16 August 2013

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The One-Job Pledge has helped businesses create 524 quality jobs and new opportunities for recent graduates in the province.

“The One-Job Pledge has been steadily growing since its inception,” said Premier David Alward. “Since late January, we have created more than 500 positions – double what we announced just a short time ago. For example, one company in Fredericton, GreenNexxus, has already created five jobs for recent graduates under the program.”

The initiative is an investment in young New Brunswickers as well as in New Brunswick businesses poised to grow despite challenging economic circumstances. One-hundred and forty-five of the 524 jobs created have been established in the Fredericton area.

“The recent graduates hired by GreenNexxus via the One-Job Pledge program are contributing toward accelerating our product development and marketing growth efforts,” said Peter Corbyn, company co-owner and co-founder. “Also, as a New Brunswick-based business, we are pleased to be part of developing home-grown talent that will contribute toward our provincial economy during the next few decades, instead of elsewhere.”

Under the program, eligible New Brunswick businesses receive a one-year wage incentive when they hire a permanent, full-time employee who graduated from a post-secondary institution in the past four years. These businesses must pay a minimum salary of $14 per hour. The initiative will allow for the reimbursement of 70 per cent of the salary to a maximum of $10 per hour for 52 weeks.

One-Job Pledge is part of the Workforce Expansion Program administered by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

The Workforce Expansion Program is one of several initiatives made possible through the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement and the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreement. More information is available by calling the nearest provincial employment office or by going online.

Media Contacts:
Katharine Sidenius, communications, Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2537, katharine.sidenius@gnb.ca