Economy and Employment

Economic profile
Identified by the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) as one of the six leading cities of Atlantic Canada,Fredericton is defined by its diverse, educated young workforce. Consider the following:

• At 30.5%, Fredericton has the third-largest university-educated workforce in Canada

• 22% of Fredericton’s population is bilingual (English and French)

• The average age in Fredericton is 38.4 years, several years less than both the provincial and national averages

As the capital city, Fredericton is the seat of the civil service, and is also home to a significant federal government presence. Government is one of the largest employers in the city and accounts for a major portion of the local economy.

With two public universities and a number of private online universities and training colleges in the city, the education sector also contributes significantly to Fredericton’s economy.

Yet Fredericton is not solely a government and university town. In recent years Fredericton has begun to emerge as a leader in information and communications technology, and is recognized as an important centre for consulting engineering, the knowledge industry, business, and research and development. The city’s contributions to the knowledge economy have been recognized by the New York-based think tank the Intelligent Community Forum, which has twice named Fredericton a Top Seven Intelligent Community of the Year (2009, 2008) in its competitive annual international rankings.

Business services
Fredericton prides itself on its business-friendly environment. There are a number of agencies in the city that provide entrepreneurs will free advice on how to ensure a successful business venture.

Canada Business
Canada Business is a government information service centre for entrepreneurs that aims to reduce the complexities of dealing with multiple levels of government. Staff at Canada Business can assist by explaining federal and provincial programs and regulations, directing entrepreneurs to sound business planning strategies, and advising on the importance of market research and knowledge of the global economy.

Enterprise Fredericton
Serving Fredericton, Oromocto, and New Maryland, Enterprise Fredericton is a community economic development agency that provides free and confidential business counseling on topics like start-up, financing, business expansion, productivity, marketing, and export. Enterprise Fredericton also frequently hosts a popular Business Basics seminar that provides a comprehensive overview of how to successfully launch a business.