https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/election-notebook-nb-161024-1.7353921

 

3 party leaders share stage for last time before N.B. election

Higgs, Holt and Coon stick to their hits during leaders' forum in Fredericton

 

CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2024 6:00 AM ADT

 

 

The debate offered little new policy and remained relatively calm and civil. (CBC Graphics)

New Brunswickers got a chance to take one last look at all three major party leaders together as they faced off during leaders' forum in Fredericton on Wednesday evening.

The debate, broadcast by CTV Atlantic, offered viewers a roundtable discussion with PC Leader Blaine Higgs, Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Green Leader David Coon. 

Higgs presented himself as a steady hand at the wheel through some turbulent times, while highlighting his pledge to cut the HST.

"Even through a flood and a global pandemic, we've balanced six budgets," he said.

Wednesday's debate offered voters their last chance to see all three major party leaders face off before the election. (CBC)

"Because of that, we've been able to make record investments in health and education without raising taxes. Because of that, we're able to cut the HST and make life more affordable."

Holt came back to a common theme throughout her campaign: the need to improve health care.

She focused on numbers, saying that "180,000 New Brunswickers are waiting for a family doctor or a nurse practitioner, 80 per cent of nurses in New Brunswick are leaving their careers before they're 35, 1108 seniors are waiting for care … New Brunswickers have to wait three times longer to access mental health services than the rest of Canada." 

LISTEN | A few hundred voters in a handful of seats could determine which party wins:

 

Shift - NB 8:52 

Ridings to Watch

A few hundred voters in a handful of seats could determine which party wins on Monday night. Provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras joins us with a list of races to watch.

Meanwhile, Coon pitched his party as an alternative to revolving PC and Liberal administrations.

"Our governments have been flipping back and forth between Conservative and Liberal for years, but nothing seems to get better," Coon said. "In fact, things are worse.

"In this election you have three choices: stick with Blaine Higgs who is promising to keep on doing what he's been doing for the last six years, go with the Liberal Party, whose leader's promising to put Band-Aids on our problems and our public services, or vote for actual change."

Planning for federal party leader

In a wide-ranging media availability in Fredericton on Wednesday, Higgs appeared to point to a possible federal Conservative government as an out for an uncosted campaign promise.

When the party released costing summaries of election commitments, it neglected to note how much a promised carbon tax legal challenge would cost New Brunswickers.

This came after the party had taken the Liberals to task for uncosted promises and math irregularities in its platform.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs acknowledged that several promises in his party's platform were uncosted. (Victoria Walton/CBC)

The PC disclosure said the lack of costing is because "it will not have financial implications for the province."

But when asked by a reporter about the carbon tax legal challenge, Higgs said it "hasn't even started," and appeared to point to the possibility of a federal government under Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre making the challenge moot.

"Whether it gets anything done before Poilievre and the government falls federally and Poilievre gets elected and the carbon tax is gone, that would be my hope," said Higgs.

Strong showing at advance polls

It appears New Brunswickers are becoming more enamoured with the idea of casting their ballots early.

In two days of advance polling before next Monday's general election, Elections N.B. said 110,364 voters cast their ballots.

While this is fewer than in 2020, when 131,603 people voted at advance polls, the situations are starkly different.

WATCH | Day 28 of N.B. election race: Higgs defends his budget, advance polls continue:

 

Day 28 of N.B. election race: Higgs defends his budget, advance polls continue

CBC New Brunswick recaps latest highlights from the campaign trail.

In 2020, the province was still at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, without a vaccine, and Elections N.B. was strongly advocating people use alternatives to showing up on election day.

"There is clearly a trend of more New Brunswickers taking advantage of the convenience of voting early at the advance polls and also at the returning offices," said Paul Harpelle, spokesperson for Elections N.B.

When including special ballots, such as those cast at returning offices or at special-care homes, 135,274 New Brunswickers have voted so far.

Harpelle clarified that these numbers are considered "unofficial."

Former PC leader slams Policy 713

A former PC Party leader and federal MP is calling out the provincial government for its actions around Policy 713.

The policy is described by the province as setting "minimum requirements' for creating a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students.

It has been criticized after it was updated last year mandating that students under the age of 16 need parental permission to use preferred names different from their legal ones, which many see as an attack on gender-diverse students.

In a discussion about education on Information Morning Moncton, Dennis Cochrane, who led the party from 1991 to 1995, called the controversy over Policy 713 "wedge politics."

