This second installment of Shaping the Debate: Boosting Productivity builds off the first, bringing together leaders from across the province and sectors to discuss actionable solutions to enhancing New Brunswick’s productivity as we respond to the pressing challenges of the day.
New Brunswick is confronting a significant productivity challenge. Since 2020, the province has experienced a downward trend in labour productivity, adversely impacting essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. Reversing this trend is crucial to enhancing the province's competitiveness and preparing it for the future.
Additionally, global economic shifts and uncertainties in Canada's financial relationship with the United States, including rising tariffs and evolving trade agreements, pose risks to New Brunswick's export-dependent economy. These conditions threaten the province's fiscal capacity and the quality of life for its residents.
As the largest university in the province, UNB plays a crucial role in advancing productivity. We help individuals adapt and retrain, connecting a qualified workforce with future job opportunities. We generate ideas and new businesses that contribute to a more balanced economy and conduct essential research necessary for fostering innovation and guiding policy development. However, a strong workforce, a competitive economy and ongoing innovation require collaboration among businesses, all levels of government, post-secondary institutions, and communities to truly unlock the province’s potential.
Tracy Bell is a corporate executive turned entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Millennia TEA. Under her leadership, the company pioneered a new category of fresh-leaf tea, earning international recognition for its innovation. A former journalist and corporate communicator, Tracy now leads the Wallace McCain Institute, fostering leadership and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada.
Dr. Diane Botelho is the CEO of the Research and Productivity Council (RPC), where she drives innovation across various industries, from environmental health to pharmaceutical development. With a PhD in bioanalytical chemistry, she has contributed to proteomics and drug design through numerous publications. Before leading RPC, she served as its Chief Science Officer, offering technical guidance to government, academic, and industrial partners.
Dr. Herb Emery is a leading researcher on regional economic development, labour markets and productivity in Atlantic Canada. His work focuses on policy solutions to boost economic competitiveness and workforce participation.
Monica Gaudet-Justason is a business leader and the current CEO of the New Brunswick Business Council (NBBC), where she leads a council of the province’s top CEOs united in their commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous New Brunswick. With deep expertise in strategy, organizational change, and business growth, Monica has held senior roles across consulting, economic development, and tech. Deeply committed to her home province, Monica serves on several boards and continues championing progress and impact in New Brunswick.
Kalie Hatt-Kilburn is the Vice-President for the New Brunswick region of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) – a regional development agency dedicated to promoting economic growth in Atlantic Canada. Kalie has been with ACOA since 2003, having previously occupied positions as Director General of Regional Operations for New Brunswick; Director General of Trade, Investment and Growth; Director General of Policy, Advocacy and Coordination and Director of Community Development for the New Brunswick region, among others.
Adrienne Oldford has deep leadership experience and a passion for economic and social development in New Brunswick. She has over 25 years of senior management experience in the public and private sectors. She has served as president and CEO of the New Brunswick Business Council and COO of Atlantic Lottery Corp., among other roles. Adrienne regularly volunteers to facilitate strategic planning engagements with local community organizations.
Born in Fredericton, Luke Randall has spent his career building and supporting local businesses. At just 18, he opened Endeavours The Artist Shop in downtown Fredericton. In 2003, he launched a second store, ThinkPlay, and in 2008, the two businesses merged to become Endeavours & ThinkPlay, which continues to thrive today under the leadership of his husband, Tyler.
In 2024, he was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Fredericton North and sworn in as Minister responsible for Opportunities NB, Economic Development and Small Business, NB Liquor, and Cannabis NB.
Minister Randall remains deeply connected to his community, working to strengthen local economies, champion local businesses, and promote the artistic and cultural diversity that makes New Brunswick such an incredible place to live.
