David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks the Green Meanie Leader David Coon got feeling his oats and went over a bridge too far from his former positions against NB Power N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/10/unfilled-speakers-chair-could-bring-on.html
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-coon-1.4859687
NB Power could escape Liberal-promised rate freeze thanks to unlikely source
Green Leader David Coon has long history of battling NB Power initiatives
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks the PCs French Lieutenant Mr Gauvin really should take my advice and sit as Independent then go for the Speaker's chair N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/10/unfilled-speakers-chair-could-bring-on.html
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-no-speaker-election-1.4860366
Unfilled Speaker's chair could bring on another election — this fall
Party leaders won't let their caucus members run for job when standings are so close
187 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
I sincerely hope that folks read what remains of the comment sections before the next election
Content disabled.
David Amos
Methinks before October 23rd is upon us I should remind many politicians and the folks who vote in New Brunswick that this story appeared in the Kings County Record on June 22, 2004 two days before Premier Lord had me illegally barred from legislative properties Everybody knows that I have run for public office 5 more times since then including this election. Clearly nothing has changed N'esy Pas?
The Unconventional Candidate
By Gisele McKnight
"FUNDY—He has a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket, a chain on his wallet, a beard at least a foot long, 60 motorcycles and a cell phone that rings to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
Meet the latest addition to the Fundy ballot—David Amos. The independent candidate lives in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife and two children, but his place of residence does not stop him from running for office in Canada."
"Amos, 52, is running for political office because of his dissatisfaction with politicians. "I've become aware of much corruption involving our two countries," he said. "The only way to fix corruption is in the political forum."
"What he's fighting for is the discussion of issues – tainted blood, the exploitation of the Maritimes' gas and oil reserves and NAFTA, to name a few.
"The political issues in the Maritimes involve the three Fs – fishing, farming and forestry, but they forget foreign issues," he said. "I'm death on NAFTA, the back room deals and free trade. I say chuck it (NAFTA) out the window
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement which allows an easier flow of goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico."
David Amos
Methinks the lawyer Ted Flemming doth jest too much N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks the Liberals, the
PCs, their pals the Greens have their fancy knickers in quite a not. If
a new election were to be called the PANB could win even more seats in
the Circus and all their Gooses would be cooked before the Yuletide
season was over N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks the PCs French
Lieutenant Mr Gauvin really should take my advice and make good on his
threat to sit as Independent then go for the Speaker's chair before
somebody like Kevin Arsenault a former liberal wannabe candidate or the
clever lawyer Ted Flemming grabs the brass ring in order to oversee the
Circus on behalf of the British Queen N'esy Pas?
Jim Moore
@David Amos David everything
you say is so slanted to francophone superiority its not even funny,
the people have spoken, they want proper representation in relation to
population
David Amos
@Jim Moore Clearly you do not have the first clue as to who I am.
Matt Steele
@Jim Moore .....If you click
on David Amos profile ; you can mute his comments so that you would not
have to see or read them . I had to mute his comments as he cluttered up
the comments section so badly , that it became very hard to read the
comments of others .
David Amos
@Matt Steele Methinks a proud member of the mindless NDP just admitted that I existed N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Matt Steele Methinks its
kinda comical how my political opponents do not wish to know what I am
saying to them and about them Clearly you act like an ostrich with its
head in the sand N'esy Pas?
Jonas Smith
The only thing Brian is
doing, is making sure I never vote Liberal and I will make sure my kids
know what he did to democracy here in NB.
Dan Armitage
@Jim Moore that'll teach the liberals for bringing in clown.
David Amos
@Dan Armitage 'that'll teach the liberals for bringing in clown."
Methinks you don't appreciate the Circus as much as I N"esy Pas?
Methinks you don't appreciate the Circus as much as I N"esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
@Jonas Smith Let's have a do
over. I fully expect the two smaller parties to reap the benefits. They
may not form government but they will have more say.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr I agree
Anne Bérubé
So, let me get this straigt,
if you can....isn't the job of the Lieutenant-Governor to step in at
this time? So have another election, let's say both Conservatives and
the Liebs each have 24 seats and the balance goes to the 2 other
parties, what happens then?
Jim Moore
@Anne Bérubé The PC have 25
seats, the liberals can at best get 24, they won't form the next
government provincially or federally, they have lost every election
since and lost every province in the last 3 years leaving them with no
support
David Amos
@Jim Moore The PC do not have 25 seats
David Amos
@Anne Bérubé The
Lieutenant-Governor only intervenes when the House has no confidence in
anyone to form a government. Otherwise the British Queen and her vice
regal representatives has no business in our affairs. Methinks the Green
and PANB parties should also be asked it they wish to try to form a
government before the Lieutenant-Governodrops another writ N'esy Pas?
Richard Riel
Get someone from the private sector that is impartial to politicking.
David Amos
@Richard Riel Pick me I am a Independent the private sector
Rosco holt
@Richard Riel
"Get someone from the private sector that is impartial to politicking."
That won't work, no-one from the private sector is impartial, especially when money is involve.
"Get someone from the private sector that is impartial to politicking."
That won't work, no-one from the private sector is impartial, especially when money is involve.
David Amos
@Rosco holt FYI I am long
retired from the private sector. Furthermore I have no money whatsoever
except what comes to me once a month byway of my Old Age entitlement and
CPP
Troy Murray
Another election will be a waste of time. If anything, voters will choose any party except Liberal to send Gallant away.
David Amos
@Troy Murray Methnks that many folks would agree that elections are ever a waste of time in a Just Democracy N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
@Troy Murray Either way they are just middle managers for the Empire. Time to try the other guys.
Norman Albert Snr
@Troy Murray That is the
premise behind all elections (Democracy???) 90% who show up to vote do
so to vote against not for a candidate(s). They is the way elections are
orchestrated beginning the day after the last ballot box option.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Methinks
you should ask yourself why so many folks don't bother to vote in a
purportedly Just Democracy or why folks such as I were not allowed to
vote until after the last federal election N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Another quick election should
not cost that much. Elections NB has all their staff trained and
things went smoothly last time so its a no-brainer for me. Let the
people speak while the Libs and Cons run scared.
David Amos
@Fred Brewer For what it is worth I do not disagree with your reasoning. I know I am game to run again.
Murray Brown
The Liberals would probably
benefit more if they choose to give up power now, rather than face the
prospect of losing a confidence vote. If it gets to a confidence vote
and they lose and the Tories then decide not to take control of
government, an election will occur and the Liberals will likely take the
blame and lose in the end. Let the Tories take over and wait for them
to screw up. It's a conundrum either way.
David Amos
@Murray Brown If all else
fails one a liberal should take the Speaker's Chair on the 23rd in order
to roll the dice to see what happens next. I suspect that Higgs is wise
enough to know that he is not secure in winning confidence of the house
either. If Higgs does not support Gallant's attempt to secure a second
mandate another election will be called if he fails as well. Methinks
both parties will lose even more seats to the PANB and the Greens if
another election is called before Xmass N'esy Pas?