"Parents against other people, parents against teachers, parents against the school," he said.

Former PC leader Dennis Cochrane called the government's handling of Policy 713 "reprehensible" and said it was an example of "wedge politics." (Shane Magee/CBC)

Cochrane, who also served as deputy education minister in Nova Scotia during the John Hamm and Rodney MacDonald PC administrations, said the battle over 713 is taking focus off other important classroom issues and called the province's tactics "reprehensible."

"I just think we see too much pigheadedness on parts of the government to [be able to] try to solve this by negotiation, by discussion, by working together," Cochrane said.

Peter Lagacy, head of the New Brunswick Teachers' Association, said changes to the policy have impacted the relationship between parents and teachers.

"In certain cases it's certainly made it more difficult with some parents who are, I guess I would say, in support of certain policies," said Legacy.

WATCH | 'I don't think there's a soul in this province that's questioning our balanced budget's capability,' says Higgs: 

 

Higgs defends PC platform’s lack of costing details

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs is promising a balanced budget if re-elected, despite not providing information in his platform on how much some of his election promises will cost.

Melissa Dockrill Garrett, a University of New Brunswick education professor, said Policy 713 may be wedge politics, but it's much more to transgender students and their families.

"We might be talking about a smaller percentage of students, [but] they're already marginalized," said Dockrill Garrett.

"This is making them more vulnerable."

Standings at dissolution: PCs 25, Liberals 16, Greens 3, Independent 1, vacant 4

Where the leaders are today

Liberal Leader Susan Holt plans a health-care announcement in St. George in the morning and a rally in Saint John in the evening.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs will hold an availability at the Carleton Mall in Woodstock.

Green Leader David Coon will hold a news conference on the party's plan for affordability and attend an anti-poverty rally at the legislature.

For complete campaign coverage, visit New Brunswick Votes 2024.

With files from Information Morning Mocton

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

 

  

22 Comments

 

 

 

David Amos
Content Deactivated
I can't vote but that didn't stop me from running against Higgy



Zoe Richmond
Such a challenging little province to manage. I voted for Premier Higgs in the advance polls.

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Zoe Richmond
Obviously you saw my name on the ballot as well I hope you got a chuckle out of that fact



Archie MacDaniel
Higgs worked so hard during that debate he was covered in sweat. Hardest working premier in Canada.

David Amos
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
Yea Right



Harold Reagan
Advance polls? I'll keep looking to see where mine is. Election day? Had to look for that also. I'm used to this info being dropped in my mail or doorstep. That might ensure more voters getting out to vote.

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Harold Reagan
Interesting statement Perhaps you should pick up the phone and send emails like I do

Harold Reagan
Reply to David Amos
That's what I do. Never had to in the past.



Frank Blacklock
Will Liberals bring in more carbon taxes, mandates for workers/students, and freezing bank accounts?

Jay Miller
Reply to Frank Blacklock
That’s Federal politics - let’s talk Provincial politics

Harold Reagan
Reply to Frank Blacklock
Hope so! The present carbon tax hasn't stopped many from burning more and more gas (those who must do so have an excuse).

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Frank Blacklock
Survey says?

Jim Lake
Reply to Frank Blacklock
To answer your questions: No, No, and No.

What they will do is listen to New Brunswickers, listen to healthcare workers, listen to teachers and do what needs to be done to help New Brunswickers and better our province - things that have been neglected by the Higgs government for the past 6 years.

Harold Reagan
Reply to Jim Lake
Too much guidance from Mr. Paul E. Waugg and his predecessors, and for too long.

Jake Newman
Higgs for another majority.

Jay Miller
Reply to Jake Newman
🗳️ According to a Narrative Tesearch / Brunswick News poll this morning - Higgs is trailing Holt in all of the 3 biggest cities of NB - 32/20 in Moncton; 27/22 in Fredericton; and 27/26 in Saint John 🗳️

Jay Miller
Reply to Jay Miller
Research not Tesearch

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Jay Miller
My personal poll tells a different tale



Jim Lake
Higgs was out of his depth - he looked uncomfortable, nervous and appeared to be sweating much of the time, and was only able to speak clearly by completely reading from his notes (and then, his papers appeared to be shaking in his hands).

Coons, too, had challenges speaking clearly unless reading his notes … but he was more comfortable speaking than Higgs

Holt was comfortable, confident and was able to clearly speak about her team’s policies and priorities, clearly show she is speaking with and listening to New Brunswickers and confidently call out Higgs for not being honest in his comments. She clearly carried the night.

