Defeated PC Party braces for internal battle over direction, leadership
Party members divided over what went wrong in campaign, how to choose successor to Blaine Higgs
Two years ago, longtime Progressive Conservative supporter Andrew Dawson warned party members that growing internal discontent was jeopardizing voter support.
The "check engine" light was on, Dawson said when he ran for the position of party president at the PC annual general meeting in November 2022.
"A vote for me is a vote to pull over and look under the hood," Dawson said. But he lost the race to Fredericton lawyer Erika Hachey.
Fast forward two years and Dawson says what he was warning about — leader Blaine Higgs's indifference to how grassroots party members felt — played a major role in his government's defeat in last week's election.
"The car's broke down on the side of the road," Dawson said. "Now the problems are bigger than if we'd maybe stopped to check them."
Out of power and with their lowest seat count since the 1995 election, the PCs are preparing for a major reckoning over what went wrong and how to recover in time for the next campaign in 2028.
"We did deviate maybe more toward the conservative side over the last year or so, and I'd like to see us get back to more progressive so I'm more comfortable in the party," cabinet minister Jill Green told CBC's Information Morning Fredericton.
Green, the government's housing minister, was defeated last week in Fredericton North.
What direction the 16 elected PC MLAs will take when the legislature convenes next month remains to be seen.
There's been no public indication of a caucus meeting since the election.
The group is dominated by MLAs who stayed loyal to Premier Blaine Higgs while others rebelled. But Higgs himself lost his seat and won't be in the legislature to lead them.
"There's a pretty good crew left and I think they're going to do a good job holding the government accountable," Green said.
Meanwhile, major battles are looming outside the legislature in the post-Higgs era.
"That chapter of the history of the Progressive Conservative Party is over, and I think that now it's time to flip the page and start a new chapter," said François Robichaud, the president of the PC riding association in Shippagan-Les-Îles.
François Robichaud, who ran for the PCs in Shippagan-Les-Îles, is president of the local riding association. (Radio-Canada)
Dawson said he plans to run again for party president at a PC annual general meeting scheduled for Nov. 9.
He said his priority will be to give members more of a say, including in policy development — something that was lacking with Higgs as leader.
"He had attributes that allowed him to make decisions that needed to be made, but there's an aspect to governing and to our party system that I don't think is irrelevant yet, which is there's a party behind the elected members," Dawson said.
"What also matters is having a group of people distributed across the province, in every community, who believe in the party and who have contributed to the policies … and are back home in their communities spreading the word back.
"I don't think we had that this time."
One decision for the membership will be the rules for electing the next leader.
Higgs won the leadership in 2016 under a one-member, one-vote system.
But some members want a weighted voting system like the provincial Liberals use.
Under that system, each riding has 100 points up for grabs, and a candidate's share of those points in each riding is based on how many votes they got from members in those ridings.
It creates an incentive for a leadership candidate to look for support everywhere rather than just in areas where the party has the most members.
"If there's a [potential] leader who's from Woodstock who decides to put their name forward, that person will need to speak to members from Shippagan, from Tracadie, from Bathurst," Robichaud said.
He said he didn't think Higgs would have won in 2016 if weighted voting had been in place.
Party member Corben Parker submitted a motion for that rule change to be debated at next month's meeting.
Parker would not agree to an interview but said the party has pushed back the debate on his motion to another meeting planned for next March.
Dawson said he opposes the change.
The voting procedure in place may give some potential candidates an advantage, though it's not clear yet who may run for leader.
"I think it's way too early to make those types of decisions right now," former PC MLA and minister Jeff Carr said during CBC's election-night broadcast.
Carr was shuffled out of cabinet in June 2023 after voting against Higgs on Policy 713.
Jeff Carr, a former PC cabinet minister, said on election night it was too early to be thinking about the party's next leader. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
His colleague Daniel Allain, also removed the same day, posted last week that Tories should "take the time to properly reflect, to heal and then focus towards rebuilding" the party so it appeals to all New Brunswickers.
But he said on a Radio-Canada panel he had not spoken to anyone about running for leader.
Another former minister, Mike Holland, said on election night he was "with like-minded PCs and we are discussing that subject right now. More will come in the near future."
In 2022 former People's Alliance leader Kris Austin, who had recently joined the PCs, wouldn't rule out a future leadership bid.
"I leave all options on the table," he said. "I don't want to box myself in one way or the other."
Austin did not respond to an interview request this week.
Green said she had no plans to run but had been encouraged to do so.
"I never say never. … Maybe we need several female premiers, one after the other."
Other differences within the party are already spilling out publicly.
On election night, Hachey posted to social media to accuse two party members, who had wanted to remove Higgs as leader, of calling her late at night to make profane comments.
Two former PC caucus colleagues also got into a heated argument about the election defeat.
Ross Wetmore, one of six MLAs who voted against Higgs on Policy 713 last June, posted on Facebook that "all it would have taken" to avoid last year's split was for Higgs to talk to them.
A re-elected colleague, Sherry Wilson, accused him of being bitter over losing his cabinet position in 2020.
That led to an exchange in which Wilson repeated her claim from a post on Truth and Reconciliation Day suggesting a parallel between the "parental rights" debate over Policy 713 and the suffering of Indigenous children at residential schools.
PC
Sherry Wilson, who kept her seat on Oct. 21, publicly argued with
former PC cabinet minister Ross Wetmore on social media after the
election. (Alix Villeneuve/Radio-Canada)
She removed the post the next morning, and Higgs said he disagreed with it, but on Facebook last week she said it was the "Liberal media" who made the comparison.
Green said last week that one reason the party lost the election was that "we chose some battles that the public didn't really want us to choose," a reference to Policy 713.
"I would never have chosen that battle."
Dawson said while there must be room for debate within the party, those who rebelled against Higgs — including those who sat out the election — were as responsible for the defeat as the premier himself.
Higgs, he said, "made the right decision on Policy 713, but I think he should have shut up about it and kept on going. I think he lived there a little bit."
Dawson argued there's still a need for a fiscally conservative political party to balance other parties too far to the left, "but maybe it doesn't have to be so nasty."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Information Morning Fredericton
David Amos
Welcome to the latest circus
Lyr Williamson
The whooping crane is not the most endangered animal in Canada.
The is rapidly declining, and may be extinct on this continent in the next decade.
james bolt
Reply to Lyr Williamson
Maga has replaced you
David Amos
IMHO Moderate conservatives went the way of the Dodo Bird when Right Honourable R.B. Bennett quit in disgust and went off to "Not So Merry" Old England
Lyr Williamson
Moderate, centre-right politicians are win retreat from coast to coast.
And federally.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to Lyr Williamson
I miss old school Progressive Conservatives!
David Amos
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Me too
An apology and people stepping down over COVID shot mandates is needed.
Jack Bell
Reply to Frank Blacklock
I think the Frozen has a song about that.
