New Brunswick is rethinking how it grows its economy in a more uncertain global environment.

In this episode of Futureproofing Canada, host Jennifer Ditchburn speaks with Susan Holt, Premier of New Brunswick, about how the province is positioning itself for long-term resilience, from developing critical minerals and expanding deep-water ports to strengthening trade links beyond the United States.

They also discuss the pressures shaping the province’s outlook, including labour shortages, shifting immigration patterns, and the need to modernize how government works.


Canadians are living through uncertain times. Our country faces interconnected challenges including a new geopolitical world order, economic headwinds, climate change, technological disruptions, shifting demographics and deepening inequality.

Futureproofing Canada brings you conversations with the people who are thinking boldly about how to solve these challenges. Each biweekly episode features a frank, in-depth discussion between IRPP president and CEO Jennifer Ditchburn and the leaders who envision a Canada that’s confident and ready to seize opportunities.

Download for free. Tweet your questions and comments to @IRPP.

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Susan Holt photo

Susan Holt

Susan Holt s a politician and businesswoman, who was elected as the 35th premier of New Brunswick in November 2024.

Jennifer Ditchburn photo

Jennifer Ditchburn

Jennifer Ditchburn is the President and CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. From 2016 to 2021, she was the Editor-in-Chief of the IRPP’s influential digital magazine, Policy Options. Prior to joining the IRPP, Jennifer spent two decades covering national and parliamentary affairs for The Canadian Press and for CBC Television. She is the co-editor with Graham Fox of The Harper Factor: Assessing a Prime Minister’s Policy Legacy (McGill-Queen’s).

Susan Holt photo

Susan Holt

Susan Holt s a politician and businesswoman, who was elected as the 35th premier of New Brunswick in November 2024.

Jennifer Ditchburn photo

Jennifer Ditchburn

Jennifer Ditchburn is the President and CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. From 2016 to 2021, she was the Editor-in-Chief of the IRPP’s influential digital magazine, Policy Options. Prior to joining the IRPP, Jennifer spent two decades covering national and parliamentary affairs for The Canadian Press and for CBC Television. She is the co-editor with Graham Fox of The Harper Factor: Assessing a Prime Minister’s Policy Legacy (McGill-Queen’s).

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