Harold Reagan
Reply to Jim Lake
People like Trump and PP don't need to reed nuthin! They simply talk about whatever comes out of their mouth (one is very loud compared to the mouse).

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Jim Lake
I wonder if they discussed my emails in private



Eugene Peabody
I enjoyed how Susan Holt and David Coon called out the lies that Higgs is still saying after being proven wrong many times. I do not like a leader who continues to lie as a normal response to a question.

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Eugene Peabody
I always enjoy the circus



Jay Miller
There were no complaints, there were no issues. We have a premier who’s saying teachers are keeping secrets from parents. That isn’t the case. He’s told people that teachers are teaching kids to lie, and he’s completely undermined the education System "

Higgs' Once Again lying About Why Policy 713 Was Changed And When He Told Reporters That " Teacher's Are Teaching Kids To Lie To Their Parents"

Why Would Anyone Want To ReElect Someone Who Blatantly Lies To Them?

MR Cain
Reply to Jay Miller
Actually, the Higgs' policy encourages the children to lie, hiding their true selves behind a curtain of deceit.

Jay Miller
Reply to MR Cain
Former PC leader Dennis Cochrane called the government's handling of Policy 713 "reprehensible" and said it was an example of "wedge politics."

MR Cain
Reply to Jay Miller
definitely; but it is not "the government" but Higgs and his team, and their phobias.

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Jay Miller
I bet the former PC leader Dennis Cochrane still remembers our conversation

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-fiscal-fantasies-2024-1.7353939

 

Billion-dollar election platforms pose threat to 8-year streak of N.B. budget surpluses

Commitments by all parties reach far beyond official projections of available funding

 

Robert Jones · CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2024 6:00 AM ADT

 

 

 Progressive Conservative Party Leader Blaine Higgs has suggested a billion-dollar commitment he is making to cut the HST by two percentage points will generate economic growth that will help pay for the promise. Critics suggest the payback will be minor. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

New Brunswick is on pace to post its eighth straight budget surplus this year. 

It's the longest streak in Canada but may be at risk no matter how Monday's election turns out, given the budget-busting election platforms being promoted by the province's three major political parties.

Over the last month, New Brunswick Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and Greens have made commitments to voters for the next four years that total, by their own math, between $1.3 billion and $3.2 billion. 

The priciest of those three belongs to the Green Party. Last week, its leader, David Coon, told reporters he had no idea how much of a deficit his party's $3.2 billion in platform commitments will generate if he is called on to form a government after Monday's election and is able to implement everything the party has promised

"It's impossible to say right now until we get into the books and work with the folks in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board and really go through the numbers," said Coon about the potential size of Green Party deficits.  

"We'll dive into that right after the election."

New Brunswick Liberal Leader Susan Holt has pledged to run balanced budgets in each of the next four years if elected. Her party says its billion-dollar platform can be paid for with money it believes the PCs are hiding inside government. (Election pool)

Coon is not pretending his party's platform will be easily affordable. But that's not the case with Liberals and Progressive Conservatives, who have unveiled billion-dollar plans of their own

With limited explanations, both parties have pledged those costs will not generate a deficit if they are elected, despite evidence New Brunswick is entering a period of tightening finances.

Last winter, long-range projections pieced together by the province's Finance Department showed that surpluses in New Brunswick are on a trajectory to narrow to $39 million and $30 million in the first two budgets following this year's election, excluding any election promises.

WATCH | Here's how much each party is planning to spend if elected:

 

Bye-bye budget surplus

New Brunswick is in the middle of its eighth consecutive budget surplus. It's the longest streak in Canada, started by the Liberals and continued by the Progressive Conservatives. But billion-dollar election platforms are threatening an end to that fiscal achievement, no matter who wins Monday's election.

In describing what that means in his latest budget speech in March, Finance Minister Ernie Steeves warned that financial wiggle room available to the province following several years of record surpluses is rapidly shrinking.

"Revenue is not anticipated to continue the pace of growth seen in recent years, and maintaining spending growth at current levels will not be sustainable over the longer term," he said.

"I must remind New Brunswickers that we must continue to be diligent in managing our finances."

Despite that warning issued from within its own ranks, Progressive Conservatives are proposing in their platform to cut sales tax revenue and increase spending on some health initiatives by a combined $1.7 billion over a full four-year mandate. That includes costs of $763.4 million in the next two budget years.

