The Cma Advantage: New Brunswick's Urban Centers

A New Brunswick CMA, or Census Metropolitan Area, is one of the seven metropolitan areas and agglomerations in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. As defined by Statistics Canada, three entries in the list are identified as a CMA, while four are census agglomerations (CA). The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) includes a 20% supplement for residents of small and rural communities outside a CMA.

New Brunswick has seven census metropolitan areas and agglomerations

The three CMAs in New Brunswick are Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. The four CAs are Campbellton, Edmundston, Bathurst, and Miramichi. Campbellton's CA is divided into two parts, with one part in New Brunswick and the other in Quebec.

Moncton is the largest metropolitan area in New Brunswick, with a population of 144,810 as of the 2016 census. It is located in the southeastern part of the province and is known for its vibrant culture and diverse economy. The city of Moncton is often referred to as the "Hub City" due to its central location and role as a transportation hub in the region.

Saint John, with a population of 126,202, is the second-largest CMA in New Brunswick. It is located on the Bay of Fundy and is known for its port, which is one of the largest in Canada. Saint John has a rich history and cultural heritage, with many historic sites and landmarks.

Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, has a population of 101,760. It is located in the west-central part of the province and is known for its beautiful architecture, including the historic Fredericton City Hall and the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. Fredericton is also a cultural hub, hosting various festivals and events throughout the year.

The CAs in New Brunswick have smaller populations but are still important centres of economic and cultural activity in the province. Campbellton, for example, has a population of 17,846 and is known for its scenic location along the Restigouche River. Edmundston has a population of 16,520 and is located near the US border, serving as a gateway to the province for many travellers.

These census metropolitan areas and agglomerations are essential for understanding the demographic and economic makeup of New Brunswick. They help inform policy decisions, urban planning, and the distribution of resources. By defining these areas, Statistics Canada provides valuable data and insights that contribute to the effective governance and development of the province.

Three are identified as a census metropolitan area (CMA) and four as a census agglomeration (CA)

A census metropolitan area (CMA) or a census agglomeration (CA) is formed by one or more adjacent municipalities centred on a population centre (known as the core). According to the 2021 census, there are seven census metropolitan areas and agglomerations in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Three are identified as a CMA and four as a CA.

A CMA must have a total population of at least 100,000, with 50,000 or more living in the core. A CA must have a core population of at least 10,000. To be included in the CMA or CA, other adjacent municipalities must have a high degree of integration with the core, as measured by commuting flows derived from data on the place of work from the previous Census Program.

If the population of the core of a CA falls below 10,000, the CA is retired from the next census. However, once an area becomes a CMA, it is retained as a CMA even if its total population declines below 100,000 or the population of its core falls below 50,000. All areas inside the CMA or CA that are not population centres are rural areas.

When a CA has a core of at least 50,000, it is subdivided into census tracts. Census tracts are maintained for the CA even if the population of the core subsequently falls below 50,000. All CMAs are subdivided into census tracts.

A CMA or CA can have more than one core. The boundaries and population data for the cores that are used to delineate CMAs and CAs are taken from the previous census. The core of a CMA must have a population of at least 50,000, while the core of a CA must have a population of at least 10,000. In cases where a CMA or CA has more than one core, the additional cores are called fringes if they are in the same municipality, or secondary cores if they are in another.

Delineation rules for CMAs and CAs are ranked in order of priority. A census subdivision (CSD) obeying the rules for two or more CMAs or CAs is included in the one for which it has the highest-ranked rule. If the CSD meets rules that have the same rank, the decision is based on the population or the number of commuters involved. A CMA or CA is delineated to ensure spatial contiguity.

Campbellton's CA is split between New Brunswick and Quebec

Campbellton, New Brunswick, is a city in Restigouche County, Canada. It is situated on the south bank of the Restigouche River, with the Province of Quebec on the opposite bank. The two provinces are connected by the J. C. Van Horne Bridge, which was completed in 1961. Campbellton's census agglomeration (CA) is divided into two parts: one part in New Brunswick, and the other in Quebec.