... ah yes, here it is. "Let It Go"
Frank Blacklock
Reply to Jack Bell
Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it
Jack Bell
Reply to Frank Blacklock
Exactly, so why didn't you learn from the Spanish flu?
David Amos
Reply to Jack Bell
Perhaps you should look into the Spanish flu
Shevek Anarres
Meanwhile the BC Conservatives show their true colours...
Eric Hamilton
Reply to Shevek Anarres
You forgot to finish your comment.
David Amos
Reply to Eric Hamilton
He is never done
Maybe going after the most vulnerable kids was a mistake...
Shevek Anarres
Reply to Shevek Anarres
Yes, Higgs is.
Maybe don't let the church run your party? Just a thought.
Ronald Miller
Reply to John Montgomery
How was the church leading the party?
Reply to Ronald Miller
Feelings
I believe Holt can win the next election if she strays from the usual Liberal tax and spend mantra. She also needs to stay out of the way of the progress this province has enjoyed under Higgs. One could not go much of anywhere in this province without seeing things moving forward, road work was everywhere, annoying but necessary, infrastructure work was rampant from the Harbour Bridge in SJ, new jail for Grand Lake area, new courthouse in F'ton, new border bridge in Edmundston, mill finally being torn down in Bathurst, businesses are booming from all corners of NB. Our employment is better than the national average and our inflation is under 1%, beating out the national average of 1.6, that makes things more affordable, take note Holt. Good to see NB leading on the metrics people want to be leading on, it has been decades since that happened.
Reply to Ronald Miller
Needs to fix the nuclear plant.
It's simple -- very few voters have REAL faith in either party (Conservatives or Liberals) so the "pendulum" swings back and forth as each party as their turn "at bat".
The hope is that eventually voters will be rewarded with a competent government -- unfortunately that hasn't happened for decades!
Reply to Ronald Miller
Sure. Why don't you post the credible sources of your so-called sentiment? It is because there are none and nobody outside NB cares about that election or Blaine Higgs. Just you and a couple of other Horton's regulars.
If you actually read new sources outside of this site you might actually understand there is a world outside of the NB borders. You keep lapping up what JP feeds as you as the be all and end all of news.
Reply to Ronald Miller
doesn't matter what people outside think, NB voters made the call.
Reply to Ronald Miller
By saying things like "most people," you're making it sound like no one wanted this. Thankfully, we live in a democracy and after voting night we now know what most people actually wanted.
I am giving NBers the benefit of the doubt that they feared Higgs' moving too far right than Holt's ability to govern properly. I hope she proves everyone wrong, supporters and doubters. She will need to change her ways from the Gallant days.
Reply to Ronald Miller
You mean the overwhelming sentiment amongst right wing conservatives.
The PCs need to get a more center leader, I think someone along the Daniel Allain lines would be a great choice. If the :Liberals continue to their usual track record then the PCs would be a shoe in next election. Holt is not off to a great start, broken promises before even taking office.
Reply to Ronald Miller
Just admit Higgs lost and Holt won because voters decided. Not only you, not only me. And what will happen if Holt is there for 8 years? The world will end?
As far as outside news, Holt’s election was seen as a breath of fresh air to NB.
If Holt is here for 8 years it means she changed her old/Liberal ways and I would have no problem with that.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
I'm going to the AGM. You going?
Is your mom driving you?
Reply to Ronald Miller
No. She passed away from cancer in March.
Higgs has ruined the PC party.
Matt Steele and Ronnie Miller, nows yer chance!
Bobby Richards
Reply to Alison Jackson
Don't forget Lou Bell
The one member-one vote system of selecting a leader is what resulted in the choice of Higgs the last time otherwise he never would have been leader . Moving to a ranked ballot system is the best way to go to reflect all of the party members views no matter where they live .
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Eugene Peabody
Every Party Member (no matter where
they live) cast their vote for Higgs.
A card carrying Member attends the Convention
and votes their conscience.......
won't expect anything different this time.
Send Sherry Wilson to Florida. Then proceed.
Reply to danny rugg
You first.
Reply to danny rugg
I feel bad for her riding. It is so solidly conservative that the PCs never bother to spend resources on it and neither will the liberals since they have no chance to win it.
Reply to Marc Andre
Don't think it is really Conservative as much as lack of education and peer pressure to fit in. Try having a decent conversation about the facts in this riding and it goes to Trump land. and fox news.
Reply to buster jones
Well said. iv seen it first hand
Reply to buster jones
That could very well be , but either way there's no question how that riding has voted and will continue to vote.
Higgs revealed his true values and the people of NB rejected it. If the PC party wants to have a chance of governing again it would be wise to learn lessons from this election and rid itself of people like Austin, Outhouse, Faytene, Wilson etc al.
Reply to Howard Otoole
Exactly. NB has shown it is not interested in fanatics that allow their beliefs to influence policy.
Reply to Howard Otoole
I wonder when they will recognize that the same thing is now happening to the federal party ? That leadership is just a imitation of Trump methods and style which is pushed by the social media platforms like Tic-Toc , Twitter, Instagram and others . I long for a return to the way politics used to be when people could disagree on direction but still work for the good of the country instead of spouting hate for someone who disagrees with them .
Reply to Howard Otoole
Right, the divider's, something we don't need in this province ,
Reply to Howard Otoole
you got that right! 1000%
Gonna be a long rebuild. Something like Leafs and Habs.
Higgs lost me there.....Austin and Conroy.........
Reply to Louis Leblanc
I'd far agree with Austin as a Candidate
for Leadership instead of what I
SUSPECT is waiting in the background !!
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 18, 2024 at 3:58 PM
Subject: Re: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: <james@jsmklaw.ca>, <info@ezrainstitute.ca>, <info@libertycoalitioncanada.com>
Cc: blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, <brian.boucher@greenpartynb.ca>, art <art@streetchurch.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, <info@votefaytene.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, <AWaugh@postmedia.com>, Jacques.Poitras <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, <Steve.Outhouse@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, John.Williamson <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>
From: National Police Federation <communications@npf-fpn.com>
Date: Fri, Oct 18, 2024 at 3:05 PM
Subject: Reminder – Take part in this Election! / Rappel - Participez à cette élection!