Economist Richard Saillant says New Brunswick political parties have been 'twisting themselves in knots' concocting arguments about why their pricey platforms are affordable. (Nicolas Steinbach/Radio-Canada)

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs argues that is affordable in part because cutting taxes will generate new economic activity and help pay for itself.

"We know with the lower HST, we're going to see more purchases of goods here in our province because we're going to be the cheapest province to do business with in Atlantic Canada," Higgs told reporters earlier this month when asked to explain how his party's platform can avoid causing a deficit.

"What we're saying is that, based on a cheaper cost in the province, we're going to increase the growth, increase the purchasing power and the ability for people to invest in our province."

But that argument is in dispute.

Last summer, the Fraser Institute, a conservative think tank, applauded the idea of cutting taxes in New Brunswick but urged the provincial government not to cut the HST because of the minimal effect cutting sales taxes is known to have on boosting economic activity.

"A sales-tax cut may be politically expedient, but it would leave ... low growth and low incomes untouched," wrote the institute's Alex Whalen.

Ernie Steeves issued official Finance Department projections as part of his March budget, showing New Brunswick's finances will be tight for the next two years just as election promises begin to be implemented. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

New Brunswick economist Richard Saillant said his reading of studies on sales-tax cuts suggests reducing the HST by two percentage points in New Brunswick is likely to generate only enough enhanced economic activity to generate about $14 million per year in new provincial tax revenue to replace the tax reduction of $450 million per year.

"It's minor," said Saillant who reviewed the issue of how much stimulus an HST cut would deliver to New Brunswick's economy for CBC News

"I would say it would pay for a small part of its cost."

The Progressive Conservatives did not respond to a question about other plans it has to balance future budgets, if cutting HST revenue by $450 million per year does not help pay for itself through increased economic activity.

WATCH | 'I don't think there's a soul in this province that's questioning our balanced budget's capability,' says Higgs:

 

Higgs defends PC platform’s lack of costing details

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs is promising a balanced budget if re-elected, despite not providing information in his platform on how much some of his election promises will cost.

It leaves a budgeting mystery that also hangs over Liberal plans.

The Liberal Party has listed 100 platform commitments with Elections New Brunswick. It has cost estimates for 30 of those, which add up to $1.29 billion to implement over a full mandate, including $510.9 million in the first two years

Liberal Leader Susan Holt has pledged even with spending at that level, her party will "deliver balanced budgets every year of its mandate and continue to pay down the provincial debt." But the party also acknowledges it is not sure how it will accomplish that.

New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon announced plans for more than $1 billion in health-care funding during the first week of the election campaign. The Green Party platform is the most expensive being proposed, at $3.2 billion. (Pool camera)

Liberals have said only that if PCs claim they can cut revenues by $450 million per year and still balance the budget, there must be money available somewhere that Liberals can use to finance their own plans

"Premier Higgs has said he can reduce the HST without impacting the deficit," the party said in a statement explaining its belief that the PC platform shows that a $450-million "surplus surprise" will be waiting for them if they take office.

Saillant said none of the stated balanced-budget plans put forward by the parties are credible as written, and the only way their platforms will work is if current Finance Department estimates of future economic growth prove to be too low.

It is possible that New Brunswick will continue to post budget surpluses in the years after the election, Saillant said, although it will be in spite of explanations the parties have been giving, not because of them.

"Conservatives and Liberals are twisting themselves into knots to explain how they would pay for the deficit, but there is a much more elegant explanation," said Saillant

"In my view, we can expect better growth."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Jones

Reporter

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.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

 

 

257 Comments

 

 

 

David Amos

Surprise Surprise Surprise

 

 

David Amos

Deja Vu Anyone???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZqArRNshSM&t=437s

2018 New Brunswick Provincial Election Saint John Region Candidate Messages

 

2018 New Brunswick Provincial Election Saint John Region Candidate Messages  

 

 

Hugh MacDonald
Son to father: "I'm embarking on a career in crime."

Father replies: "You're going to join the Mob?"

Son replies: "No, I'm going into politics."

David Amos
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
Methinks many French folks would say c'est la même chose N'esy Pas?

David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Polonius said this to his son before he headed out for France

"There, my blessing with thee.

And these few precepts in thy memory

Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,

Nor any unproportioned thought his act.

Be thou familiar but by no means vulgar.

Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,

Grapple them unto thy soul with hoops of steel,

But do not dull thy palm with entertainment

Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware

Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,

Bear ’t that th’ opposèd may beware of thee.

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,

But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy,

For the apparel oft proclaims the man,

And they in France of the best rank and station

Are of a most select and generous chief in that.

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,

For loan oft loses both itself and friend,

And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.

This above all: to thine own self be true,

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Farewell. My blessing season this in thee."

Jay Miller
Reply to David Amos
Non - c’est quelque chose de nouveau et de merveilleux - un nouveau demain 🗳️

Lou Bell
Hilarious . David Coon presents a list that will cost NBers billions . Remember , he promised rapid transit rail between NB cities which alone will be in the billions of dollars . We don't even have rail lines anymore in most of the province . And with rapid transit the old rail beds would be useless anyway . Concrete and steel , nothing less for rapid transit . And he states he'll present the costs AFTER the election !

Then we have Ms. Holt who has costed 30 of her 100 plus promises and already they're already into the billions . She didn't even budget for staffing her promised 30 collaborative clinics . Hang on to your wallets if these 2 get elected .

Oops , forgot , they do have the Mark Carney 2 hour seminar to get an MBA in Finance and Fiscal Management , while skipping the 5 years it would normally take a normal person .

David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
Everybody knows what the Greens are up to Their leader spilled the beans out of the gate



Marge Timmons
Buying votes is expensive but politicians (of all stripes) are more concerned with being in power than the well being of future generations who have to pay this money back. If they truly cared they would all work to together and compromise. Sadly, instead we are going the same path as our Southern neighbour.

Lou Bell
Reply to Marge Timmons
Anyone paying attention would know that Premier Higgs gave us and all of our young people a much better future to look forward to than the hole the liberals left us in . And now the Liberals and Greens want to go back to denying future generations the life they deserve . Much like the McKenna Liberals did to all those who he gave minimum wage , low paying , no pension , no future call center jobs . And today we're all paying for those he left behind with nothing .

John Montgomery
Reply to Marge Timmons
How long does a kid need to wait to get into an ER? How are they doing in school?

David Amos
Reply to Marge Timmons
Well put

 

 

Archie MacDaniel
I'm voting for Faytene. We need more religious leaders in government.

    Reply by valmond landry.

57 min ago

amen
Reply by Ronald Miller.
56 min ago

What about Irving, you have not brought them up for a few hours?
Reply by Ronald Miller.
52 min ago

Maybe Holt can ask her for a miracle since that will be needed to fulfill her election promises.

David Amos
Reply to
The awful truth is Faytene will win a seat and Holt could lose to Carlin



valmond landry
higgs was the worse premier we ever had and to make it worse approx. two weeks prior to the election came out on a spending spree by spending anywhere from fifteen to twenty million dollars to demolish the old mill in bathurst instead of having the people responsible for this mess pay for it , he got the tax payers of this province to pay for it and the surplus that he's bragging about mostly coming from the federal the worse thing people could do is to vote for his candidate.

    Reply by Lou Bell.

53 min ago

Naw , Gallant and his SANB Liberals tried to take NB taxpayers for 130 million dollars and left ourr Healthcare and Education depts . with bare cupboards . They even paid out 100 million to 2 NB Universities for extra Nursing seats , of which we got not even one . And remember how the " Fab Five " all disappeared rapidly once they were caught in their plan ? They now have a " potpourri " of candidates from several different parties , many who were resoundingly defeated in the last election , including the present leader of the Liberals . Love to see those resumes' !!!

David Amos
Reply to
I have not lost my faith in the folks in Bathurst

Reply by Dan Lee.
6 min ago

well tried ......and give a 100 millions to our welfare b......... to help with his hydro in 2022.........our b...... gets breaks on property taxes................too many to mention by our great leader.......ohhhhh brother


William Murdoch
"I'm in urban Fredericton," Holt said. "It's really progressive people here, highly educated. My riding of Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-Saint-Isidore is a totally different makeup."

