$7.2 million in federal investment creates new opportunities for northern New Brunswick

“Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a priority of the Government of Canada, to protect our health, our environment and our economy. But we know that we need to do it in a way that respects the employees, businesses and communities that are impacted by the phase-out of coal. That is why we are proud to invest in communities like Belledune to support infrastructure needs and economic diversification as they transition from coal.”

-  The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As New Brunswick transitions away from coal, we are working with a wide range of partners to create new opportunities and develop new skills to make that transition easier. These anchor investments in New Brunswick will help Belledune and communities in the surrounding region diversify the economy, create jobs, and prepare for the future.”

- Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst

“The Port of Belledune’s role in the region’s future is confirmed by the announcements today. The federal government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse emissions, and our strategy to become a Green Energy Hub for the region, have placed the port at the centre of today’s announcements. The Port’s new wood pellet facility and the master plan will both serve as catalysts for growth in the region by attracting new business and helping make the region’s exports more environmentally sustainable and competitive.”

- Denis Caron, President and CEO of the Belledune Port Authority

“On behalf of the Village of Belledune council and citizens, I wish to thank Serge Cormier, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Port of Belledune, specifically Denis Caron and his management team, for their continued belief in and support of our municipality and region. Today’s announcement is wonderful news and bolsters our belief that Northern New Brunswick can continue to be the hub of economic opportunity. A sincere thank you and congratulations to all for making today’s announcement a reality.”

- Paul Arseneault, Mayor of Belledune

• Belledune is a community that will be impacted by the phase-out of coal as Canada moves to a net-zero carbon emissions future. It is home to the coal-fired Belledune Generating Station and the Port of Belledune, which imports coal for the station. The region has also been recently impacted by the closure of the Glencore Smelter and the temporary closure of the Trevali mine.  

• The CCTI is a $35 million fund to support skills development and economic diversification activities to help workers and communities adapt to Canada's transition from coal to a low-carbon economy.

• The CCTI-IF is a $150 million fund to support infrastructure investments and economic diversification in impacted communities as they transition from coal.

• The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is delivering $55 million from these initiatives in Atlantic Canada to support infrastructure investments and economic diversification in impacted communities as they prepare for the phase-out of coal.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Government of Canada supports economic diversification initiatives in Belledune

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Danielle Phillips
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Danielle.Phillips@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Denis Caron
President and CEO
Belledune Port Authority
caron@portofbelledune.ca

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