The New Brunswick Business Council (NBBC) is throwing its support behind the federal investment in child care and early learning as both an economic necessity, and a building block for a healthy, vibrant and inclusive society.

“Affordable and accessible child care will give thousands of women in New Brunswick the opportunity to participate in the workforce, which is a win for households; a win for the New Brunswick economy; and, a win for employers looking for talent” says Alex LeBlanc, President and CEO of the NBBC. “Finding and attracting labour is the biggest challenge facing New Brunswick employers and we expect this to continue into the future.”

According to a recent report by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC), if Atlantic Canada participation rates for women aged 25 to 54 years were the same as in Québec, where low-cost childcare is available, it could add 14,000 workers to the regional labour force. New Brunswick could see as many as 3,000 additions to its labour force.

"Atlantic Canada needs more people to sustain economic growth as more workers will retire than enter the labour market over the next two decades” says Fred Bergman, Senior Policy Analyst with APEC. “Improving participation and employment rates for various demographic groups, including women, can help the region address this labour challenge.”