The New Brunswick government is directing up to $54.3 million over three years to seven companies as they modernize operations and protect hundreds of jobs across the province.
Opportunities NB, the province’s lead business development agency, announced the funding Feb. 17. The investments span several industries, including dairy processing, seafood, forestry, salmon farming, manufacturing, cannabis production and engineering services.
Who’s receiving funding
The largest share of the investment goes to Irving Paper Ltd., which will receive up to $15 million per year over three years. The funding is intended to help the province’s only remaining paper mill maintain operations during what the government describes as a period of significant cost pressure and market volatility. More than 183 jobs and $20.6 million in annual payroll are tied to the facility.
Other recipients include:
- Agropur Cooperative — Up to $2.4 million in non-repayable funding to modernize its Miramichi dairy facility and expand milk processing capacity. The project is expected to create more than 10 new jobs.
- Alliance Seafood Inc. — Up to $115,000 through a payroll rebate to support the creation of up to 28 new jobs at its Grand-Bouctouche facility.
- Kelly Cove Salmon Ltd. — Up to $3.8 million in conditionally repayable assistance to modernize salmon farming operations. Kelly Cove is a division of Cooke Aquaculture Inc., which employs more than 1,500 people in New Brunswick.
- Marwood — Up to $250,000 for its Edmundston facility to expand operations and improve productivity. The company employs about 250 people in New Brunswick.
- Organigram — Up to $2 million over two years to fund a capital investment aimed at increasing crop yields by 10 per cent. The company’s New Brunswick operation employs more than 700 people.
- Stantec — Up to $800,000 through a three-year payroll rebate to support the creation of up to 124 new jobs. The engineering and design firm currently employs 271 people in the province.
Context for employers
Opportunities NB updated its financial assistance policies in April 2025 to give the agency more flexibility in responding to trade challenges, tariffs and shifting economic conditions.
Luke Randall, minister responsible for Opportunities NB, said the investments target companies that anchor the provincial economy.
“When we invest in large companies, we are supporting companies that anchor our economy and create benefits felt across supply chains and in communities throughout the province,” he said.
Jennifer Murray, Atlantic regional director of Unifor, said the funding addresses concerns about economic stability. “During these uncertain times, resilience and economic sustainability have become critical issues impacting all New Brunswick workers, their families and their communities,” she said.
