Spartan Systems
• Knalysis Technologies
• Botrow Technologies
• Cloud Based Omnichannel Retail
• Cms Consulting
• Atlantic CAD
• Brunnet
• Maple Smart Control
• CARIS
• Green Imaging Technologies
• Vinvox
• Masitek Instruments Inc
• 10Speak
• VitalVox
• Interactive Computer Systems
• Vimsoft Inc.
• ICubemedia
• Conseros Software
• Sensory Friendly Solutions
• BeckTek
• Ispire
• Test Collab
• Momentum Canada
• Newtons
• OneLobby
• NetAdmins
• OPTIMUM
• FLTDUTY
• Indosoft
• Syntact
• Geeks Unlimited Technical Services
• Rise Home Design
• Geoffrey Stephens Engineered IT
• Mcg Media
• Pragmatic Informatics

The province also offers a range of job opportunities in the ICT sector, with roles such as application technicians, IT portfolio planning analysts, technical support specialists, and more.

Agriculture

Over the past 50 years, the number of productive farms in the province has sharply declined, from 26,430 in 1951 to approximately 3,000 in 2005. Despite this decline, there is a growing trend towards industrialisation, resulting in larger numbers of livestock being raised per farm. This shift is illustrated by a map of "Very Large Livestock Farms in Canada," which shows a nation-wide increase in industrialised farming.

Nadeau Poultry Farm, owned by Maple Leaf Foods, is the only federally inspected abattoir in the province, located in Clair, bordering Maine, USA. Most of the province's poultry is slaughtered here, while beef cattle are shipped to Prince Edward Island, and swine and turkey are sent to Nova Scotia and Quebec, respectively. There are also approximately 30 provincially inspected abattoirs in New Brunswick, mainly processing beef cattle and hogs, with only a few processing poultry.

The decline in the number of farms and the shift towards industrialisation have presented challenges for the industry. One significant challenge is the demographic crunch, with a shrinking labour force as fewer people opt to enter the agriculture sector. This has resulted in a shortage of workers and financial difficulties for farmers, who often cannot pay as much as other industries.

To address these issues, the government is working to attract youth to the agriculture sector through various programs, such as Ag in the Classroom and hands-on programs at schools. By highlighting the diverse range of jobs available in the modern agriculture sector, beyond the traditional image of a farmer, the government hopes to increase interest and engagement in this vital industry.

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