Saint John economic agency launches new campaign to attract medical professionals
Saint John’s economic development agency is making a pointed pitch to attract and retain medical professionals.
“From our standpoint it’s a new area of focus,” says Andrew Beckett, interim CEO of Envision Saint John.
The new campaign called ‘A Healthy Dose of Innovation in the Saint John Region’ markets the area as a hub for digital health and technological advancement, in addition to highlighting partnerships between the Saint John Regional Hospital and nearby post-secondary institutions. The campaign also touts the area’s quality of life and natural setting as selling points.
Beckett says the agency’s attention to healthcare is closely tied to the area’s economy as a whole.
“When we’re looking at population growth, access to healthcare is an absolute critical component to attracting and retaining people generally,” says Beckett. “We wanted to make sure that we were doing our part.”
The health care sector in Saint John employs about 8,300 people, or one out of every eight workers, and according to Statistics Canada, leads the area’s total payroll (about $432,000).
A panel discussion on the local recruitment of medical professionals was hosted by the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, following similar efforts from other communities.
“Money is great, but it’s about work opportunity, it’s about colleagues, it’s about creating a happy work environment and where people feel valued,” says Dr. David Marr, the Horizon Health Network’s medical director for the Saint John area. “That goes beyond money.”
About 50,500 New Brunswickers didn’t have a family physician last spring, according to figures provided by the province’s department of health. Updated numbers were not made available by the province on Wednesday.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
COMING UP @ 3:30 P.M. City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.