Rosco holt
@David Amos
It depends on who will make the government fall.
It depends on who will make the government fall.
David Amos
@Rosco holt It should make no difference at all to the electorate
Nicholas Dippler
By the sounds of it the geese are migrating cause all I hear is a lot of honking.
David Amos
@Nicholas Dippler Methinks
when the politician vacation in Florida this winter all of them will be
studying the pension plans closely because many will be out of work next
year N'esy Pas?
Dan Armitage
They'll do what ever they can
to convince the voters it's a language election. It's an economic
election and Gallant has already let us down 4 years of it proved it.
David Amos
@Dan Armitage I agree
Norman Albert Snr
@Dan Armitage If you check
the electoral map it would appear it is still working in 99% of most
cases. They more they press the issue the more we are divided (out of
fear) and the more it costs us for the band-aides.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Methinks
Mr Gallant and Mr Higgs should shoulder the blame for the way the
electoral map looks today N'esy Pas?
Matt Steele
Given the fact that N.B.
already has a nearly 14.5 BILLION dollar debt ; the cost of another
election would just be a drop in the bucket . The cost of another
election would be well worth it to get rid of Brian Gallant and his U de
M buddies who have mismanaged the province , and raised taxes to the
max . The N.B. school system is in crisis ; and even the ambulance
service cannot function because Gallant wants french speaking paramedics
. Bring on another election....and GOOD BYE Brian !!!
Tim Locke
@Matt Steele
I'm hoping we still end up with a minority government, just one that is stable enough to survive and not so evenly split like this last one.
I'm hoping we still end up with a minority government, just one that is stable enough to survive and not so evenly split like this last one.
David Amos
@Tim Locke "I'm hoping we still end up with a minority government,"
Me Too Furthermore I hope that government is Liberal if only to see that Gallant keeps his promised about freezing Electricity rate hikes.
FYI I just got back from a hearing at the EUB in Sain John about NB Power's plans for rat increase. Trust that none of the political party leaders would like what I said on the public record today.
Methinks everybody who has trouble making ends meet should be irritated by what the Green Party has to say on the topic N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-****-1.4859687
"It's a non-starter," **** said Thursday about the signature Liberal campaign promise to bypass the Energy and Utilities Board and impose up to $300 million in rate freezes on the financially challenged utility over the next four years.
"Freezing power rates is a bad idea. It's interference in a regulatory process; we've got to look at the best economic interests of New Brunswickers. It would be foolish."
Norman Albert Snr
@Matt Steele I can see the
two smaller parties pulling in a lot more support and likely a greater
say in Governments to come. Let's do it.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Methinks the NDP dude will likely not reply to you either N'esy Pas?
Richard Dunn
Gallants' arrogance has put
himself in this situation...…...His ego and narcissistic personality are
why he is not budging. All the while he does more damage to NB and his
own political party.
NB'ers will hopefully remember this and send a goodbye message to the Liberal party when we vote again next month, or next year.
NB'ers will hopefully remember this and send a goodbye message to the Liberal party when we vote again next month, or next year.
David Amos
@Richard Dunn "Gallants' arrogance has put himself in this situation."
Methinks you should be fair Everybody knows the ex COR dude Mr Higgs is every bit to blame for causing this Circus that I thoroughly enjoy N'esy Pas?
Methinks you should be fair Everybody knows the ex COR dude Mr Higgs is every bit to blame for causing this Circus that I thoroughly enjoy N'esy Pas?
Rosco holt
@Richard Dunn
Why is it only Gallant's fault?
Nobody wanted Gallant or Higgs has premier.
Why is it only Gallant's fault?
Nobody wanted Gallant or Higgs has premier.
David Amos
@Rosco holt I disagree Obviously a lot folks voted for Gallant and Higgs but for the wrong reasons tis all
Norman Albert Snr
@Rosco holt "Nobody wanted Gallant or Higgs has premier."
And they said NBers were dumb? We just needed to come out of our shell(box)
And they said NBers were dumb? We just needed to come out of our shell(box)
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Methinks
you may prefer an old expression that a very decent farmer who used to
work for me as a mechanic often said it went as follows "You can't fool
me I am too stupid" Many a true word is said in jest N'esy Pas?
Todd Stephen
So Gallant wants to remain in
the Premier's chair but thinks its the opposition's job to fill the
Speaker's chair?? Someday (soon) there will be reference to this as an
example of the worst display of leadership ever...public or private
sectors. You want to lead??? Lead by a vision and actions that inspire
others to support and participate. Unreal.
David Amos
@Todd Stephen Somebody must
take the Speaker Chair or there will be another election. Methinks it
would be hilarious and everybody would be in shock if Gallant were to
put up his name for the job currently held by his old pal Chris Collins
N'esy Pas?
Rosco holt
@Todd Stephen
The same could apply to Higgs. Neither wants to bit the bullet and have one of their own fill the speaker's chair.
The same could apply to Higgs. Neither wants to bit the bullet and have one of their own fill the speaker's chair.
Norman Albert Snr
@Todd Stephen The PCs with
the extra seat are in the best position to provide speaker, but it is
not without risk. In the event of a tie speaker still gets a vote.
Things do change though.
Things do change though.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr That is why I suggested that the French Lieutenant Mr Gauvin go for the job
David Amos
@Rosco holt True
John Cannothan
If Blaine Higgs truly cared
about the stability of New Brunswick’s finances, he’d put up a speaker
and allow NB to continue on its positive fiscal track.
Fred Brewer
@John Cannothan
" positive fiscal track" ????
Whose kool-aid have you been drinking?
" positive fiscal track" ????
Whose kool-aid have you been drinking?
Todd Stephen
Unless you are a Trustee in Bankruptcy, I'm not sure how anyone could see our fiscal trajectory as positive.
David Amos
@Todd Stephen I agree
David Amos
@Fred Brewer Methinks the dude should quit drinking the red kool-aid and take a red pill ASAP N'esy Pas?
Rosco holt
@David Amos
In reality they should quit the blue Kool-Aid too.
In reality they should quit the blue Kool-Aid too.
David Amos
@Rosco holt I wholeheartedly agree
Norman Albert Snr
@Todd Stephen we really do
need to be testing our political candidates much like the empire tests
for employees. Aptitude, inteligence, honesty levels and integrity but
in our case we would shoot for high scores and some sense of sanity.
Perhaps Amazons AI testing would work to some degree.
Perhaps Amazons AI testing would work to some degree.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr I agree
Please feel free to pick up the phone and call me in order to stress
test my aptitude, intelligence, honesty levels and integrity any time
you wish.
Methinks if you are sincere you must agree that you should not have to wait until the next time you see me registered as a candidate N'esy Pas?
Methinks if you are sincere you must agree that you should not have to wait until the next time you see me registered as a candidate N'esy Pas?
