Minister Clement Highlights Government's Job Creation Efforts in Saint John

SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwire - June 15, 2012) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for FedNor, addressed the Saint John Board of Trade to discuss how the Government is creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and cutting red tape.

"Our Government is committed to a new approach to supporting innovation," said Minister Clement. "By focusing on the drivers of growth and job creation-innovation, investment, education, skills and communities-the new measures in Economic Action Plan 2012 will solidify, strengthen and draw upon the business sector's and entrepreneurs' role as a driving force behind Canada's economy."

The Government's effort to reduce the red tape burden for businesses is an example of how the Government is stimulating productivity and increasing opportunities for innovation.

New Brunswick is benefiting from more than $15 million in investments in seven new research and development projects under the 2011 Competitive Round of the Atlantic Innovation Fund. Minister Clement highlighted some examples of the Government's collaborative efforts to help the innovative initiatives of Saint John businesses succeed.

"I know that here in Saint John many local companies participated in the Atlantic Shipbuilding Action Plan supplier-development sessions. Helping small businesses focus on what they do best-innovating and sustaining our economic recovery by creating jobs and growth in communities across Canada-is a priority of Economic Action Plan 2012, our Government's plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," added Minister Clement.

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