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Immigration has been a vital driver of Southeast New Brunswick’s success. Newcomers have arrived to fill jobs, study, and start businesses. Even more importantly, they have contributed to the region’s economic, demographic and social vitality.

On the heels of this beneficial wave of newcomers, the Southeast RSC is developing its mandate to support immigration even more as an economic catalyst through the Southeast Local Immigration Partnership (SELIP). The development of the SELIP marks a shift from an urban-focused immigration partnership model to a regional coordination framework that serves the entire Southeast region.

Local Immigration Partnerships are federally funded community coordination mechanisms supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that help foster the successful integration and retention of newcomers at the community level.

From 2015 until January of this year, IRCC held a partnership agreement with the City of Moncton. Under that agreement, the Greater Moncton Local Immigration Partnership brought together stakeholders to build a strategy to attract, integrate and retain newcomers in the Greater Moncton area.

Under local government reform, Regional Service Commissions were given a regional coordination and convening role, bringing together organizations that deliver newcomer services to strengthen collaboration, develop a shared regional vision and improve long-term outcomes in newcomer retention, demographic growth, workforce development and entrepreneurship. That led to the transfer of the existing three-year agreement with IRCC from the City of Moncton to the Southeast RSC, with a new scope that covers the entire region.

A regional approach to newcomer attraction and retention 

With that change in geography comes a need for a new regional strategy. Since January, the SELIP -- which is housed as a unit within the Southeast RSC’s economic development department -- has been at work putting the building blocks in place for that strategy.

One of the first steps was to integrate the LIP's staff into the Southeast RSC. Erika Cantu has now settled into the role of Southeast Local Immigration Partnership Manager. The SELIP also hired Majdouline Lagrine as a coordinator to work with Cantu. The team completed a final report before the transition that showed 63 of 75 action plans in the last strategy were completed. The SELIP then updated its terms of reference in June to reflect the new regional reality, and the next step will be to create a new strategy.

A request for proposals for a Place-Based Regional Immigration Strategy closed on July 3 and an evaluation committee will now assess the proposals received. The project award for the strategy is expected this fall, and a new strategy is anticipated to be in place six to eight months after that.

Building the next five-year strategy 

The new five-year strategy will build on the success of two previous LIP strategies launched in 2014. Under those strategies, immigration to Greater Moncton grew by record numbers and retention numbers climbed.

According to an analysis conducted by the Southeast RSC, 49 per cent of all immigrants to New Brunswick settled in the Southeast Region in 2024-2025. The one-year retention rate is 64 per cent and the three-year rate is 56 per cent.

Cantu is looking forward to the new strategy, which will provide a roadmap for the new SELIP.

“The goal of the LIP is to avoid duplication and to fill the gaps,” Cantu explained. “Where are the gaps on a regional level, how can we fill them, and what things have already happened that we can build on to work together? I think the strategy is going to help us see the whole picture, the whole ecosystem.”

Immigration as an economic driver 

This regional approach also aligns with the Province of New Brunswick’s economic development priorities, where workforce development, labour market readiness and newcomer retention are recognized as key drivers of long-term economic growth.

This new regional focus on immigration marks a change from previous LIP work. There will need to be actions that focus on both urban and rural needs, anglophone and francophone communities, and bilingual communities.

Francesco Calazzo, general manager of economic development for the Southeast RSC, says the new strategy will need to reflect all these diverse needs. It will be especially beneficial to rural regions that do not have the resources to focus on immigration.

“Now you will need an immigration strategy that speaks to the needs of places like Cap-Acadie and Shediac, working perhaps in seafood processing plants. Or Fundy Albert with tourism or the Salisbury area with the milk industry. It’s a fundamentally different immigration experience from the urban centres,” Calazzo says.

He noted the Southeast RSC conducted a cost-benefit analysis of immigrant retention which shows the “net value” of keeping newcomers here. According to that analysis, there is an estimated $60,000 contribution per retained immigrant. 

“We have the advantage of knowing this is not just a good deed, but it’s a good economic undertaking that we are happy to have in-house.”

The economic development division of the Southeast RSC already provides entrepreneurship and labour market services, so there is value to having immigration grouped alongside those responsibilities.

“We want immigration to be seen through the lens of economic development,” Calazzo stressed. “Immigration is one of the most immediate economic development impacts on the region. We know it and it’s been reinforced by independent studies.”

Looking ahead 

The new SELIP will not provide direct attraction or settlement services. It doesn’t have jurisdiction over visas or any role with refugees. There are frontline agencies such as the Multicultural Agency of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA), le Centre d’accueil et d’accompagnement francophone des immigrants (CAFi), and the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic, which offer those services.

