Jason Aebig expects Saskatoon roots to guide him as chamber CEO

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He avoided any predictions about what lies ahead for the business community.

“Everything turns on the potential for a second (COVID-19) wave,” he said.

Saskatchewan people have shown resiliency, and “it’s in our nature to be optimistic, but there are some realities here on the public health front,” he added.

Aebig said he sees four priorities for governments as key to economic recovery, including the “somewhat unconventional” push to address the child care gap because women have been disproportionately affected by the economic fallout from the pandemic.

The other three priorities are Indigenous economic development, measures to help businesses survive and keep employees, and a favourable regulatory and tax environment.

Aebig, 45, joined the Creative Fire communications firm in 2009 and became a partner. He left Creative Fire in May and started doing communications work for Nutrien in June.

Aebig also served as board chair for the Remai Modern in 2012 and 2013 as the project to build a new art gallery began. He has also served on the chamber board.

Chamber board chair Carla Browne said the process to choose a new CEO took about a month longer than expected and that the decision came down to three candidates.

“We’re very happy with our choice,” Browne said. She also thanked Martini on behalf of the board for filling in after Lindbjerg’s departure.

ptank@postmedia.com

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