To: <David.Raymond.Amos333@gmail.
|
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Faytene Grasseschi / PCNB - Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins 2024 Candidate <info@votefaytene.ca>
Date: Mon, Oct 7, 2024 at 9:29 PM
Subject: Re: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> David,I just tried to call you back. My apologies again that we had to keep the call short today due to an appointment. Thank you for your care, kindness and defence of me. I do appreciate it.Please know how much we respect you.FayteneOn Aug 6, 2024, at 8:01 PM, David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> wrote: ---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Aug 6, 2024 at 7:46 PM
Subject: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: Daniel.J.Allain <Daniel.J.Allain@gnb.ca>, jeff.carr <Jeff.Carr@gnb.ca>, Richard.Ames <Richard.Ames@gnb.ca>, kathy.bockus <Kathy.Bockus@gnb.ca>, Gary.Crossman <Gary.Crossman@gnb.ca>, Bill.Hogan <Bill.Hogan@gnb.ca>, Bill.Oliver <Bill.Oliver@gnb.ca>, mary.wilson <mary.wilson@gnb.ca>, Ryan.Cullins <Ryan.Cullins@gnb.ca>, Mike.Dawson <Mike.Dawson@gnb.ca>, bruce.fitch <bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>, Arlene.Dunn <Arlene.Dunn@gnb.ca>, hugh.flemming <Hugh.Flemming@gnb.ca>, jill.green <Jill.Green@gnb.ca>, Holland, Mike (LEG) <mike.holland@gnb.ca>, Trevor.Holder <Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca>, Margaret.Johnson <Margaret.Johnson@gnb.ca>, Glen.Savoie <Glen.Savoie@gnb.ca>, Tammy.Scott-Wallace <Tammy.Scott-Wallace@gnb.ca>, Rejean.A.Savoie <Rejean.A.Savoie@gnb.ca>, Dorothy.Shephard <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, ernie.steeves <Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca>, Greg.Turner <Greg.Turner@gnb.ca>, sherry.wilson <Sherry.Wilson@gnb.ca>
Cc: blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, <Steve.Outhouse@gnb.ca>, BrianThomasMacdonald <BrianThomasMacdonald@gmail.com>, Richard.Bragdon <Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>, John.Williamson <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca> ---------- Original message ---------From: Chrystia Freeland <Chrystia.Freeland@fin.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Subject: Automatic reply: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> The Department of Finance acknowledges receipt of your electronic correspondence. Please be assured that we appreciate receiving your comments.
Le ministère des Finances Canada accuse réception de votre courriel. Nous vous assurons que vos commentaires sont les bienvenus.---------- Original message ------------------- Original message ---------
From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada <mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 10:23 AM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.
We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.
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Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada.
En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu avec soin.Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 10:22 AM
Subject: RE Calls from Moncton RCMP (506 856 8139) about ‘PJ’ Andreetti and I
To: <Eric.Rousselle@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, <rcmpnb.grcnb@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin. fin@canada.ca>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov> Contact information
Sgt. Eric Rousselle
Codiac Regional RCMP
506-857-2400
rcmpnb.grcnb@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: In his final words as Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre said ‘evil walks this earth'
To: pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, Bill.Blair <Bill.Blair@parl.gc.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, Anita.Anand <Anita.Anand@parl.gc.ca>, <peter.mackay@mcinnescooper. com>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, fin.minfinance-financemin.fin <fin.minfinance-financemin. fin@canada.ca>, Melanie.Joly <Melanie.Joly@parl.gc.ca>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, Greta.Bossenmaier <Greta.Bossenmaier@hq.nato.int >, Jens.Stoltenberg <Jens.Stoltenberg@hq.nato.int> , Murray.Brewster <Murray.Brewster@cbc.ca>, wayne.eyre <wayne.eyre@forces.gc.ca>, <Jennie.Carignan@forces.gc.ca> , <RCAFProfessionalConduct- ConduiteprofessionnelleARC@ forces.gc.ca>, <Lise.Bourgon@forces.gc.ca>, <paolo4monctoneast@yahoo.com>, Jason.Carrier <Jason.Carrier@rcmp-grc.gc.ca> , robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca >, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>
Cc: blaine.higgs <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, <NIA_IG@navy.mi>, nia_ig.fct <nia_ig.fct@navy.mil>, JUSTMIN <JUSTMIN@novascotia.ca>, <anthony.housefather@parl.gc.ca> As I said Cya in Court---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Paolo ''PJ'' Andreetti <paolo4monctoneast@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 5:59 PM
Subject: Re: In his final words as Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre said ‘evil walks this earth'
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> This is the last time you are calling me. I am telling you right now, make no further attempts to reach out to me, either by email, social media, phone etc .....I will not play with you. Make sure to read this a few times. If I decide to get law enforcement involved in this, I will go to the end, no such things as "catch and release".Join the Movement for an Even Better Moncton East
Support Paolo ‘PJ’ Andreetti in the 2024 New Brunswick provincial elections. Together, we can keep building a stronger than ever community. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please reach out and we will get connected!
---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Subject: Fwd: In his final words as Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre said ‘evil walks this earth'
To: <paolo4monctoneast@yahoo.com>Moncton East
(506) 962-4001
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 5:46 PM
Subject: Fwd: In his final words as Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre said ‘evil walks this earth'
To: <paulo4monctoneast@yahoo.com>, robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, Jason.Carrier <Jason.Carrier@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>On Sat, Jul 20, 2024 at 2:11 PM David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com> wrote: Saturday 20 July 2024
---------- Original message ---------From: Anand, Anita - M.P. <Anita.Anand@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Sat, Jul 20, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: In his final words as Canada’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Wayne Eyre said ‘evil walks this earth'
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to the office of Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville. Please note that we are operating on an appointment only basis and our priority is to respond to inquiries from residents of Oakville. In scheduling appointments for the constituency office, we ask that you provide your postal code, email address, telephone number, and a concise explanation of your matter.
For matters related to her role as President of the Treasury Board, the correct email address to contact is the following: President of the Treasury Board/Présidente du Conseil du Trésor president-presidente@tbs-sct.
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The Honourable Anita Anand
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301 Robinson Street, L6J 1G7
(t): 905-338-2008
With HST promise, Higgs seeks a campaign about choices, not change
PC leader’s tax cut pledge was just one of many options to make life more affordable
Last week, Premier Blaine Higgs, as leader of the Progressive Conservatives, announced he would reduce the provincial portion of the HST if elected again. (Alix Villeneuve/Radio-Canada)
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs's promise to lower the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax is a politically potent move and a callback to a similar Conservative commitment almost two decades ago.
The HST is the most visible of taxes. It's itemized on sales receipts we look at every day — as former prime minister Stephen Harper pointed out in 2005, when he launched his election campaign with a promise to cut the federal portion of the tax.
"This tax cut is one you will see every time you shop," Harper said.
"It is a tax cut you will experience, a tax cut that no politician will be able to take away without you noticing."
That promise helped Harper win the election, putting an end to more than 12 years of Liberal rule in Ottawa.
WATCH | The CBC's Jacques Poitras on Higgs's tax-cut pledge:The political potency of PC leader’s HST promise
In a move that echoes Stephen Harper’s 2005 campaign, Blaine Higgs promises a sales-tax reduction of two percentage points if he’s re-elected.Higgs is hoping his commitment, made at a campaign-style Progressive Conservative Party event last week, will have the same galvanizing effect provincially.
The opposition Liberals are making "change" the theme of their lead-up to the campaign, hoping voters are fed up with inflation, health-care wait times, overstuffed classrooms and six years of PC administration.
