The Economy

Leading the manufacturing industries is food, followed by wood-based industries, pulp and paper and related products, metal processing and transportation equipment. Processing of non-metallic ores and primary metals is also a significant manufacturing industry.

Tourism is a vital part of the province's economy. In 1998, nearly 1.5 million people visited New Brunswick's tourist attractions, including its two national parks and numerous provincial parks. New Brunswick has an abundance of natural resources.

Forests occupy 85 percent of the land mass; consequently, wood and wood products are a cornerstone of the economy, with black spruce and fir leading the list.

Mining, too, is important. New Brunswickers mine silver, bismuth, cadmium, coal, copper, natural gas, gold, oil, lead, potash, peat, tungsten, silica, salt and zinc.

Fishing and agriculture are also very important. More than 50 varieties of fish and shellfish are caught here; in fact, the town of Shediac has been called the "lobster capital of the world. "In agriculture, New Brunswick is self-sufficient in the production of forage, milk and poultry. Its potatoes are renowned in over 25 countries; strawberries, apples, blueberries and vegetables are produced for local consumption and for export.

New Brunswick exports a great deal to the New England states - more than $2.5 billion in 1999. Petroleum products, lumber, electrical energy, frozen lobsters and wood pulp are among the most exported commodities.

In recent years, New Brunswick has undertaken an effort to further promote economic development that has resulted in new industries and companies being established in the province. Information technology has been a growth industry for the province, which now describes itself as the "Call Centre Capital of North America," with more than fifty companies having established facilities in the province.