David Amos
Reply to
It was a true statement that was not wise to say Need I say prefer the folks in Bathurst?
Reply by Dan Lee.
1 hr ago

it is....Bathurst.....workers.........Fredericton........ tax collectors
Reply by Ronald Miller.
59 min ago

I am sure you would have tried to put the same spin on it had Higgs said the same thing.
Reply by Lou Bell.
53 min ago

She couldn't wait to get outta there fast enough !
Reply by Lou Bell.
47 min ago

It's a city where half it's residents left in the last decade , an area where the Trudeau Liberals , much like the McKenna Liberals did with their call centers , stretched the rules of EI to assure those in the fishing industry could work minimal hours and then draw EI for the rest of the year . Much like the McKenna minimum wage call centers , low wages , no pension , no future ! And we're all paying for it to this day . Those taxes need collected to support all those who the Liberals left behind .
Reply by Dan Lee.
19 min ago

nope worked 10 years in fton.........
Reply by Ronald Miller.
17 min ago

You get caught in your own spin.
Reply by Dan Lee
But they could work........im afraid i cant say the same in fton

 

Steven Lyons
Running deficits should be illegal because it does the cruelest thing to people. It strips them of their purchasing power just so someone can get elected and receive a lifetime pension and benefits at the cost to those losing their purchasing power.

David Amos
Reply to Steven Lyons
Amen



Hugh MacDonald
The winning party will save the province $millions by not keeping their promises.

David Amos
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
Oh So True

 

Daniel Henwell
Hilarious. Liberal leader promising balanced budgets? Ba ha ha

David Amos
Reply to Daniel Henwell
How do I get the coffee out of my nose?

Hugh MacDonald
Reply to Daniel Henwell
Like someone on a "balanced diet" - a beer in one hand and a burger in the other.

David Amos
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
I have had my share of nothing burgers and its a good thing I don't drink beer or I would busted flat

These days I have trouble keeping stocked up on peanuts and popcorn and treats for my best friend Bo as we watch the never ending circuses in Fat Fred City and Ottawa and south of the Medicine Line



Buford Wilson
Keep building NB.

Vote Conservative.

Dan Lee
Reply to Buford Wilson
building ? bahahaha

Dan Lee
Reply to Buford Wilson
whats he building ? team spirit ? bahahaha

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Buford Wilson
Oh quit it some more you now how I love your nonsense

David Amos
Reply to Buford Wilson
Bingo

Lorelei Stott
Reply to Dan Lee
protecting teams, girls teams! back in the day dudes slugging gals was crime now liberals call it sports, vote PC to stop the liberals


 

Gary Webber
I sence fear in the Higgs supporters.

October 21 DON'T Vote For Higgs.

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Gary Webber
I am shuddering to think what will happen if Holt wins...she has a track record with Gallants government that is scary...beware folks!

MR Cain
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
2 balanced budgets?

Dan Lee
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
hmmm.....she aint the one who lost not 1.....not 2..... but 12 mlas

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Gary Webber
I sense anger

Lou Bell
Reply to Dan Lee
Sure she did ! Remember how fast the " fab 5 " left the SANB Liberals , all the while Holt was a part of the decision makers ???

Dan Lee
Reply to Lou Bell
errrr....12-5

David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Who is losing cabinet ministers?

Robert Brannen
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
The government which raised the provincial HST by two percentage points which allowed the Higgs government to pay down the provincial debt. You may not have noticed the Mr. Higgs did not mention a possibility of a decrease from five percent to three percent until very recently. I wonder why he would not do that?



Dan Lee
Higgs.........sold my soul to the company store.................

David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Everybody knows that

 

Lorelei Stott
girl dads it is go time ... vote PC

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Lorelei Stott
Is his name Archie Bunker?

Lorelei Stott
Reply to David Amos
not a name, a position, protector in chief, for their girl's safe space and opportunities in sports

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Lorelei Stott
You are arguing with a ghost

 

 

Ronald Miller
8 straight years is false, documents clearly show the Gallant-Holt tandem ran deficits in their first 3 years. They were also running one in the 4th year, they delayed some spending and then received some help from JT who made a 1 time transfer for nothing more than a paper surplus, meaning we still added to our debt that year, and the 3 before that. At the end of the Gallant-Holt years NB had the highest net debt per capita. We had the highest net debt as a percentage of GDP at a whopping 42%. That number dropped to 26% in 22-23, it must be lower now since our debt has continued to drop.

David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
There is more to that story

Max Ruby
Reply to Ronald Miller
That is why Gallant-Holt implemented the Property Tax Airplanes to fly around NB to inflate property taxes. Roof overhangs, covered porches etc. were counted as living areas. Pics caught paved drives, new roofs etc. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/property-assessment-new-brunswick-pictometry-1.3887926

David Amos
Reply to Max Ruby
Wasn't that rather special?

