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Q1 Labs, Inc. is one of many information and communications technology companies in New Brunswick. Its aggressive expansion has caught the business community's attention. It should also be noticed by government. It's not every day that a company doubles the size of its workforce in the midst of a recession.

ICT executives have called on the Premier to appoint a champion for the industry. The success of companies such as Q1 Labs strengthens their case. Co-ordinated promotion of what New Brunswick has to offer would bring more skilled jobs and investment to this province. As costs in the United States go up, New Brunswick's value to employers and investors is only going to increase.

Premier Frank McKenna saw the benefit of appointing a minister to oversee development of the "information highway." It's time to revisit that idea - if not with a cabinet minister, then with an information technology secretariat. A deputy minister supported by a modest staff could sell New Brunswick's advantages full-time, bringing established firms to the province and promoting policies and programs that help home-grown firms flourish.

Business New Brunswick needs to put some dedicated resources into promoting this sector. New Brunswickers have a specific value proposition to sell and great opportunities to attract new business.