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The recent article by Laura Brown highlighting that New Brunswick could lose up to 20% of its workforce to retirement reflects a reality we are already seeing in the Chaleur region.

Our workforce is aging, and retirements are accelerating across key sectors. For regional economies like ours, this isn’t a future risk—it’s a current challenge already impacting employers and communities.

At Imagine Chaleur, retention and workforce development are central to our priorities. Retaining our youth, supporting workers already in the labour market, and helping employers adapt are essential first steps.

This reality is also tied to well-documented demographic trends. As highlighted in our housing needs study, “workforce recruitment to replace retirees and support a growing senior population.” This underscores the urgency for coordinated action.

At the same time, workforce development must be closely aligned with the real needs of our regional economy. Replacing workers is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring we have the right skills in the right sectors.

Immigration and talent attraction will continue to play an important role, but long-term success will depend on our ability to integrate and retain people in our communities.

Addressing this challenge will require coordinated action across employers, education, government, and regional organizations—but it also presents an opportunity to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce for the future.

Link to the article:  https://www.ctvnews.ca/video/2026/04/19/ctv-national-news-new-brunswick-town-says-aging-population-leading-to-employment-concerns/