David Stairs
holy cow,Brian Gallant and
David **** are doing more flip flops than a freshly caught eel...and
people actually voted for these 2....hopefully people will realize that
the only one who a stood his ground is the PANB.....
David Amos
@David Stairs Methinks you should fair and admit that the ex CPR dude Blaine Higgs has stood his ground too N'esy Pas?
Roy Nicholl
@David Stairs
Funny ... I was getting the impression that the Green Party were the only adults in the room. They have been trying to get Gallant and Higgs to put aside their personal quests for power and allow the legislature to work more collectively in the best interest of New Brunswick.
Funny ... I was getting the impression that the Green Party were the only adults in the room. They have been trying to get Gallant and Higgs to put aside their personal quests for power and allow the legislature to work more collectively in the best interest of New Brunswick.
Norman Albert Snr
@David Stairs Regrettably I
am Green at heart but some what disappointed with David and Ms May of
late. Power corrupts. PANB by default. The Empire has savaged the NDP.
Kill the unions and silence the lambs.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr "Regrettably I am Green at heart but some what disappointed with David and Ms May of late. "
Methinks we should talk N'esy Pas?
Methinks we should talk N'esy Pas?
Rod McLeod
What a mess! This same
confusion runs right through this government. Is it any wonder that an
election would end in a similar failure?
David Amos
@Rod McLeod Trust that I am not surprised
Peter Manchak
@David Amos Wow, a posting frenzy..just saying...
David Amos
@Peter Manchak Perhaps you should Google me to understand why
Peter Manchak
@David Amos Thanks, but no.
David Amos
@Peter Manchak Then why insult me?
David Amos
@Peter Manchak Does my doings with Encana and the NEB ring any bells for you?
Peter Manchak
@David Amos What insult? Being busy posting is an insult now?
Peter Manchak
@Peter Manchak Why should it?
David Amos
@Peter Manchak Ask them
David Amos
@Peter Manchak "Wow, a posting frenzy..just saying..."
For the record when you decided to insult me. I had made only 3 comments and merely replied to everyone else on the topics they had addressed first. I am entitled to do that correct?
For the record when you decided to insult me. I had made only 3 comments and merely replied to everyone else on the topics they had addressed first. I am entitled to do that correct?
Gleason Gallinger
why not just cut to the chase
and have the Lt.Governor dissolve what ever you want to call this mess
and set another election date. Hopefully those who voted Liberal will
finally wtf up and see that it was the Liberals that caused this
colossal waste of cash by trying to hold onto power.
David Amos
@Gleason Gallinger "why not
just cut to the chase and have the Lt.Governor dissolve what ever you
want to call this mess and set another election date."
Methinks everybody knows that the Lt. Governor does not have the power to do such a thing N'esy Pas?
Methinks everybody knows that the Lt. Governor does not have the power to do such a thing N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
@Gleason Gallinger Just that
little thing called "protocol" that gets in the way. They at least have
the right to try to govern in tight spaces. It is a great scenario for
the people. No one dare do anything stupid or corrupt under a minority
situation. Kinda like walking the sharp edge of a raiser-blade. Ooops!!!
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr "No one dare do anything stupid or corrupt under a minority situation"
Methinks you should review Mr Harper's work.
Methinks you should review Mr Harper's work.
Roy Kirk
The problem with a new
election for the smaller parties is that their few ridings will be in
the cross-hairs of both of the larger parties.
Supposing that the Libs could count on Green support, they'd still only have 24 votes. If PANB provided the speaker and the remaining 2 voted with the PC's, you'd have 24 again, and the speaker would have to break the tie in governments favour, something that the speaker's colleagues would likely have a hard time with.
OTOH, if the PCs form govt and can get support from the greens, they've got 25 votes to pass legislation. A PANB speaker would have to vote to support the govt, providing some margin for votes where one or another party member would not support.
Smart move is for all non-libs to refuse to serve as speaker, and let higgs seek the confidence of the house after a member from either PANB or Greens assumes the speakers chair. But that can only happen once Gallant's libs are no-long incumbent.
Supposing that the Libs could count on Green support, they'd still only have 24 votes. If PANB provided the speaker and the remaining 2 voted with the PC's, you'd have 24 again, and the speaker would have to break the tie in governments favour, something that the speaker's colleagues would likely have a hard time with.
OTOH, if the PCs form govt and can get support from the greens, they've got 25 votes to pass legislation. A PANB speaker would have to vote to support the govt, providing some margin for votes where one or another party member would not support.
Smart move is for all non-libs to refuse to serve as speaker, and let higgs seek the confidence of the house after a member from either PANB or Greens assumes the speakers chair. But that can only happen once Gallant's libs are no-long incumbent.
David Amos
@Roy Kirk"The problem with a
new election for the smaller parties is that their few ridings will be
in the cross-hairs of both of the larger parties'
Methinks in return all the ridings of both the larger parties will be in the cross-hairs of the small parties and the Independents such as I N'esy Pas?
Methinks in return all the ridings of both the larger parties will be in the cross-hairs of the small parties and the Independents such as I N'esy Pas?
SarahRose Werner
"Both say it's up to their
opponent to put forward a name." - It's like two little boys and you
ask them whose turn it is to do the chores and each one points to the
other and says, "His."
David Amos
@SarahRose Werner YUP
James Watson
If anything describes the sad state of democracy in Canada - this is it - petty , power princes (and princesses)
David Amos
@James Watson Oh So True
Norman Albert Snr
@James Watson Democracy?
These people don't run to serve the people or their country anymore.
This is all about self gratification and future prospects.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr None of
them ever did long before I was born. Methinks the last decent
politician Canada ever had was R.B. Bennett and nobody will talk about
him in a political forum except yours truly N'esy Pas?
Peter Ray
So, regardless of what ANY
political party says - Liberals, Conservatives, Greens, People's
Alliance - their goal is NOT the best interests of citizens.
The ONLY goal is power - at whatever cost.
Shame.
If indeed a new election is required because there is no Speaker - sorry, Liberals, but you LOST unless you can stomach a coalition gov't - and that the fringe parties refused to allow a member to become Speaker, I hope that the spoiled ballot vote - which DOES 'count' - is somewhere over 50%.
Now THAT would send a message!
The ONLY goal is power - at whatever cost.
Shame.
If indeed a new election is required because there is no Speaker - sorry, Liberals, but you LOST unless you can stomach a coalition gov't - and that the fringe parties refused to allow a member to become Speaker, I hope that the spoiled ballot vote - which DOES 'count' - is somewhere over 50%.
Now THAT would send a message!
David Amos
@Peter Ray Welcome to the Circus
Lou Bell
Will Gallant run again under the Liberal flag, or Acadian party flag ? They're all backin' him anyway .
David Amos
@Lou Bell Methinks the Green Party would allow him to cross the floor to join their caucus N'esy Pas?
capilano dunbar
As Christy Clark found out
last year based on long-standing parliamentary convention; The
Government must provide a Speaker. That means no matter how you slice it
a Liberal majority requires both the PA and the Greens whereas a
Conservative majority requires only one of the third parties. Gallant
should read the writing on the wall and step down.
