Heading into 2010, New Brunswick is still facing significant challenges due to the persistent impact of depressed U.S. and global demand which year to date has caused the province’s total exports to plunge by 27%.

New Brunswick’s economic horizon appears to have become brighter over the past few months, despite significant declines in manufacturing (-27%), as well as in shipments of wood products (-9%) and in potash production (-50%) stemming from the drop in foreign sales.

During September and October, the province added more full-time jobs than in any comparable period since the second quarter of 2006. Sectors that have recently added jobs include: construction, accommodation and leisure services, information services and financial services.

Consumer spending, as reflected …