In this CBC archival photo from 2005, then-candidate for prime minister Stephen Harper promised to cut the federal portion of the HST. (CBC)
The Tories are countering that by making the October election about a choice.
"This fall, New Brunswickers will have a choice to make, and the choices will be very different," Higgs said at last week's announcement.
"Do you want more money in your bank account? Do you want to make life more affordable?"
Of course, the choice Higgs is offering is the one he is choosing to offer voters. But there are others.
His opponent, Liberal Leader Susan Holt, has promised to take the HST off power bills.
It would save people some money, reducing tax revenue by $90 million compared to the hundreds of millions the HST reduction would cost the government.
Holt says her proposal would leave the government room to spend more on health, education and other priorities.
"We've proposed things that we know we can do while continuing to be fiscally responsible," she said last week.
Last year the federal government took the HST off new rental apartment construction, hoping to boost the housing supply and stabilize the cost of rent.
It urged provincial governments to match the move. Nova Scotia did. New Brunswick did not.
There are other potential provincial tax cuts that might do more to help people who need it the most.
The HST doesn't apply to basic groceries and to rent, so lower-income voters, who buy fewer big-ticket items and pay less HST overall, will save less from the cut.
Single New Brunswickers earning less than $21,343 pay no provincial income tax. The government could raise that threshold, exempting more people and leaving more money in their pockets.
But that wouldn't benefit all New Brunswickers, as an HST cut would.
Another choice the PCs have made is the timing of the reduction.
The government has recorded $2.4 billion in budget surpluses over the last four years.
Higgs told reporters last week that the HST reduction, once fully implemented, will deprive the provincial treasury of $450 million a year.
He said that until recently, his government couldn't be sure the big surpluses that make that reduction affordable — surpluses fuelled by unprecedented population growth — would last.
"We didn't have confidence in where it was going to land," the PC leader told reporters.
Now, he says, the windfall looks secure and predictable enough to reduce the HST.
But that will likely limit the government's ability to spend money to keep up with the very population growth providing the government with more revenue.
Last November's capital budget, for example, included just $10.2 million to start work on four new schools and two expansions of existing schools — far less than what's required to provide classroom space for the thousands of new students enrolling.
"It isn't going to completely meet all of next year's needs, in terms of new space," Education Minister Bill Hogan admitted at the time.
"It's impossible to do it all."
A lower HST rate — and $450 million less in revenue each year — would make it even more difficult.
Higgs said last week that building more new schools will be necessary but, because he won't run deficits, that may make other expenses impossible.
"Some things we can't avoid," he said.
"There will be 'must-do's, and there will be 'nice-to-do's, and it will be very important for us to prioritize going forward how we manage that."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacques PoitrasProvincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.
378 CommentsDavid AmosMethinks the spin doctors on both sides of the fence had quite a hoedown today N'esy Pas?David AmosPolitical parties must now disclose costs of N.B. election promises2018 act requires disclosures within 90 days of an election
Sam Farley · CBC News · Posted: Jul 25, 2024 5:14 PM ADT
Too Too Funny
David AmosStay tuned There will be more to followDavid AmosContent DeactivatedMethinks the spin doctors on both sides of the fence are having quite a hay day today N'esy Pas?David AmosContent Deactivated"Do you want more money in your bank account? Do you want to make life more affordable?"Duhhh???
David Amos"This fall, New Brunswickers will have a choice to make, and the choices will be very different,"David AmosReply to David AmosC'est VraiDavid AmosReply to David AmosIts kind of obvious with so many of Higgy's old buddies quittingDeborah ReddonReply to David AmosIt's odd that Higgs is using the word 'choice' to express his campaign. It's the very thing he doesn't want citizens to have. Higgs does not believe citizens should have choice with whom they fall in love with.David AmosContent DeactivatedHiggy said "This fall, New Brunswickers will have a choice to make, and the choices will be very different,"C'est Vrai
David AmosContent DeactivatedCouldn't get "the boss" take on it JP? Better call Al and AaronAl ClarkReply to David AmosAl and aaron(?) would need to call dave. He's got all the #s in his massive archive ;-)Don CoreyI suppose there was nothing but praise here for free spending Gallant when he jacked up the tax by 2% in 2016.David AmosReply to Don CoreyIt was a well mixed crowdDavid AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Don CoreyGo to the very first comments if you seek enlightenment or simply a little chuckleDavid AmosReply to Don CoreyStay tuned There will be more to followDon CoreyContent DeactivatedLiberals love to tax and spend. Any type of tax cut is simply beyond their comprehension abilities.David AmosReply to Don CoreySusan Holt, has promised to take the HST off power bills.Don CoreyContent DeactivatedIt’s always entertaining to read one of these anti-Higgs articles from Liberal Poitras.It’s a feeble effort at best, trying to put a negative spin on the Higgs’ promise to reduce the 2% provincial portion of the HST that free spending Gallant dumped on us in 2016.
It’s actually a great move that everyone will benefit from.
Yes, the middle class (that Trudeau has completely forgotten) will benefit a bit more, but why shouldn’t they?
Matt SteeleCurrent Liberal leader Susan Holt was a special advisor to Brian Gallant's Liberals , and we all know how that worked out for N.B. taxpayers. Those that fail to learn from past history are doomed to repeat it .David AmosReply to Matt SteeleAre we doomed to read your repeats?Matt SteeleThank you for the tax cut Premier Higgs as I prefer to spend my money on what I need, rather than have government spend my money on what I don't need . The Conservatives and the Liberals are offering two opposing platforms . Premier Higgs and the Conservatives are offering less wasteful spending , lower taxes , and less government control and interference in the lives of N.B. families . Susan Holt is offering the opposite with massive government spending , more endless taxes , and total government control over N.B.ers , and the lives of their children . Their platforms are plain to see ; and N.B.ers will have the opportunity to choose this fall . Thank you Premier Higgs for your service to our province , most N.B.ers appreciate it !Max RubyReply to Matt SteeleTerrible CBC wowDavid AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Matt SteeleWas that a cut and paste of an earlier comment?David AmosReply to Max RubyDittoKyle WoodmanVote for me and I might take 1% off the HST in a year or so seems to be Higgs' message.Don CoreyReply to Kyle WoodmanRead the article. It’s a promise, not a “might”, and it’s 2% over 2 years. That sure beats a federal plan that loves to spread whatever they do over 10 or 20 years, and actually think people believe them.David AmosReply to Don CoreyPolitical Science 101 When things are going poorly promise a tax cut if electedJames Risdon
Here's a thought: Just axe the tax completely. Get rid of the HST.
Don't just nibble away at it. Remove it entirely.
And, while you're at it, also axe the carbon tax.
Without carbon taxes and the HST, New Brunswickers would get at least a bit of relief from the insane cost of living these days.
House and car prices have skyrocketed. Even eating in a formerly-cheap fast-food restaurant is now a luxury. Vacations? Forget them. In addition to the high cost of gas and diesel, everything else has become prohibitively expensive.
