FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Brian Gallant joined information technology (IT) partners and stakeholders this morning at an open house at the nb+ digital lab in Fredericton.

“We are excited about the positive partnerships developed between the government and the IT sector, all with the same goal in mind,” said Gallant. “This is an opportunity for us to attract technical experts and companies to New Brunswick, create jobs and develop highly secure services for global markets.”

The nb+ digital lab is a component of the smart province initiative, which will help to achieve the provincial government’s vision of New Brunswick becoming the first digital society in North America. The role of the lab is to support public/private innovation and develop new applications to improve access to government services for New Brunswickers.

The lab and the open data initiative are the next steps in the partnership between the provincial government and TechImpact, which represents the province’s technology sector.

The smart province initiative is an innovative partnership that brings together expertise from the public and private sectors to act as a catalyst to engage and attract some of the best and brightest in the information communication technology sector to the province. The purpose is to accelerate job growth and investment, while improving government services and achieving savings for taxpayers.

“The partnership between the provincial government and the IT sector via TechImpact is a prime example of two organizations recognizing the need for positive change,” said Steve Burns, CEO of Bulletproof Solutions. “Both sides have shown their willingness to enter into unchartered territory for the greater good of this great province.”

The visit to the digital lab was one of many activities Gallant participated in during Innovation Week as he engaged with numerous companies and local entrepreneurs.

“During Innovation Week, we made several announcements and participated in events around the province to promote, accelerate and support innovation in New Brunswick,” said Gallant. “We want to be a smarter government, and that means embracing technology and innovation by supporting entrepreneurs and working together with New Brunswickers to drive job creation and grow the economy.”

The week takes place May 2-8 and is dedicated to giving companies the opportunity to meet with provincial government officials and pitch their ideas for innovation in the government.

More information is available online.