The SELIP, Cantu explains, is more of a consultation table. “We work more behind the scenes, supporting those agencies, providing the tools and strategy and ensuring any gaps are filled.”

While one- and three-year immigrant retention rates continue to trend upward, Calazzo says it is important the next strategy also focus on 10-year retention numbers, which have remained relatively unchanged. He is confident the new strategy will include a longer-term retention analysis for the region.

The expiring strategy had four working groups: settlement and inclusion, international student attraction and professional integration, labour market and attraction, and entrepreneurship. Cantu says it’s too early to predict what framework the new strategy may propose, but there will always be a need for settlement and inclusion. The strategy will likely build on a separate francophone attraction and settlement committee. 

“We have a bilingual mandate as an RSC, working in a bilingual region. We need to support anglophone immigration, francophone immigration, and be responsive to their specific needs,” Calazzo stresses.

Both Calazzo and Cantu are excited about the prospect of creating a new five-year strategy that will build on the Southeast’s already-enviable immigration record.

“Our immigration mandate is starting to crystallize and it’s gaining momentum with the RFP for the strategy,” Calazzo said. “We now have a manager, a coordinator, greater focus, and updated terms of reference. All the building blocks are now in place. The next regional strategy will provide a shared framework to help municipalities, employers, educational institutions, settlement organizations and governments work together toward common immigration objectives over the coming years.”

Southeast New Brunswick is home to world-class tourism attractions, from two distinct coastlines to vibrant urban centres, rural communities, festivals, and authentic Acadian and Maritime experiences. Combined with the region's bilingual hospitality, these assets make Southeast New Brunswick one of the province's premier tourism destinations.

Representing more than 40 per cent of New Brunswick's tourism revenue, the Southeast is already a key driver of the province's visitor economy. To build on this success, the Southeast Regional Service Commission (Southeast RSC) has completed the Regional Tourism Opportunity Development Analysis and Strategy, a plan designed to support sustainable economic growth and strengthen tourism products and experiences across the region.

"Developing this strategy marks an important milestone in our region's tourism journey," said Marc Landry, Director of Regional Projects for the Southeast RSC. "But its true value will be realized through implementation."

A strategy informed by research and community input

The strategy was developed through extensive research, stakeholder engagement, industry consultation, and a regional resident survey.

The findings demonstrate strong community support for tourism, with 89 per cent of surveyed residents supporting continued tourism growth and promotion. Residents identified tourism's positive contributions to the local economy, entertainment opportunities, and overall quality of life.

Research conducted as part of the analysis also highlighted the region's diverse tourism assets, including cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, festivals, heritage sites, and coastal experiences.

A strategy for sustainable tourism growth

The report outlines several key priorities, including 42 actions aimed at expanding four-season tourism opportunities, supporting the development of new tourism products and experiences, strengthening collaboration among regional partners, identifying opportunities for infrastructure and investment improvements, and enhancing communication with residents about the benefits of tourism.

The report identifies four strategic priorities:

• Serve as the central advocate and source for the regional visitor economy; 

• Support the development of tourism products and services; 

• Be the central source for research, data monitoring, and analysis; 

• Promote and provide stewardship for tourism sustainability. 

Key target markets identified in the strategy include Quebec, Ontario, the rest of the Maritimes, and travellers within New Brunswick.

The strategy also highlights the region's defining tourism experiences, including Acadian culture, Maritime culture, seafood experiences, the Bay of Fundy, and warm-water beaches during the summer season.

Sustainability at the heart of the strategy

Sustainability is a central component of the strategy. The Southeast RSC will work with tourism stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives aligned with provincial priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts will help ensure tourism growth balances economic opportunities with environmental stewardship and the interests of local communities.

In addition to identifying opportunities to attract more visitors, the strategy provides a framework to increase year-round visitation and encourage longer stays by enhancing tourism experiences and strengthening regional collaboration.

Working together to strengthen the visitor economy

Landry said a key element of the strategy is collaboration with tourism organizations and partners throughout the region, including Destination Sud-Est, Destination Moncton-Dieppe, Fundy Tourism/Albert County Tourism Association, Friends of Fundy, municipalities, and tourism operators.

"By working together, we can leverage the region's unique strengths, expand four-season tourism opportunities, and build a more resilient visitor economy that creates lasting benefits for communities across Southeast New Brunswick," he said.

Over the coming years, the Southeast RSC will work closely with municipalities, tourism organizations, operators, and community partners to advance the priorities identified in the strategy. 