When I first moved to New Brunswick a couple of decades ago, gasoline was 65 cents a litre. It's now almost three times as expensive. THREE times!!!
The size of my paycheque hasn't tripled in that time.
Has yours?
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Dream on
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
I make money with the rebate as do 8 of 10 Canadians, and pollution from vehicles has fallen, so we can keep the price on pollution.Walter VrbeticReply to James Risdon65 cents a litre for gas three decades ago...1994 price of a barrel of oil was under $18...
Its about $80 today.
Walter VrbeticReply to James RisdonOil 2004 about $40... so about half of todays.Mario-Pierre GaudreauReply to James RisdonThis makes absolutely no sense, at all. Taxes fund services, without which our system would crumble and fail. You think people have a hard time now? Imagine if they had to pay their own medical expenses? You want roads to drive on, or are you cool with dirt trails for highways? Homeschool all children or pay for private education? Are you rich? Because it isn't saving 15% tax and a few pennies at the pump that is going to allow me to pay for everything the government provides for my family and I.We live under a government, keyword here is Govern. We pay taxes so we can reap the benefits of living in an actual society, this isn't feudalism. Taxes aren't the problem, corporate greed is.
Also, minimum wage was $5 three decades ago, it's $15 today. Triple.
Max RubyReply to James RisdonMy property tax has more tripled.James RisdonReply to MR CainJames RisdonIf you want more energy-efficient or electric vehicles, then buy them at the more expensive price.There's no reason why I should pay carbon taxes so the government can subsidize those who make electric vehicles just so you can buy one more cheaply and virtue signal to the rest of us.
Reply to Mario-Pierre GaudreauIt makes a great deal of sense. Taxes are inflationary. They add to the cost of goods and services.But you do put forth a very valid idea. Taxes do pay for services. And some would have to be cut with less tax revenue.
I put forth a list of things that could be cut but that was vetoed by the powers that be who, apparently, want to keep their taxpayer-funded salaries and are perfectly willing to stifle discourse on a matter of public discourse to make that happen.
James RisdonReply to MR CainWhat do you do for a living and what is your level of income?James Risdon
Reply to Walter VrbeticWhich means we should encourage the Canadian oil industry to produce far more oil, green light pipelines, and do everything we can to make the most of our natural resources.James Risdon
Reply to Max RubyAsk not what your country can do for you ....
Gary Webber
Choice is clear don't vote for Higgs
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Gary Webber
"Those who sip from the trough will be upset."
GM
David Amos
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Nay not I
Gordon MacFarlane.
Reply to Mike Van FleetMR Cain
Reply to Mike Van FleetGive strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
Gordon MacFarlane
Another poster, thanks MVF, noted we are paying $100,000,000,000.00...Every year just to service public debt.
We all know this fun fact but most don't really seem to understand what it means
To spend one million dollars at a thousand dollars a day...it would take close to three years
To spend one billion dollars, at the same rate of a thousand dollars a day...
It would take close to three thousand years
One hundred billion dollars x three thousand years per billion....
And that is just debt servicing!
Fiscal madness that must be reigned in
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
BTW, who can take a guess at what $1.00 in new public debt yields in value?
The answer is just $0.58.
Just 60 years ago it was $3.00, if I remember correctly.
The law of diminishing returns.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
I took advantage of it and decided to buy some of that debt in order to make extra money.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Bob Leeson
I invest in bank stocks and not because I favour fractional reserve banking or the debt based monetary system we find ourselves trapped in.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Bob Leeson
I invest in bank stocks and not because I favour fractional reserve banking or the debt based monetary system we find ourselves in.
Bob Leeson
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
I own bank stocks too. But for leveraging Canada's public debt, there are several ETFs backed by government securities to choose from. It was basically a defensive strategy, as I'm starting to get up there in age ;)
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Bob Leeson
As long as the taxpayer back stops the banks, which, again, I do not believe in, I will continue to invest in them.
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
We all own Bank Stocks
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
Indirectly, through other funds like the CPP. However I hold 3 bank stocks directy.
Fun fact, some of that interest the government pays on its debt not only goes to me through the ETFs I own, but also the CPP since they also invest in government debt instruments.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Bob Leeson
Fun fact, by running a deficit, public debt, they are paying those service charges. It's like using your credit card to pay the interest on it. What eventually happens?
Bob Leeson
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
If I'm the recipient, I suppose I don't mind. Selfish choice I know, but money is money.
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
Do you know why I came home and ran for Parliament in 2004?
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
Err... to take part as an institutional investor in one of the BoC's bond auctions? I suppose you don't need to run for parliament to do that though.
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
Review of Current Investigations and Regulatory Actions Regarding the
Mutual Fund Industry
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2003 Time: 02:00 PM
Topic
The Committee will meet in OPEN SESSION to conduct the second in a
series of hearings on the “Review of Current Investigations and
Regulatory Actions Regarding the Mutual Fund Industry.”
Witnesses
Witness Panel 1
Mr. Stephen M. Cutler
Director - Division of Enforcement
Securities and Exchange Commission
Cutler - November 20, 2003
Mr. Robert Glauber
Chairman and CEO
National Association of Securities Dealers
Glauber - November 20, 2003
Eliot Spitzer
Attorney General
State of New York
Spitzer - November 20, 2003
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
Well great. I was never a fan of mutual funds. Too many fees.
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
Why did I cause that hearing?
Bob Leeson
Reply to David Amos
No idea. Did you? In any case, I'm unsure of the relevance to profiting off government securities such as bonds, treasuries, GICs, etc.
David Amos
Reply to Bob Leeson
Everybody knows
Kyle Woodman
What tax cut? 1% in 2025 and another 1% in 2026 is the proposal no? If it was really a tax cut why doesn't Higgs just do 2% right now. He can you know. He's trying to quid pro quo himself some votes.
Le Wier
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Higgs is trying to get the small business owners votes.
Ed Franks
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Harpers government worked their way to a majority government by cutting the GST tax.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Le Wier
I don't understand that. I am a small business owner. HST is a write off on business expenses.
Le Wier
Reply to Kyle Woodman
The story last week said the small business owners were happy with the tax cut, because people could get out and shop more.
Mario-Pierre Gaudreau
Reply to Le Wier
That's 2 dollars on every 100. Will that really motivate people to spend that much more? I don't think so.
Le Wier
Reply to Mario-Pierre GaudreauI agree
Ed Franks
Reply to Le Wier
Small business does not care what their customers pay in taxes. Business only collects and remits the tax money.
Ed Franks
Reply to Le Wier
Makes sense thanks Le Wier
David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
Do you believe everything you read?
Le Wier
Reply to David Amos
No. I don’t. Last week’s story about the cut to provincial sales tax didn’t convince me more people will be going shopping because of it.