David Amos
@capilano dunbar Methinks November 2nd is an eternity away for Mr Higgs and his purported PANB cohorts N'esy Pas?
Roy Nicholl
"I'm OK," he said. "I do whatever the leader tells me to do."
That's the problem. Higgs and Gallant need to put the party whip away and allow the MLAs to perform the task for which they were elected.
Ironically, the Green party seems to be the only ones who got the message from the electorate and are trying to get Higgs and Gallant to suspend their personal quests for power in the best interests of the province.
That's the problem. Higgs and Gallant need to put the party whip away and allow the MLAs to perform the task for which they were elected.
Ironically, the Green party seems to be the only ones who got the message from the electorate and are trying to get Higgs and Gallant to suspend their personal quests for power in the best interests of the province.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl "Ironically, the Green party seems to be the only ones who got the message from the electorate" Methinks the Greens and the PANB are on power plays of their own and the Greens are feeling their oats while the PANB remains quiet. I suspect that the electorate sees this Circus for what it is. Many agree that if there is another election this year the PANB will put New Brunswick the news bigtime instead of just Rebel TV N'esy Pas?
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
"Surprisingly", I disagree with you ... or at least I am hopeful there is some sense of public service {altruism would be asking too much} amongst those MLAs calling for a more collaborative approach to governance that is not short-changed by party rhetoric or ambition.
"Surprisingly", I disagree with you ... or at least I am hopeful there is some sense of public service {altruism would be asking too much} amongst those MLAs calling for a more collaborative approach to governance that is not short-changed by party rhetoric or ambition.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Nothing you say surprises me
Norman Albert Snr
@Roy Nicholl Party First,
Sponsors second. Self, Corporate interests and way down at the bottom
those people I am paid to and promised to represent.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr In New
Brunswick the Corporate interests of the Irving and the McCain Clans are
of greatest concern to all political parties especially yours truly.
Ask Canada's latest Minister of Finance why that is.
Ask Canada's latest Minister of Finance why that is.
kirk hancock
Welcome to "proportional
representation". This is what it looks like. No one is in charge but
everyone wants to be. fun times. Bring out the snow boots because
election time is just around the corner.
Content disabled.
David Amos
@kirk hancock I agree
Methinks the Green Party Leader David **** got feeling his oats way too much and went over a bridge too far from his former positions against NB Power. Nobody in New Brunswick who is having a hard time making ends meet would oppose a rate freeze on our electric bills especially heading into winter N'esy Pas?
Content disabled.
David Amos
David Amos
@kirk hancock Go figure why CBC blocks it own link
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-****-1.4859687
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-****-1.4859687
Clearly CBC thinks Mr Coon's name is some sort of insult
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-coon-1.4859687
@kirk hancock YUP Methinks the Greens attacking the NB Power rate freeze sealed the deal N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@David Amos Nobody in New
Brunswick who is having a hard time making ends meet would oppose a rate
freeze on our electric bills especially heading into winter N'esy Pas?
Samuel Porter
@David Amos What most people
don't understand ( even though it's a no brainer ), is that energy and
it's costs to people barely making ends meet, is not a luxury, it is a
matter of life and death in winter in our climate. in the lower US
states, where it never goes below zero, that is not the case.
David Amos
@Samuel Porter I agree
Methinks you should read the transcripts found in the public record of
the EUB to see what my friend Dr Roger Richard and I have been saying
in the 357 and the 375 matters N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
@Roy Nicholl If it is not
broke don't fix it?? This works very well for the two corporate powers.
One of them under the current system will always rule. That is why JT
back off on the promise of reform. Why bit the hand that feeds them. As
bad as they are they have little to fear now from the NDP or Smiley
Andy. Provincially it is not that much difference. Tweedledee or
Tweedledum? The both work for the same agenda and it ain't us.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr "Tweedledee or Tweedledum? The both work for the same agenda and it ain't us."
Oh So True However Canada and New Brunswick in are just bit players in the wicked game. The evil agenda is global in nature and it even has the fancy knickers of dude the Yankees call "The Donald" in quite a knot these days.
Methinks you should Google the following for some comic relief at my expense N'esy Pas?
trump cohen amos nafta fatca tpp
Oh So True However Canada and New Brunswick in are just bit players in the wicked game. The evil agenda is global in nature and it even has the fancy knickers of dude the Yankees call "The Donald" in quite a knot these days.
Methinks you should Google the following for some comic relief at my expense N'esy Pas?
trump cohen amos nafta fatca tpp
Buford Wilson
Brian needs to get out of the way so Blaine can start to clean up the mess.
David Amos
@Buford Wilson Methinks after
successfully dividing the electorate over bilingual nonsense all the
party leaders should pick up their marbles and quit the political game
N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
@Buford Wilson Neither is fit
to govern or have the man date to alone. This needs to be addressed
under a more representative system. PR and Preferential ballot.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr Methinks
Premier Gallant should roll the dice and continue down the path he has
chosen it is legal and its gonna make for a fun Circus to watch N'esy
Pas?
Michael durant
Flemming is bizarre.
David Amos
@Michael durant Naw he is
just another snobby political lawyer who thinks he is funny. Methinks
such people are as common as mud in parliamentary circles N'esy Pas?
Mike Murphy
Theres a shocker, no one from NB wants a job.
Bernard McIntyre
@Mike Murphy. Not true myself and Emilen Forest just said we would take the job. lol.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Methinks
like most folks in New Brunswick you would not expect the MLA salary and
be more than happy to work for just the supplement pay and the perks
that come with the Speaker's job N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bev-harrison-speaker-new-brunswick-legislature-1.4846333
"For all the headaches, there are incentives that come along with the post.
An extra $52,614 is added on top of the MLA salary, along with an extra few thousand in allowances. And the speaker can choose to drive a government car."
Robbie Adams
"""The Arrogant Liberals of
all ilk feel it is their right to run this country regardless of the
vote count and what people want.
David Amos
@Robbie Adams Methinks that is why they call themselves "Canada's Natural Governing Party" N'esy Pas?
Peter Inya
Liberal arrogance. Canada is back(wards).
David Amos
@Peter Inya Methinks many
would agree that all political parties are worse than merely arrogant
That is why so many folks don't bother to vote N'esy Pas?
Craig O'Donnell
I can see why neither the
PC's nor the Liberals want a member to fill the Speaker's Chair; so why
not somebody from the Green Party? After all, David **** is trying to
get all MLA's to sign some kind of agreement to put asided partisanship
and work together for the people (or possibly to fill the Green's
agenda). If he truly believes in getting the ball rolling, have one of
his caucus step up to the plate. After all, given the fact that they
only won 3 seats and a rather small percentage of the vote, why should
the Greens' agenda be pushed first and foremost?