"Our goal is to further position Southeast New Brunswick as a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming destination 365 days a year, while delivering lasting benefits for residents, local businesses, and communities across the region."

Strong communities do not happen by chance. They are built through the dedication of volunteers, board members, staff, and community leaders who invest their time and energy in creating opportunities for connection, supporting residents, and improving quality of life.

Across the Southeast region, non-profit organizations play a vital role in bringing people together, protecting local resources, supporting seniors, and responding to community needs. Through its Community and Social Development Department, the Southeast Regional Service Commission (Southeast RSC) helps these organizations increase their impact through its Capacity Building Program. Beyond offering training opportunities, this program also enables non-profit organizations to benefit from peer support through networking opportunities, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices that foster collaboration and strengthen the community sector.

Launched in the fall of 2024, the program was designed to provide practical and accessible training tailored to the realities of the community sector. Since its inception, more than 650 participants have attended workshops on a wide range of topics, including board governance, grant applications, food safety, volunteer recruitment and retention, social media management, strategic planning, and human resources. While these sessions are intended to strengthen organizational knowledge and skills, their benefits extend far beyond the organizations themselves.

Strengthening organizational confidence and capacity

For Claudette Boudreau, president of the Scoudouc Golden Age Club, who attended every training session, participating in the Capacity Building Program reinforced her belief in lifelong learning. 

“Education has always been important to me. These sessions give me the confidence I need to effectively manage the Scoudouc Golden Age Club while also allowing me to connect with people who can help us or put us in touch with valuable resources.”

Reflecting on the various workshops she attended, Claudette highlights several key lessons that have helped strengthen her organization’s activities and better support its volunteers.

“The workshop on volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition had the greatest impact on me. It is important to listen to volunteers and understand their interests, strengths, and availability so they can be matched with roles where they feel comfortable, valued, and fulfilled.”

Another participant, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that the board governance workshop reinforced the importance of having strong policies and procedures in place. Meanwhile, the grant applications workshop introduced new tools, including artificial intelligence resources, that can help organizations prepare stronger funding applications and better meet grant requirements.

Benefits across the region

The impact of the Capacity Building Program can be seen across many organizations and sectors throughout the region.

“The workshops provide a wealth of interesting and highly useful information for community organizations,” said another participant. She also highlighted the quality of the presenters and the relevance of the information shared, noting that the knowledge gained through the various sessions has helped improve her organization’s performance and strengthen her work within the community. 

These testimonials demonstrate that the benefits of capacity building extend well beyond the training room. Stronger governance supports organizational sustainability. More effective volunteer management strengthens community engagement. Better planning and communication strategies enable organizations to reach more people and respond more effectively to local needs.

Whether it is a seniors’ organization fostering social connections, an environmental group protecting local waterways, or a volunteer-led initiative serving residents, stronger organizations help build stronger communities.

By investing in the people who lead, support, and sustain community organizations, the Capacity Building Program is helping make communities throughout the Southeast region more connected, resilient, and better prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

Climate change is now part of our reality. Across Southeast New Brunswick, we are already experiencing its effects: heavier rainfall, more frequent heat waves, stronger storms, and coastal erosion are placing increasing pressure on our infrastructure, services, and natural environments.

Whether you live in Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Shediac, Cap-Acadie, or one of the region's many rural communities, these changes are having an increasing impact on our daily lives.

Faced with this reality, driven largely by decades of human activity, the province, municipalities, regional organizations, and residents are working together to build stronger, more resilient communities that are better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

What is climate change adaptation?

Climate change adaptation involves taking action to reduce the risks associated with current and future climate impacts. In practice, it means planning today to protect people, property, natural environments, and the things that matter most to our communities.

This can include:

• Protecting coastal areas from erosion;

• Improving stormwater management systems;

• Planting trees and expanding green spaces;

• Preserving natural environments;

• Strengthening public infrastructure;

• Enhancing emergency preparedness.

Community resilience refers to a community's ability to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from disruptions, particularly those caused by extreme weather events.

An overview of climate change in Southeast New Brunswick

Like communities across Canada and around the world, those in Southeast New Brunswick face a variety of climate-related challenges. Heavy rainfall events are increasing the risk of flooding and placing additional pressure on stormwater drainage systems. Coastal communities must also contend with shoreline erosion and the impacts of coastal storms.

More frequent heat waves are also affecting the health and well-being of residents. Together, these challenges are placing increasing pressure on roads, municipal infrastructure, businesses, public spaces, and the essential services we rely on every day.