Le Wier
Reply to Ed Franks
I agree, but they do care if they have fewer customers.Don CoreyReply to Kyle WoodmanGallant jacked up the rate by 2% in 2016. No phase in….just “suck it up”. I suppose you were much more pleased with that approach.BTW, a tax cut is a tax cut, period; be it phased in or immediate.
Kyle Woodman
Blaine Higgs is a flim flam artist.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Why?
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Because he treats the electorate like rubes.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Examples?
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Kyle Woodman
So, you're just making the whole thing up. Why would you do that?
David Amos
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Ask the pensioners and the Crown lawyers why they sued Higgy
Kyle Woodman
Reply to David Amos
Thanks David.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Never forget why I sued 3 US Treasury Agents in 2002
Kyle Woodman
Reply to David Amos
I never forget anything you do.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Thanks back at ya
MR Cain
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Saving a thousand dollars with a 2% cut over 2 years in HST. If you believe that...
Mike Van Fleet
Who can take a guess at what $1.00 in new public debt yields?
BTW, I just found this out last night.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Better yet Why do you think I sued 3 US Treasury Agents in 2002?
Gordon MacFarlane
Those who sip from the trough will be upset.
Those who pay for the trough will be pleased
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
I'm going to use that one.
Classic!
Gordon MacFarlane
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Please do.
Cheers Mike
John Montgomery
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
Which of those people are fixing healthcare?
Matt Steele
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
Truer words have never been spoken , and 100 percent correct .
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to John Montgomery
Healthcare, in its current form, may not be fixable.
John Montgomery
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Maybe not, but it would be nice if someone tried.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to John Montgomery
I could fix it in ten years.
Pass balance budget laws
No more public debt is allowed
Revamped tax code of one page
Most important, end this private sector bureaucracy that is devouring the private sector.
John Montgomery
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
As long as I don't lose services that I use in the name of perusing your policy, I think that's a great idea.
Gordon MacFarlane
Reply to Matt Steele
Thanks Matt, I appreciate it
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to John Montgomery
We'll all have to suffer for a few years. It's happening right now but for the opposite reasons called over $100 billion/year to service the federal and provincial public debt.
John Montgomery
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
I'm fine with that too, as long as people suffer proportionate to their wealth.
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to John Montgomery
So, you are suggesting the gov confiscate the wealth of those richer than you?
John Montgomery
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
I'm suggesting everyone pay as they are able. I have a summer residence that is coming to me in my inheritance and I will need to pay more tax on it now, but I don't mind because I know people with smaller residences are paying less and people with bigger residences are paying more. That's the way it should be.
David Amos
Reply to Gordon MacFarlane
Surely you jest
David Amos
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
Will we see your name on a ballot this year?
Mike Van Fleet
Reply to David Amos
Nope, I'm retired. But, any politician could and should take this advice. It cuts to the root of a lot of problems.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Mike Van Fleet
BTW I asked you a far more important question and somebody flagged itMike Van FleetHiggs, you've missed a golden opportunity to actually pay off the provinces debt really quickly and introduce balance budget laws.What a shame.
David AmosReply to Mike Van FleetHiggy missed that boat when he was Alward's Finance MinisterRonald MillerReply to Mike Van FleetYour crystal ball appears to be a cloudy.Mike Van FleetReply to Ronald Miller$12 billion in debt and over $600 million/year just to service it.$600,000,000 a year.
Mike Van FleetReply to David AmosI thought his name was Higgs.Ralph SkavinskyReply to David AmosDavid Higgs was Finance guy, not Premier. I'm sure he had a plan, but his hands were tied.David AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Ralph SkavinskyNope I explained my position on TV and in a debate when I ran against Higgy et al in 2018Guy NewhereI think it's safe to say this whole left side, right side narrow minded politics thing isn't working out for anyoneDavid AmosReply to Guy Newhere
AmenJohn MontgomeryReply to Guy NewhereI just want to elect someone that demonstrates some willingness to help people with more than just token offers that really will make little difference for them.Matt SteeleContent DeactivatedSusan Holts was a special advisor to Brian Gallant's Liberals , and we all know how that worked out for N.B. taxpayers. History repeating itself .David AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Matt SteelePerhaps its time for lunch and a nap an let Lou take over for awhileMatt SteeleN.B.ers will have a choice this fall as the Conservatives and the Liberals are offering two opposing platforms . Premier Higgs and the Conservatives are offering less wasteful spending , lower taxes , and less government control and interference in the lives of N.B. families . Susan Holt is offering the opposite with massive government spending , more endless taxes , and total government control over N.B.ers , and the lives of their children . Their platforms are plain to see ; and N.B.ers will choose .David AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Matt SteeleYou are on quite a roll today eh?kelly sherrardThey will decrease the tax 2% and soon be taxing something else 5% so we are no further ahead but keep sliding further and further into the pit. The gov't needs to shake their heads and realize that its just a matter of time to find out what is the next thing they will be taxing in this province, the air we breathe?Matt SteeleContent DeactivatedReply to kelly sherrardThe FEDERAL government has doubled the size of the NATIONAL debt in just nine years . The FEDERAL debt was less than 600 billion NINE years ago , now it is 1.2 TRILLION , and rapidly increasing .Bob LeesonReply to Matt SteeleA pandemic will do that it seems. Luckily I don't have to cut my own hair anymore thanks to the support the feds gave to barber and salon businesses and their employees to keep the service sector viable during provincial lockdowns.David AmosReply to Matt SteeleYou cannot say that I did not warn youJohn MontgomeryReply to Matt SteeleI'd rather have a government that goes into debt helping people than a government that pays debt and does nothing for no one, if not cutting services and making life harder for many.Ronald MillerReply to John MontgomeryTell me what services have improved under JT and his massive over spending? What improved under Gallant?Matt SteeleReply to John MontgomerySo you think that the massive population explosion created by FEDERAL government policies over the past NINE years , and that has caused a severe housing shortage while forcing many out of their homes due to huge rent increases across Canada is helping Canadians ?John MontgomeryReply to Matt SteeleAffordable housing initiatives have been cut by every PM in the last 30 years. I don't personally agree with immigration, no. But because the only reason Trudeau does it is so Tim Hortons can find employees that will work for minimum wage. I thought you would be all for anything good for business.Cathy WatsonReply to Matt SteeleThis is a PROVINCIAL election, though, ISN'T it?John MontgomeryReply to Ronald Miller- He saved the police everywhere millions by legalizing pot- He got dental for poor kids
- He increased health payments to the provinces
- He made daycare more affordable
- Canada had the second lowest inflation in the G7 behind Japan. So if Trudeau had anything to do with inflation at all, then he protected us from the worst of it.
I know there are more but I can't think of them right now.