Roy Nicholl
@Craig O'Donnell
The speaker should be / needs to be someone with legislative experience and not a first time MLA. The MLAs of the two smaller parties are all brand new.
The speaker should be / needs to be someone with legislative experience and not a first time MLA. The MLAs of the two smaller parties are all brand new.
Samuel Porter
@Roy Why do you think that?
With the state of affairs in this province, I think everything new would
be much better. we've had enough of the "old boys ".
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Craig O'Donnell Methinks
some folks may recall that within an earlier comment section this week I
suspected that the Green Party member and former wannabe liberal
candidate Mr Arsenault may go for the Speaker's chair if the French
Lieutenant of the PC Party does not take my advice N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Craig O'Donnell Its too bad that my latest reply to you was blocked I know you would have enjoyed it
David Amos
@Craig O'Donnell Here is a tip for you Google my name and "the French Lieutenant of the PC Party"
mo bennett
way too funny! why don't you
boys get big, leave yer fat heads at the front door and just get this
sorted, instead of inflicting the cost of another JOKE election on the
taxpayers that yer all supposed to protect. you did swear an oath to do
that, remember!
David Amos
@mo bennett YO MO Methinks you are enjoying the Circus as much as I N'esy Pas?
Nicholas Markusen
You know what would fix this
problem? Proportional representation and coalition governments, like
every other successful developed nation on the planet.
David Amos
@Nicholas Markusen I disagree. I believe that political parties should be abolished
Dave Peters
The responsibility of the
speakers chair is to be filled by a representative of whoever forms
government. It is clear nonsense to do otherwise. If not you get
another Robert McCready. Arguments can be made for an against what
happened there. However, we do not have the same political situation
with third parties being represented. If Brian Gallant or Blaine Higgs
wants to form government they need to fill this chair from their own
caucus
David Amos
@Dave Peters "The responsibility of the speakers chair is to be filled by a representative of whoever forms government. "
Not true. Any MLA can be the Speaker
Methinks everybody can recall that in 2006 The Independent "Tanker" was elected in New Brunswick legislature and even the liberal lawyer Peter Milliken was elected Speaker In Harper's minority Government N'esy Pas?
Not true. Any MLA can be the Speaker
Methinks everybody can recall that in 2006 The Independent "Tanker" was elected in New Brunswick legislature and even the liberal lawyer Peter Milliken was elected Speaker In Harper's minority Government N'esy Pas?
Luke Armstrong
Another election? Of course, I'll be voting again then.....Mr. Blaine Higgs.
David Amos
@Luke Armstrong I can I will run in Fundy again
David Amos
@Luke Armstrong Mr Higgs knows this story appeared in the Kings County Record on June 22, 2004
The Unconventional Candidate
By Gisele McKnight
"FUNDY—He has a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket, a chain on his wallet, a beard at least a foot long, 60 motorcycles and a cell phone that rings to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
Meet the latest addition to the Fundy ballot—David Amos. The independent candidate lives in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife and two children, but his place of residence does not stop him from running for office in Canada."
"Amos, 52, is running for political office because of his dissatisfaction with politicians. "I've become aware of much corruption involving our two countries," he said. "The only way to fix corruption is in the political forum."
"What he's fighting for is the discussion of issues – tainted blood, the exploitation of the Maritimes' gas and oil reserves and NAFTA, to name a few.
"The political issues in the Maritimes involve the three Fs – fishing, farming and forestry, but they forget foreign issues," he said. "I'm death on NAFTA, the back room deals and free trade. I say chuck it (NAFTA) out the window
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement which allows an easier flow of goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico."
Richard Dunn
Moncton East Liberal MLA
Monique LeBlanc was Deputy Speaker so why would she not become speaker
now that Chris Collins is no longer an MLA?
David Amos
@Richard Dunn Its a new Legislature the Speaker must be elected by the new members
Emilen Forest
I'll take the job.
Bernard McIntyre
@Emilen Forest No I'll take
the job. Might as well argue about it like the MLA'S who seem to not be
able to act like civilized people after 3 weeks.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Just like
me neither of you were elected to sit in the House. However at least you
can visit and watch the Circus from the peanut gallery while I cannot
because my political foes illegally barred me from all legislative
properties many years ago. End of argument
Bernard McIntyre
@David Amos. Myself and Emilen Forest realize that we can't be speaker. Just stating how stupid the MLA'S are being.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Its cool I was just running with your jokes
Emilen Forest
@David Amos Hem, hem...first
point of order. It is called the Legislature not "House" where MLAs
gather to dither. The "House" is in Ottawa, hence House of Parliament.
End of session, free of charge :)
David Amos
@Emilen Forest Methinks I
have the right to call it anything I wish and I doubt the Crown or its
Speaker would disagree in light of the fact that I sued the Crown over
this issue. Furthermore the world famous Acadian blogger Chucky Leblanc
who is a buddy of every MLA calls it the "Old Maison" N'esy Pas?
Bernard McIntyre
@David Amos. Oky doky.
Bernard McIntyre
N.B can't wait any longer to
have a government so it these MLA'S can't talk together to form a
government then just call a new election now instead if prolonging the
inevitable. They can't even decide how the speaker will be, pathetic.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Methinks it not October 23rd yet N'esy Pas?
Bernard McIntyre
@David Amos. The way it's going the sooner the better.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre I concur
leonard g MacAulay
Could the provience of NB be
more confuddled? No wonder a provience being financially gutted by over
expenditures in the name of official bi-lingualism, and now they are in a
political dead lock by voters that are fed up with this nonsense. Time
for the elected to put on their grownup pants and show the bewildered
voters that they voted for a govt that can figure this out without
another election. Canada is watching and are greatly amused.
David Amos
@leonard g MacAulay "Could the provience of NB be more confuddled?"
Methinks its goona get worse before its gets better so in the "mean" time we might as well just sit back and enjoy the Circus while we wait for the next election N'esy Pas?
Methinks its goona get worse before its gets better so in the "mean" time we might as well just sit back and enjoy the Circus while we wait for the next election N'esy Pas?
ChristineChuck Dandy
@leonard g MacAulay They could choose PR and have 6 or 7 parties without a clear winner or winning side.
Bernard McIntyre
@leonard g MacAulay. When
spoiled children have their minds made up your not going to change it
know matter how bad the consequences turn out.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Methinks you should ask the spoiled children why my last comment was blocked N'esy Pas?
Bernard McIntyre
@David Amos. I know that feeling ,happens to me all the time.
Norman Albert Snr
'Glowing snapshot of uptown Saint John released by business group"
Rose colored glasses much? Void of the reality.
I understand they have a job to do but this borders on the ridiculous.
Rose colored glasses much? Void of the reality.
I understand they have a job to do but this borders on the ridiculous.
David Amos
@Norman Albert Snr FYI
History easily proves that I ran in the election in 2006 in Saint John
Harbour while intervening in the NEB Hearing about the Emera Pipeline
Project. Even though i got only 44 votes trust that the NDP, the Green
Party and every other political pundit in Saint John has never forgotten
why I was in town in 2006.
