Saint John Board of Trade pleased with investment in water infrastructure

The Saint John Board of Trade is pleased with today’s joint announcement by the Governments of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick for $16 million in funding to improve Saint John’s water infrastructure.

“Investment in our water infrastructure is one of our organization’s key priorities. Clean, safe, reliable drinking water is important for businesses. It is especially important to those in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors of our economy” said Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade. “This investment in our City’s infrastructure, especially during a time of economic renewal, will benefit our economy, businesses and residents. This is definitely a good start to renewing Canada’s oldest incorporated city’s aging water infrastructure.”

This investment will help Saint John meet the new, stricter water safety regulations the Honourable Jim Prentice, Federal Minister of the Environment announced as part of the government’s new Water Action Plan for Canada unveiled at the August 6th Saint John Board of Trade luncheon.

The Saint John Board of Trade is a nationally accredited business organization dedicated to fostering an economic climate that enhances growth, prosperity, and an improved quality of life in the community. With more than 1,000 members, representing 600 small, medium, and large businesses and organizations and therefore, the interests of more than 30,000 citizens, the Board is a dynamic advocate and the principal voice for the business community of Greater Saint John. It offers a variety of programs, activities, services, and networking opportunities designed to enhance the business prospects of members and the overall business climate of the area.

Saint John Board of Trade excited about possible truck pilot in Maine

The Saint John Board of Trade is excited about the possible truck pilot program in Maine that will see the weight restrictions on trucks travelling on the Interstate 95 increased from 80,000 lbs to 100,000 lbs.

Presently, the Interstate 95 north of Augusta is limited to the federal weight restriction of 80,000 lbs. In Canada, however, the weight is set at 100,000 lbs. This discrepancy has led to inconsistency and inefficiency in the shipment of goods across the border. The increase in weight restrictions for transport trucks will decrease in overall fuel consumption and increase the efficiency and safety of transporting various goods.

The weight disparity has created an economic hardship for the northeast sector of the United States and Canada as it has had an impact on the cost of goods sold in the region. It has repercussions for a variety of companies, not just those exporting goods to the U.S., but also, those that rely upon imports from Maine, whether for commercial, construction, or industrial use.

“Local companies have experienced a hindrance to growth because of this. It has been cheaper for some of our members to ship to Europe than the United States due to these weight restrictions” said Imelda Gilman, President of the Saint John Board of Trade. “We are excited by the proposal by Senator Susan Collins for a one-year pilot project that would enable larger trucks on the Interstate 95. We hope she will have all the Congressional support needed for this to pass.”