John MontgomeryReply to Cathy Watson Conservatives tend to deflect a lot.Ed FranksReply to John MontgomeryI’d rather a government that improves opportunities for Canadians instead of going into debt and making life harder for many.John MontgomeryReply to Ed FranksIt takes money to make opportunities.Ed FranksReply to John MontgomeryYes it does, that is called investing in the future and since it is investing than we should see a return on this investment. Borrowing money for day to day living is not a investment and will eventually end.Ok so how is Higgs investing for the future? Since paying debt isn't investing either.John MontgomeryReply to Ed FranksEd FranksReply to John MontgomeryPaying off debt is the first step to a great life. The second step is investing. You can do both at once but i like to pay off the debt and then invest. You know in case you lose a loved one or a job or get sick.John MontgomeryReply to Ed FranksNah, I'm not a big gambler. Buying a house and a car was enough gambling for me.Matt SteeleThe Conservatives and the Liberals are offering two opposing platforms . Premier Higgs and the Conservatives are offering less wasteful spending , lower taxes , and less government control and interference in the lives of N.B. families . Susan Holt is offering the opposite with massive government spending , more endless taxes , and total government control over N.B.ers , and the lives of their children . Their platforms are plain to see ; and N.B.ers will have the opportunity to choose this fall .Kyle WoodmanReply to Matt SteeleYou mean wasteful spending like the travel nurse fiasco?David AmosReply to Kyle WoodmanGood questionBob LeesonReply to Matt SteeleI suppose the good news is that when families lose their homes under the conservatives in NB, they can save $4 on a $200 tent at Canadian Tire. They'll be smiling all the way to the bank, I'm sure. TheMatt SteeleReply to Kyle WoodmanTravel Nurse situation was an emergency situation , and the French Health Authority chose to use Travel Nurses to cover for staff shortages . Premier Higgs was not aware of , nor did he approve the cost of the Travel Nurses .Bob LeesonReply to Matt SteeleSo the premiers office had no knowledge of travel nurses and the $174 million expenditure line-item? Is that even possible in a comparatively small province like NB?Matt SteeleContent DeactivatedReply to Bob LeesonThe housing shortage across ALL of Canada was created by the current FEDERAL government , and their policies which created a MASSIVE population surge across the nation which Canada has never had to endure before . The provinces had nothing to do with this population explosion , or the lack of housing that it created . It was the FEDERAL government that caused it , and they continue to do so .What does that have to do with travel nurses? Are you suggesting that people moving to New Brunswick were responsible for letting the premier's office know about the travel nurses and expenditure?Bob LeesonReply to Matt SteeleJohn MontgomeryReply to Matt SteeleHiggs saved all kinds of money on maintenance payments, yet I don't see any difference around me.Alison JacksonContent DeactivatedReply to Matt SteeleYou boss...Mr Higgs you mean.Kyle WoodmanReply to Matt Steele"Premier Higgs was not aware of" hahahahahaha. Do you really believe half the stuff you write?Jim LakeReply to Matt SteeleSusan Holt is not offering “massive government spending”, nor “endless taxes” nor total government control … one should read the policies and platforms before spouting inaccuracies and misinformation.Kyle WoodmanReply to Jim LakeThe truth is just an afterthought for Matt Steele.David AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Kyle WoodmanC'est VraiDavid AmosReply to Kyle WoodmanLOLMR CainReply to Bob LeesonMary Wilson, Minister of Economic Development and Small Business and Minister responsible for Opportunities NB, had to sign off on allowing soul source contract. Of course, Higgs knew.Jim LakeReply to Matt SteeleSusan Holt is not offering “massive government spending”, nor is she proposing “endless taxes” and not sure what policy you’re thinking about mentioning “total government control” … one should read the policies and platforms before spouting inaccuracies and misinformation.Jim LakeReply to Matt SteeleIt is apparent you’re not following any of Susan Holt’s policies or comments … she is not offering “massive government spending”, nor is she proposing “endless taxes” and not sure what policy you’re thinking about mentioning “total government control” … one should read the policies and platforms before spouting inaccuracies and misinformation.Kyle WoodmanHiggs is grasping at straws. He isn't a leader and has no real ideas.David AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Kyle WoodmanEverybody knows and nobody caresKyle WoodmanReply to David AmosWe shall see.Jos AllaireI didn't trust Higgs from day one. Once a COR always a CORI recall folks saying that he had changed. He never did.
David AmosReply to Jos AllaireOh So TrueJos AllaireTrying to get elected with this is not going to cut it. Higgs is toastDavid AmosContent DeactivatedReply to Jos AllaireIMHO Cardy played him like fiddleGuy NewhereElections these days are like trying to decide where you want to be punched ,there really isn't a good choice just one that hurts lessDavid AmosReply to Guy NewhereWell putDon CoreyContent DeactivatedYet another predictable article from Liberal Poitras.I suppose there was nothing but praise here for free spending Gallant when he hiked the GST by 2% in 2016
Political parties must now disclose costs of N.B. election promises
2018 act requires disclosures within 90 days of an election
New Brunswickers are now within 90 days of voting day, which means political parties are now required to disclose estimated costs for campaign promises. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)
As New Brunswick's fall election inches closer, political parties have now passed the 90-days-before-the-vote threshold.
And that means stricter disclosure rules are now in place.
From now until the election, scheduled for Oct. 21, political parties must file a disclosure statement with Elections N.B. indicating the estimated cost for every campaign commitment made.
"The intent was, of course, to provide transparency to the electors, to voters of what the costs of commitments being made during an election campaign would mean to them at the end of the day as taxpayers," said Paul Harpelle, director of communications with Elections N.B. in an interview with CBC's Shift radio program.
Harpelle said there are three options parties can choose to provide on the disclosure forms: a cost estimate, a maximum cost estimate, or they can check a box that says no estimate has been provided.
"We ourselves have no control in validating whether or not the costing that they provide is sound," Harpelle said, but added that rival political parties can provide accountability by checking the numbers themselves.
Harpelle said the goal is to "make sure that they've actually filed and that they've checked all the correct boxes in these different disclosure statements."
Paul Harpelle, spokesperson for Elections N.B., said the agency doesn't validate the estimated costs as true. (Submitted by Paul Harpelle)
All of these cost disclosures will be available publicly on the Elections N.B. website, under the "Political Financing" tab. As of Thursday, none of the six registered parties in New Brunswick have provided any disclosures.
When asked if Blaine Higgs's recent promise to reduce the HST if elected would need to be outlined in a cost estimate disclosure, Harpelle said not technically, since it was made on July 18, just days outside the 90-day window.
But if the party states the promise again within the 90-day window, this "will have to be followed by a disclosure statement," Harpelle said.
On Thursday, now within 90 days of the election, a post on X, formerly Twitter, by the Progressive Conservative Party promised the same commitment again.
"In this election, there is only one Party who will cut the HST. The choice couldn't be more clear to make life more affordable," the post states.
Included in the post is a photo of Blaine Higgs as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party under the words "will cut HST" next to side-by-side photos of Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Green Leader David Coon under the words "won't cut HST."
Financial estimates for political promises are due by Sept 19, the day the writs of election are issued, Harpelle said.