In 2015 I ran against the latest the current NDP provincial leader in the federal election long before she put her name on the ballot in Saint John Harbour. This year my friend Dr Roger Richard and I ran as Independents in this election while intervening in EUB matters. The latest EUB hearing was held in Saint John yesterday while this article was being published. go figure why I laugh at the irony of it all
Much to the chagrin of Mr Higgs and the other party leaders Minister Rick Doucet and Premier Gallant still oversee the EUB until October 23rd even though Doucet was not reelected and who will be the next Premier is still in much dispute.
Methinks truth can be much stranger than fiction N'esy Pas?
Robert Anderson
Have a look at what is going
on in New Brunswick. This is why minority governments are essentially
useless. The can't get anything done. That is why we would be crazy to
even consider for a second the use of proportional voting. There would
be perpetual useless minority governments. Just don't do it.
David Amos
@Robert Anderson I strongly disagree
Methinks many would agree that minority governments are the only way to fly with some Independents finding seats as well so that at least some people can't be whipped by any political party leader N'esy Pas?
Methinks many would agree that minority governments are the only way to fly with some Independents finding seats as well so that at least some people can't be whipped by any political party leader N'esy Pas?
Unfilled Speaker's chair could bring on another election — this fall
Party leaders won't let their caucus members run for job when standings are so close
Forget about throne speeches, confidence votes and two-party deals. A looming standoff over who will be Speaker of the New Brunswick legislature could bring it all to a screeching halt.
In fact, it could plunge the province into a new election campaign this fall.
As of today, no one seems to want the job, despite its cabinet-level salary and perks, including a government car.
When would that be?
"A long time from now," she said.
"I'm OK," he said. "I do whatever the leader tells me to do."
Liberal Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs both say they won't allow any member of their respective caucuses to seek the position.
Both say it's up to their opponent to put forward a name.
"He's going to have to try to put up a Speaker," Gallant said of Higgs this week.
But Higgs says if Gallant wants to hold on to power, he should do it.
No obligation
In fact, no party is obligated to provide a Speaker. All MLAs, except ministers and party leaders, are on the ballot by default until they remove their names.
Choosing a Speaker is the first order of business when the legislature begins a new session Oct. 23 following an election in which no party won a majority.
"If the legislative assembly fails to elect a Speaker, then the only way that the impasse can be broken is through early dissolution and another election," said parliamentary expert James Bowden. "That's the most likely scenario."
Neither leader wants a Speaker from his caucus because it would reduce their ability to pass legislation in a house where the numbers are already razor-thin.
The PCs won 22 seats and the Liberals 21. Even if either party wins the support of one of the smaller parties — the Greens or the People's Alliance, with three seats each — it can't afford to give up one MLA.
Other option
If no one budges, there is another possible step before an election, Bowden said.
Because the circumstances in New Brunswick are "so strange and exceptional," Roy-Vienneau could swear in a PC government led by Higgs "and see whether the Assembly would be willing to elect a Speaker under him."
There are precedents for both scenarios: in 1859, the lieutenant-governor of the colonial assembly on Prince Edward Island , Dominick Daly, declared it was his "painful duty" to dissolve the house after it spent two days trying in vain to choose a Speaker.
In that election, the two parties won the same number of seats and both refused to let any member become Speaker.
The incumbent Liberal premier asked for a new election, which the governor refused. The other party, the People's Party, was sworn in, but the house still couldn't find a Speaker. Only then was a new election was called.
With the Liberals and PCs refusing to provide a Speaker, Gallant could try to persuade an MLA from one of the smaller parties to take the post.
Alliance, Greens not interested
But People's Alliance leader Kris Austin told CBC News no one from his three-member caucus would accept.
The three Green MLAs have also ruled it out.
Rothesay PC MLA Ted Flemming is the only member who expressed a tongue-in-cheek interest in the position this week, mainly because of the ceremonial garb that comes with it.
"It takes me back to Loyalist Days," he said. "I had a tricorn hat when I used to be around Loyalist Days, and it would be nice to get one back because I lost the first one that I had."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-power-rate-freeze-gallant-coon-1.4859687
NB Power could escape Liberal-promised rate freeze thanks to unlikely source
Green Leader David Coon has long history of battling NB Power initiatives
The
likelihood of NB Power having its rates frozen for the next four years
appears to have dimmed to near zero given the uncertainty over who will
govern the province — even if New Brunswick Liberals manage to retain
power — and the utility can thank its old nemesis, Green Party leader
David Coon, for the reprieve.
"It's a non-starter," Coon said Thursday about the signature Liberal campaign promise to bypass the Energy and Utilities Board and impose up to $300 million in rate freezes on the financially challenged utility over the next four years.
"Freezing
power rates is a bad idea. It's interference in a regulatory process;
we've got to look at the best economic interests of New Brunswickers. It
would be foolish."
Premier Brian Gallant has said he will seek to find "common ground" with Green Party MLAs in an upcoming throne speech to win enough support to keep governing — a condition the freeze does not meet.
Premier
Brian Gallant hinted Thursday the Liberal platform could be modified to
incorporate elements from other parties' platforms. (Photo: CBC)
"We
believe we can earn the votes of many in the legislature," Gallant said
Thursday. "We want to be able to consult and discuss what should get
into the speech from the throne. We are open to other ideas from other
political parties "
No Liberal election promise attracted more scorn from Coon during the campaign than the proposed rate freeze, a position he has not budged on since.
Gallant has not said the freeze is dead, but on Thursday sounded like he might be laying the groundwork for its funeral.
"We
have to be open to the other political parties platforms, which means
we have to put water in our wine for our platform as well," said Gallant
when asked if Coon's objections to the rate freeze would be fatal to
the promise.
"We are willing to look at some of the elements we put forward in our platform and to say maybe another day."
NB Power has been conspicuously silent on what it plans to do with power rates going forward since Liberals first promised a freeze to voters in late August.
It has a longstanding plan to increase rates by two per cent per year or more to retire $1 billion in debt and cope with carbon taxes if they come.
In each of the last two years, the utility has submitted its annual rate application to the Energy and Utilities Board during the first week of October, but this year it has already let that date pass with no word of its intention.
Green Party Leader David Coon opposes the Liberal-promised power rate freeze. (CBC)
Coon said if NB Power is waiting to find out who will be governing the province before applying for new rates, it shouldn't.
"To me, they should be continuing on as required if they are looking for a change in power rates. They should go forward," he said
Coon is an unlikely white knight to come to the utility's defence.
He has a long history of opposing NB Power initiatives at regulatory hearings in his former role as executive director of the New Brunswick Conservation Council.
In the early 2000s, he fought the utility's ill-fated, $700-million conversion of the Coleson Cove oil-fired generating station to burn the Venezuelan fossil fuel orimulsion. He later battled executives over what proved to be optimistic plans to quickly and cheaply refurbish the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.