Climate projections indicate that Southeast New Brunswick will experience higher temperatures, more intense precipitation events, rising sea levels, and an increased risk of coastal flooding over the coming decades. Planning today will help reduce future risks and costs while strengthening the resilience of our communities.

To better understand the climate-related challenges facing our region and the adaptation solutions available to our communities, we spoke with Brittany Cormier, Executive Director of EOS Eco-Energy, who agreed to answer our questions.

What are the main climate-related challenges facing communities in our region?

"Communities across Southeast New Brunswick are facing increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including flooding, extreme heat, and growing health risks associated with climate change.

Coastal and inland flooding threaten homes, infrastructure, and emergency access routes, particularly in low-lying communities near the Bay of Fundy. At the same time, preparing for extreme heat is becoming increasingly important as temperatures continue to rise.

And regardless of how people feel about climate adaptation, one thing we can all agree on is that ticks have become part of everyday life. Preventing tick-borne illnesses in both people and animals has become another challenge our communities must prepare for."

How can an adaptation plan help municipalities better anticipate climate-related challenges?

"Adaptation planning helps municipalities anticipate risks rather than react to them after they occur. It provides elected officials, municipal staff, organizations, and residents with practical information and concrete actions that everyone can take.

An adaptation plan is like putting on a lifejacket before you need the lifeboat."

What does climate resilience look like in our region?

Climate change adaptation is already well underway across Southeast New Brunswick. Municipalities, environmental organizations, provincial and regional partners are working together to better understand climate risks, protect infrastructure and natural environments, and prepare communities for the challenges ahead.

Heavy rainfalls are becoming more frequent in many communities throughout the region. To reduce the risk of flooding, municipalities are investing in improved stormwater infrastructure as well as nature-based solutions, such as protecting wetlands and expanding green spaces. These natural areas play a vital role in absorbing rainfall and reducing the impacts of extreme weather events.

Southeast New Brunswick's coastline is one of the region's greatest assets. However, coastal erosion and storms present growing challenges for many communities. Protecting dunes, coastal marshes, forests, and wetlands not only helps preserve biodiversity but also strengthens community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Roads, bridges, community facilities, and public service networks must now be designed to withstand increasingly variable weather conditions. As a result, many municipalities throughout the region are integrating climate risks into their planning and development processes.

The City of Moncton recently adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to identify the community's key climate risks and implement measures to better protect infrastructure, essential services, and residents.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Tantramar has been advancing climate change adaptation and sustainability initiatives for several years. These include implementing its Climate Change Adaptation Plan, developing the Tantramar 2040 Sustainability Plan, establishing a Climate Change Advisory Committee, and partnering with organizations such as EOS Eco-Energy to better understand climate risks and strengthen community resilience.

Regional collaboration at the heart of the solution

The impacts of climate change do not stop at municipal boundaries. Watersheds, transportation networks, and regional infrastructure connect communities throughout the region. Addressing these challenges requires close collaboration among municipalities, regional organizations, governments, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, and residents.

As Brittany Cormier explains, adaptation is an ongoing process built on meaningful collaboration.

"Everything we do in the area of adaptation moves us forward, but it is important to recognize that adaptation is an ongoing process. Meaningful engagement takes time, and no one should be left behind. It is important to engage key stakeholders early, including Indigenous communities, to support better decisions and stronger outcomes."

Cormier also emphasizes that nature must remain at the heart of the solution.

"Nature-based solutions and resilient natural assets are essential components of effective adaptation planning."

The Southeast RSC supports this work through regional planning, knowledge sharing, and initiatives that promote climate resilience across the region. This collaborative approach helps identify solutions tailored to local realities while strengthening our collective ability to respond to future challenges.

We all have a role to play

Building resilient communities is a shared responsibility. Each of us can help strengthen our region’s resilience by taking simple actions:

• Prepare an emergency kit and a family emergency plan;

• Learn about the climate risks facing your community;

• Protect your property from flooding and storm damage;

• Participate in local community initiatives;

• Plant trees and native vegetation;

• Support environmental projects throughout the region.

While these actions may seem small, together they help strengthen our communities' ability to adapt to climate change.

Looking ahead

Climate change will continue to shape our region in the decades ahead. However, through adaptation, regional collaboration, and collective action, we can reduce risks and better protect people, infrastructure, and natural environments.

By planning today, investing in nature-based solutions, and working together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient Southeast New Brunswick for generations to come.

Learn more

To learn more about climate change, adaptation measures, and initiatives underway in our region:

• Climate Change – Government of New Brunswick

• New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan (2022–2027)

• EOS Eco-Energy Climate Change Adaptation Toolkit