Campbellton was officially incorporated in 1889 and became a city in 1958. The area has a long history, having been settled by French people as early as 1700, with a trading post based on fishing and fur trading with the Mi'kmaq. The area has had numerous names, originally called Wisiamkik (meaning "muddy spot") by the Mi'kmaq, then Pointe-des-Sauvages by the French in 1700, and subsequently Pointe-Rochelle, Cavenik's Point, Kavanagh's Point, Quiton's Point, and Martin's Point, before settling on its current name in 1833 in honour of Lieutenant-Governor Sir Archibald Campbell.

Forestry and tourism are major industries in the regional economy, with wealthy sport fishermen seeking Atlantic salmon flocking to the scenic Restigouche Valley every summer. Campbellton is also a local retail and service centre, with amenities such as accommodations, gift shops, boutiques, restaurants, pubs, gas stations, grocery stores, liquor stores, and transportation services. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. It is also home to several cultural venues and attractions, such as the Restigouche Gallery, the Water Street Murals, and the Kedgwick Forestry Museum.

Residents of New Brunswick receive a rural supplement as part of the Canada Carbon Rebate

A Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is defined by Statistics Canada and, as of the 2021 census, there are three CMAs in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. These are Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton.

Residents of New Brunswick who live outside of these CMAs are eligible for a rural supplement as part of the Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR). The CCR is a federal government initiative that provides payments to Canadians to help them cope with the rising cost of living. The CCR amount received depends on the individual's family situation and the province they reside in. The CCR is not subject to a reduction based on income.

The CCR includes a 20% supplement for residents of small and rural communities outside of CMAs. This supplement applies only to residents of certain provinces, including New Brunswick, whose primary residence is outside a CMA, and who expect to continue residing outside the same CMA on April 1, 2024.

To claim the rural supplement, individuals must tick the box on page 2 of their income tax and benefit return. The supplement will be included in the CCR basic amount and will be issued to the spouse or common-law partner who files their return first. It is important to note that the supplement is pending Royal Assent and will be implemented once it is received.

The rural supplement for New Brunswick in April 2024 will include a retroactive amount for the 2022 base year (covering the period from July and October 2023 to January and April 2024). The supplement in July 2024 will return to normal.

The CCR's rural supplement applies to residents outside a CMA

The Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) includes a supplement for residents of small and rural communities. This rural supplement applies to residents of specific provinces in Canada, including New Brunswick, whose primary residence is outside a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). To be eligible for the supplement, individuals must reside outside of a CMA as of December 31 of the tax year and expect to continue residing outside the same CMA on April 1 of the following year.

In the context of New Brunswick, this means that residents whose primary residence is outside the defined CMAs in the province can qualify for the CCR's rural supplement. As of the 2021 census, there are three CMAs in New Brunswick: Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John. Therefore, residents of New Brunswick living outside these metropolitan areas can apply for the CCR rural supplement.

To determine eligibility, individuals can refer to the list of CMAs and municipalities provided by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). They can find the CMA closest to their primary residence and use the corresponding map to locate their residence. If the residence is outside the listed municipalities or outside the shaded area on the map, they are considered to be residing outside a CMA and are eligible for the supplement.

It is important to note that the CCR rural supplement is already included in the basic amount for residents of Prince Edward Island, so individuals from that province do not need to claim it separately. Additionally, the supplement is expected to increase to 20% of the base amount starting in April 2024 for the 2023 base year, pending Royal Assent.

The CCR is a program that returns the proceeds from the fuel charge to residents of the provinces that use the federal system of carbon pollution pricing. The supplement for small and rural communities recognizes the unique circumstances and needs of residents living outside metropolitan areas. By providing this supplement, the CCR aims to support these residents and ensure they receive the benefits of the program.

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