Most commitments made between Sept. 19 and election day require a disclosure to be filed to Elections N.B. on the same day they are made, he said.
Last week, Premier Blaine Higgs, as leader of the Progressive Conservatives, announced he would reduce the provincial portion of HST if elected again. This promise does not require a cost estimate because it was just outside the 90-day time period. (Alix Villeneuve/Radio-Canada)
There's an exception for commitments made by a party leader, which have a three-day window for estimates to be filed. This is to account for commitments made during a debate or leader's speech, Harpelle said.
Once the forms are filed, the supervisor of political financing has two days to examine the forms to make sure they are correct. If there are any errors or omissions, the chief electoral officer will reach out to the party to ask for a fix.
"If there are issues where they do not comply, then there are some consequences," Harpelle said.
A party could be prohibited from advertising for the rest of the election or be issued an administrative penalty, he said.
Harpelle said Elections N.B. held a training session for party officials earlier this year to go over the Transparency in Elections Commitment Act, which was proclaimed in 2018 and includes the financial disclosure requirement.
This would only be the second New Brunswick election to fall under the disclosure requirement, since the 2020 election was called early. Unscheduled elections like that do not require financial disclosures to be filed for commitments.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and PracticesABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sam FarleyJournalist
Sam Farley is a Fredericton-based reporter at CBC New Brunswick. Originally from Boston, he is a journalism graduate of the University of King's College in Halifax. He can be reached at sam.farley@cbc.ca
20 CommentsDavid AmosMethinks this is what Yankees call a nothing burger N'esy Pas?William MurdochThis story is just too funny.David AmosReply to William MurdochDittoExpensive promises for N.B.'s October election are piling up. But will they be honoured?
Long history of parties sidestepping commitments after winning won't happen this year, they insist.
A history in New Brunswick of expensive campaign promises not being honoured once an election is finished will not be repeated this year, provincial political parties are insisting.
Heidi Cyr, a senior communications adviser and press secretary to Blaine Higgs, said voters can count on the premier to honour a $450-million commitment he made last month to lower the provincial sales tax rate by two percentage points over two years if he is re-elected in October.
"New Brunswickers can trust that thanks to strong fiscal management, including paying down our debt, we are now able to phase-in a 2% cut to the HST," said Cyr in an email about the promise.
"New Brunswickers will be able to see this tax cut roll out on a clear schedule."
WATCH | CBC Explains: Promises, promises:Why N.B. election promises can't always be trusted
New Brunswick political parties have a long history of making expensive election commitments and then wiggling out of them once in office. As pricey promises pile up again in advance of October’s general election, parties insist it won't happen this time.It is a firm commitment from Progressive Conservatives, but New Brunswick political parties have a long history of sidestepping expensive and what appeared to be equally firm commitments made to voters during previous elections.
Higgs himself entered public life in 2010 and one of his first tasks after being appointed finance minister by then premier David Alward was to wriggle out of a pricey election property tax promise Alward had made to seniors weeks earlier.
Progressive Conservatives promised in the 2018 election to 'eliminate' provincial property taxes on apartment buildings once government finances improved. They didn't. The Fort Howe apartment building in Saint John was among hundreds issued provincial property tax bills this year. It was charged $63,000, about $412 per apartment. (Robert Jones/CBC)
Higgs said the promise, which involved permanently freezing the assessed value of houses belonging to anyone over the age of 65 for as long as they owned and lived in their home, was a poor idea and too expensive.
Instead, Higgs concocted a much cheaper scheme where seniors could defer paying tax increases until they died or moved.
Legislation was passed to allow the province to place liens on participating seniors' homes so it could collect unpaid taxes, plus interest, later.
The substitute plan was not well received, and only a fraction of eligible seniors have ever signed on to it.
"The property tax commitment in the platform, I realize that what we did, did not meet the expectations of what people thought they were going to get," Higgs explained at a public meeting in 2011 about why the promise was not honoured as written.
"In 10 years time, it would have cost the province $173 million."
During his own period as party leader, Higgs has also made the decision to walk away from expensive campaign promises.
In the 2018 election under Higgs, PCs made a commitment to "eliminate"
provincial property taxes on apartment buildings as government finances improved.
Blaine Higgs entered public life in 2010. As former premier David Alward's minister of finance, one of his first moves was to kill a pricey tax promise Alward made to seniors in the 2010 election. (CBC)
The party promoted the idea as a benefit to tenants and although government finances did improve dramatically, provincial property taxes on apartment buildings remain.
This year, the provincial government is still collecting, in most cases, between $350 and $600 in property tax per apartment unit in New Brunswick for itself on top of what local governments charge.
On some buildings that represents no tax reduction at all.
A request to interview a government representative about what happened to the property tax promise was not granted, but in her email, Cyr blamed the failure on the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to "re-prioritize the use of all fiscal resources."
New Brunswick did cut tax rates on apartment buildings by half in 2023 but rapidly rising property assessment valuations on the same properties at the same time offset much of those changes.
Despite the size of the commitment to eliminate all provincial property taxes on apartment buildings, which PCs estimated to be worth $90 million in 2018, Higgs has rarely mentioned it.
In July in Moncton as he announced his new promise to cut the HST, Higgs appeared to suggest he had not made any unfunded election commitments in 2018, let alone ones he didn't keep.
"Consistently we have seen governments announce tax cuts or announce spending programs before they could actually afford them," said Higgs.
"I didn't do that in 2018."
In an interview, New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt said that history will "absolutely" undermine Higgs's credibility with voters on whether he can be trusted to honour a significant promise this year like cutting the HST.
Former New Brunswick premier Shawn Graham narrowly won New Brunswick's 2006 provincial election. However, a promise he made to voters to rebate HST amounts on heating costs to help secure that win was broken almost immediately. (CBC)
"They remember well that this premier promised to eliminate those taxes on rentals, the double tax, and then did not deliver on that promise," said Holt.
"So there's a lot of skepticism that the premier's HST promise is for election purposes and that they won't follow through on the whole thing."
Liberals are proposing their own sales tax cut this year. They have a $100-million plan to drop the provincial portion of the HST on residential electricity prices but have their own history of not honouring all election commitments.
In the 2006 election, Liberals made a similar promise to the public to rebate the HST on home heating costs, but after winning the election quickly reneged.
New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt is promising there will be no post-election backpedaling on commitments by her party this year if it wins office in October. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
"We will not be moving forward with the previously announced rebate," said new Liberal finance minister, Victor Boudreau, in December 2006, just two months after his party took office.
Like Progressive Conservatives, Holt says whatever has happened in the past there will be no flip-flopping on election promises after the election this year.
"If we put something in a platform and we promise to New Brunswickers that we will do it, then we have to do it," said Holt.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert JonesReporter
Robert Jones has been a reporter and producer with CBC New Brunswick since 1990. His investigative reports on petroleum pricing in New Brunswick won several regional and national awards and led to the adoption of price regulation in 2006.
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