David
Coon fought the conversion of Coleson Cove to burn orimulsion — one of
several battles the Green Leader waged against the utility. ((CBC))
Venezuela
eventually refused to deliver orimulsion after the Coleson Cove
conversion was complete and the nuclear refurbishment went three years
late and $1 billion over budget, all problems Coon predicted.
Still, Coon has long been an advocate of NB Power answering to a professional regulator like the Energy and Utilities Board and not to politicians, and he instantly opposed the idea of a rate freeze imposed by a political party on that principle.
Coon said if NB Power executives are grateful for the backing of an old foe against political meddling in its rates, they are not saying.
"I haven't heard from any of them yet," he said.
"It's a non-starter," Coon said Thursday about the signature Liberal campaign promise to bypass the Energy and Utilities Board and impose up to $300 million in rate freezes on the financially challenged utility over the next four years.
Premier Brian Gallant has said he will seek to find "common ground" with Green Party MLAs in an upcoming throne speech to win enough support to keep governing — a condition the freeze does not meet.
No Liberal election promise attracted more scorn from Coon during the campaign than the proposed rate freeze, a position he has not budged on since.
Gallant has not said the freeze is dead, but on Thursday sounded like he might be laying the groundwork for its funeral.
"We are willing to look at some of the elements we put forward in our platform and to say maybe another day."
'They should go forward'
NB Power has been conspicuously silent on what it plans to do with power rates going forward since Liberals first promised a freeze to voters in late August.
It has a longstanding plan to increase rates by two per cent per year or more to retire $1 billion in debt and cope with carbon taxes if they come.
In each of the last two years, the utility has submitted its annual rate application to the Energy and Utilities Board during the first week of October, but this year it has already let that date pass with no word of its intention.
"To me, they should be continuing on as required if they are looking for a change in power rates. They should go forward," he said
Coon's history with NB Power
Coon is an unlikely white knight to come to the utility's defence.
He has a long history of opposing NB Power initiatives at regulatory hearings in his former role as executive director of the New Brunswick Conservation Council.
In the early 2000s, he fought the utility's ill-fated, $700-million conversion of the Coleson Cove oil-fired generating station to burn the Venezuelan fossil fuel orimulsion. He later battled executives over what proved to be optimistic plans to quickly and cheaply refurbish the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.
Still, Coon has long been an advocate of NB Power answering to a professional regulator like the Energy and Utilities Board and not to politicians, and he instantly opposed the idea of a rate freeze imposed by a political party on that principle.
Coon said if NB Power executives are grateful for the backing of an old foe against political meddling in its rates, they are not saying.
"I haven't heard from any of them yet," he said.
About the Author
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bilingual-paramedics-ambulance-delays-government-1.4858767
Liberals' grip on power could hinge on change to ambulance services
Green Party calls for inquiry into ambulance problems
Ambulance
delays and the thorny issue of bilingual paramedics are emerging as a
key factor in who will get to lead a minority provincial government.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said Thursday his party could support a Liberal throne speech if it promises quick action on the issue.
"What we would like to see is the paramedic crisis resolved," he said. "That's the big one for us. Beyond that, we can talk about tax reform, we can talk about the auditor-general receiving more funding. There's lots of things we campaigned on that we'd like to see."
Austin
and the other two People's Alliance MLAs could be vital to the survival
of Premier Brian Gallant's Liberal government and would also be key to
the Progressive Conservatives holding power if they get a chance to
govern.
Gallant won 21 seats in last month's election, one fewer than the 22 for the Progressive Conservatives.
But the Liberal premier said he plans to try to stay in power by winning confidence votes in the legislature with the Green Party's three MLAs.
Premier Brian Gallant needs four non-Liberal votes to secure a confidence vote. (James West/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
That support would only get Gallant to 24 votes, one short of a majority.
The legislature will sit Oct. 23, with a vote on the Liberal throne speech — the first test of confidence in the government — likely on Nov. 2.
If Austin's Alliance caucus votes to support the speech, or even abstains from voting against it, the Liberals would be able to cling to power in the short term.
Gallant said Thursday afternoon that the election results make it clear New Brunswickers want more action on ambulance delays, so his throne speech will "include a commitment to take concrete action to strengthen ambulance services and address the shortage of paramedics."
The Alliance leader is not the only one pitching quick action on the ambulance delays. Green Leader David Coon is proposing a commission of inquiry into the issue but said there should be no change to the guarantee of equal service in English and French.
Austin said he wouldn't necessarily oppose an inquiry but he doesn't think it's needed.
People's
Alliance Leader Kris Austin said he could support a Liberal throne
speech if it promises quick action on the issue of ambulance delays. (CBC)
"I
think you can figure out pretty quick where the problems lie," he said.
"I think the problem needs to be fixed. I'm not opposed to an inquiry,
but I'm opposed to delays. We need to get this done."
The Alliance leader has blamed bilingual hiring requirements at Ambulance New Brunswick for the fact many positions are vacant and said that is to blame for delays.
Higgs said Thursday because that promise was already in his campaign platform, he'd be willing to address it in a PC throne speech if the Liberals are defeated and he gets to form a government.
"That's not a new item for us," he said. "It happens to be a common one. So yes, we'll be looking to have that as part of a platform anyway, to have it included that we want ambulances back on the road."
Asked if his promised actions would include changes to the bilingual hiring requirement, Gallant said the Liberal response would be "within the legal framework that we have as a province."
The issue flared up again this week after a local committee in Saint-Quentin said it was considering a class action lawsuit because of repeated delays in ambulance responses in the village.
The
latest case was last Friday, when local residents drove a cyclist
injured in a collision with a car to the hospital after waiting 40
minutes for an ambulance to arrive.
In 2017, Ambulance New Brunswick and the province acknowledged they had violated the constitutional language rights of a Moncton-area patient who did not receive ambulance service in French.
Ambulance New Brunswick has been under fire for delays and staff shortages. (Photo: Catherine Allard/Radio-Canada)
They
agreed to a binding consent order in which they promised to
"immediately put in place concrete measures," including extra funding,
to ensure service "of equal quality" in both languages "uniformly across
the entire territory of the province."
Earlier this year, a labour arbitrator ruled that the province should relax the bilingual requirement in areas of the province where there's less demand for second-language service to comply with seniority rules in staffing.
The Liberal government asked the courts to review that decision because it contradicts the legal requirements in the court order.
Higgs has not said how he would get around the court order if he relaxed the hiring requirements.
PC
Leader Blaine Higgs says that if he takes power, he will gather all the
stakeholders and find a solution to the ambulance service delivery
problems. (CBC)
Coon has said his party will not vote for anything that would take away existing language rights.
Higgs said Thursday that bilingual hiring requirements are likely "part of" the problem at Ambulance New Brunswick but not the entire issue. He said if he becomes premier, he'll put all the players in a room together to find a solution.
The PC leader said the province needs to move past debating official bilingualism and he didn't want to think the Alliance was against it.
