About Us

Key Sectors

Every three years, Enterprise Saint John updates its strategic plan.  This exercise took place in 2010, and involved consultations with more than 40 key stakeholder organizations and 200+ people, including three open community sessions. Through that process the following strategic sectors were identified in recognition of their ability to advance the community as a magnet for innovation, creativity and business investment where you can live life on your terms.

Health & Life Sciences
Recognizing the exciting potential of the health sciences sector, including the launch of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) on the Tucker Park campus of UNB Saint John in September 2010, focus will be placed on advancing this sector. Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) is an innovative program that provides New Brunswick students with the opportunity to attend medical school in their home province. It is an expansion of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine. This distributed program brings Dalhousie’s internationally recognized reputation and research to the development of New Brunswick’s next generation of physicians. The stage is now set for increased investment and continued growth in medical arts as we continue to attract and retain skilled health care professionals and research dollars into a sector which is of critical importance to the health of our people and our economy.
 

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
From the early days of NB Tel, Saint John has long been a breeding ground for the best and the brightest in the telecommunications industry. Founded in 1967, UNB’s computer science program is the oldest in Canada. With multiple leading-edge technologies created right here, and Saint John’s authentic Uptown heritage, we continue to inspire the creative class to innovate and create. In fact, 1,515 new ICT jobs have been created in the past 10 years, helping to drive a dramatic diversification of Saint John’s economy. We are seeing the restoration of landmark buildings, such as CenterBeam and the Red Rose Tea building and the second and third floors light up with new businesses and housing. A natural ecosystem has evolved in the heart of our city’s heritage core promoting the exchange of ideas in our coffee shops, galleries, restaurants and multiple entertainment venues. Bell Aliant’s completion of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) further supports Saint John as a natural playground for innovators.

Energy Sector
We offer Canada’s largest oil refinery, Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear power plant, Canada’s first liquefied natural gas receiving and regassification terminal, a new Centre of Excellence for Energy & Construction education facility and a natural ice-free deep sea port. With our prime geographic location on the Eastern seaboard, just North of several energy-hungry cities, Saint John is ideally positioned as the energy corridor of the North East. Continued investment in training and development and upgrades and refurbishments including research into cleaner and greener energy continues to fuel this critical industry for the Saint John region, and New Brunswick as a whole. 

Tourism
As a premiere tourism destination, Saint John is second to none. Situated on the world-renowned Bay of Fundy, our authentic heritage, breathtaking vistas, friendly people, vibrant hospitality, our multitude of entertainment options and access to nature, there is sure to be something for everyone.  In 2010, Saint John welcomed its 1.5 millionth cruise visitor and this year, the forecast continues to get better - especially due to $4 million expansion to the port's berthing capacity which will double the number of passengers we can welcome every year. This has made possible the attraction of three new cruise lines in 2012, including the Disney Cruise Line - that's right, here comes... M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U...S-J!

Last year, the Saint John region’s unique geological features earned the distinction of being named as North America's latest UNESCO site. Stonehammer Geopark covers 2,500 square kilometres across southern New Brunswick and stretches from Lepreau Falls to Norton, Saint John and Grand Bay-Westfield to St. Martins. For the shopper, we are also have the claim of having Atlantic Canada’s newest and largest Costco and for those looking for something unique, the retail renaissance which has occurred in the shops and galleries in our historic Uptown is sure to please.

Advanced Manufacturing
In late 2009, a consultant’s report examined the energy and advanced manufacturing assets on the ground for the Saint John region. This asset map sparked a strategic approach to the pursuit of additional investment attraction efforts. This approach sought to validate, prioritize and target top advanced manufacturing investment opportunities, all while complementing the knowledge of existing manufacturers in the region. 

The idea is simple: work with the home team to identify the best expansion and investment opportunities. By supporting and collaborating with existing manufacturers, the potential for strategically pursuing organizations able to capitalize on up-channel and down-channel opportunities are maximized. This strategic approach does not require a wide net to be cast, but rather a highly selected and individualized investment attraction effort.

Emerging Sectors: Mining and Financial Services
New to Enterprise Saint John’s 2011-2013 Strategic Framework is the addition of Mining and Financial Services as emerging services. The global demand on potash has elevated the importance of this resource, found in rich supply in the Sussex region. With an annual operational capability of 0.8 million tones KCI, 0.7 million tones salt, and employing over 330 people, potash will continue to be an important base for growing and expanding the mining sector. Saint John is also rich in financial and professional services.  As home to Canada’s first chartered bank – the Bank of New Brunswick, we have a long history of financial management born out of timber, shipbuilding and trade. Today we are home to thousands of skilled financial and professional service providers and will continue to foster this important sector.