"I don't like to think in today's society in New Brunswick that anyone is anti-bilingualism, because that's not going to help our province move forward," he said.
"Bilingualism is a fabric of our province and it's here to stay, so people shouldn't debate that. And I won't be debating that. … Let's not spend time debating what is already part of our fabric, part of our Constitution, part of what makes our province special."
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said Thursday his party could support a Liberal throne speech if it promises quick action on the issue.
"What we would like to see is the paramedic crisis resolved," he said. "That's the big one for us. Beyond that, we can talk about tax reform, we can talk about the auditor-general receiving more funding. There's lots of things we campaigned on that we'd like to see."
Gallant won 21 seats in last month's election, one fewer than the 22 for the Progressive Conservatives.
But the Liberal premier said he plans to try to stay in power by winning confidence votes in the legislature with the Green Party's three MLAs.
The legislature will sit Oct. 23, with a vote on the Liberal throne speech — the first test of confidence in the government — likely on Nov. 2.
If Austin's Alliance caucus votes to support the speech, or even abstains from voting against it, the Liberals would be able to cling to power in the short term.
Gallant said Thursday afternoon that the election results make it clear New Brunswickers want more action on ambulance delays, so his throne speech will "include a commitment to take concrete action to strengthen ambulance services and address the shortage of paramedics."
Greens want inquiry
The Alliance leader is not the only one pitching quick action on the ambulance delays. Green Leader David Coon is proposing a commission of inquiry into the issue but said there should be no change to the guarantee of equal service in English and French.
Austin said he wouldn't necessarily oppose an inquiry but he doesn't think it's needed.
The Alliance leader has blamed bilingual hiring requirements at Ambulance New Brunswick for the fact many positions are vacant and said that is to blame for delays.
I don't like to think in today's society in New Brunswick that anyone is anti-bilingualism, because that's not going to help our province move forward.- PC Leader Blaine HiggsPC Leader Blaine Higgs has proposed hiring qualified unilingual paramedics in the short term to address the shortages, and then giving them second-language training after the fact.
Higgs said Thursday because that promise was already in his campaign platform, he'd be willing to address it in a PC throne speech if the Liberals are defeated and he gets to form a government.
"That's not a new item for us," he said. "It happens to be a common one. So yes, we'll be looking to have that as part of a platform anyway, to have it included that we want ambulances back on the road."
Asked if his promised actions would include changes to the bilingual hiring requirement, Gallant said the Liberal response would be "within the legal framework that we have as a province."
Class action lawsuit
The issue flared up again this week after a local committee in Saint-Quentin said it was considering a class action lawsuit because of repeated delays in ambulance responses in the village.
In 2017, Ambulance New Brunswick and the province acknowledged they had violated the constitutional language rights of a Moncton-area patient who did not receive ambulance service in French.
Earlier this year, a labour arbitrator ruled that the province should relax the bilingual requirement in areas of the province where there's less demand for second-language service to comply with seniority rules in staffing.
The Liberal government asked the courts to review that decision because it contradicts the legal requirements in the court order.
Higgs has not said how he would get around the court order if he relaxed the hiring requirements.
Higgs said Thursday that bilingual hiring requirements are likely "part of" the problem at Ambulance New Brunswick but not the entire issue. He said if he becomes premier, he'll put all the players in a room together to find a solution.
The PC leader said the province needs to move past debating official bilingualism and he didn't want to think the Alliance was against it.
"I don't like to think in today's society in New Brunswick that anyone is anti-bilingualism, because that's not going to help our province move forward," he said.
"Bilingualism is a fabric of our province and it's here to stay, so people shouldn't debate that. And I won't be debating that. … Let's not spend time debating what is already part of our fabric, part of our Constitution, part of what makes our province special."
About the Author
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/green-party-election-1.4857143
No deal: Green Party won't formally side with Liberals or PCs in N.B.
Green Party leader announces a 'declaration of intent' he hopes MLAs from other parties will sign
New
Brunswick's Green Party will not sign a formal agreement with any
political party to support a minority government, the three Green MLAs
announced Wednesday.
Instead, the Green members will base their votes in the legislature on a "declaration of intent" to tackle fiscal and environmental challenges and to respect language and Indigenous rights.
Instead, the Green members will base their votes in the legislature on a "declaration of intent" to tackle fiscal and environmental challenges and to respect language and Indigenous rights.
CBC News
Green Party won't formally take sides
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"Support for the throne speech is based on the substance of the throne speech and the practicality of implementing the commitments in the throne speech, so in other words, on its merits," Green Party Leader David Coon said.
"We'll have different takes on what we see in there," said Kent North MLA Kevin Arseneau, who also said he'll base his decision on the contents.
Memramcook-Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton agreed.
"I can't decide how to vote until I have actually seen what's in the throne speech," she said.
No guarantee for Gallant
The decision means Gallant will head into the first session of the legislature Oct. 23 with no guarantee his government can survive.
The Sept. 24 election saw Gallant's Liberals win 21 seats, four short of a majority and one fewer than the Progressive Conservatives.
But Gallant says he plans to try to hold on persuading at least one other party to vote for Liberal legislation.
The premier announced Wednesday the new legislature will sit Oct. 23, with a throne speech expected that day. Under normal house procedure, a vote by MLAs on whether to endorse the speech would likely happen Nov. 2.
The Greens are inviting all parties to sign their declaration of intent, which commits MLAs to find "common ground that reflects the foundational principles" of New Brunswick, including respect for aboriginal and treaty rights as well as for bilingualism and dual education systems.
Liberals would sign declaration
Gallant said Wednesday his Liberal caucus had agreed unanimously to sign the Green declaration, and if the Greens in turn support a Liberal throne speech along those lines, "we believe we have a clear path to earn at least 24 votes."
He said that would beat the PCs' "blatant attempt to try to seize power" with just 22 seats.
Gallant's 24-22 math contradicts his earlier accusations that the PCs and the People's Alliance had made a deal to put together a bare majority of 25 in the 49-member house.
We all want the citizens of the province to be the winners. And for them to be winners, we need to be able to collaborate in the house across party lines.- Green Party Leader David CoonNow Gallant says Higgs is pretending to have no deal with the Alliance because some members of his caucus are against the idea.
The combined Liberal and Green numbers would still be one short of a majority, but Gallant said he hopes that a "progressive" member of the PC caucus who wants to block Tory co-operation with the Alliance will agree to vote with the Liberals or become Speaker.
Higgs was not available to comment on Wednesday's developments.
Coon said the Green approach respects the outcome of the election, in which neither traditional party won a majority and two newer parties, the Greens and the People's Alliance, captured three seats each.
"No one won this election," he said. "We all want the citizens of the province to be the winners. And for them to be winners, we need to be able to collaborate in the house across party lines."
He said the results showed the need to "blur" partisan lines and "get away from these power games of who's going to be in power, who's going to rule, who's not going to rule."
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