Ronald Miller
Reply to Max Ruby
It was quite a mess, yet Holt actually has ads bringing up property taxes, and the left brings it up on a regular basis because somehow Higgs controls the housing market and the rates municipalities set their rates at. It is also one of the many excuse the left uses to try to explain our surpluses, always great entertainment.

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Ronald Miller
Right on !

David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
What about my dispute with Higgy back in 2013 about the pension plans? If folks had listened to me then we would have been debt free over 10 years ago.

I repeated my idea during debates and on TV when I ran in 2015 and 2018 and 2019 and now I am doing so again. Correct?


 

Gary Webber
Pretty clear decision on voting October 21.

DON'T Vote For Higgs.

Ronald Miller
Reply to Gary Webber
If you want to return to the disaster of 14-18, then yes, very clear.

David Amos
Reply to Gary Webber
It was pretty clear to me on June 6th that Carlin is gonna defeat Holt

James Risdon
Reply to Gary Webber
Too late. I've already voted for Conservative candidate Kim Chamberlain, the mayor of Bathurst, for the work she has done in getting the former Smurfit-Stone property cleaned up.

She's already getting results for the community and so I figured she deserved my vote.

Max Ruby
Reply to Gary Webber
Don't Vote For Holt has a better ring to it lol.

David Amos
Reply to Max Ruby
C'est Vrai
 

 

William Murdoch
Does anyone think that when Susan Holt uttered (allegedly) disparaging remarks about the inhabitants dans la Nord, she made an error that she will never ever recover from?

Jay Miller
Reply to William Murdoch
Which comment? But I have not forgotten what Higgs told the nurses to do if they wanted more money; and the comment by Higgs that teachers tell their students to lie to their parents. I have a couple more if you want to post them!

Jack Bell
Reply to William Murdoch
It wasn't alleged, it happened.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/susan-holt-bathurst-education-comments-1.7346310

"I'm in urban Fredericton," Holt said. "It's really progressive people here, highly educated. My riding of Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-Saint-Isidore is a totally different makeup."

Followed by her saying she feels bad that Bathurst took her insulting remarks as insulting... not bad that she insulted them, just bad that they feel that way.

"I feel bad that my comments were taken in a way as to be perceived as an insult,"

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/holt-feels-bad-bathurst-education-comments-1.7347682

Jack Bell
Reply to Jay Miller
Can you post links

Jay Miller
Reply to Jack Bell
https://tj.news/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-nb-poll-liberals-holt-lead-in-moncton-fredericton-neck-and-neck-in-saint-john

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to William Murdoch
What about Higgy's not so funny story out of the gate?

 

Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Jay Miller
When Higgs said he wouldn't send his own kids to school in NB. That made the teachers, EAs, and administrators feel real nice. That's a lot of voters to tee off. Not to mention the nurses.

MR Cain
Content Deactivated

Reply to Jack Bell
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nursing-home-workers-union-higgs-binding-arbitration-1.5082230

That is one; the other is Higgs policy 713 which ensures students will lie to their parents.  

Ronald Miller
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
Actually, what he said was he would be concerned with them going based on a system that people want fixed, yet when Higgs introduced changes, the likes of you complained about that also. Sorry, I know facts annoy you.

Ronald Miller
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
What about what Holt said about the north, or does that not count? 

 

William Murdoch
Reply to Jay Miller
Hearsay to me unless you provide direct quotes not taken out of context.

Jack Bell
Reply to Jay Miller
There is nothing in your link about nurses or students to lying to their parents.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
I always do 

 

Jay Miller 

🗳️ According to a Narrative Research / Brunswick News poll this morning - Higgs is trailing Holt in all of the 3 biggest cities of NB - 32/20 in Moncton; 27/22 in Fredericton; and 27/26 in Saint John 🗳️

 

David Amos

Reply to Jay Miller

There is only one poll that counts

 

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
And what Poll would that be? Just for those that never heard that before.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
The one on the day where Higgy's name and mine are on the same ballots that are counted 

 

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Election Day 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/election-notebook-nb-151024-1.7352868

 

Liberal leader won't rule out further changes to Policy 713

Greens announce more midwifery clinics in province if elected

 

CBC News · Posted: Oct 16, 2024 6:00 AM ADT

 

 

Liberal Leader Susan Holt has suggested that additional 'future changes' to Policy 713 might happen if she becomes premier. (CBC Graphics)

Liberal Leader Susan Holt has opened the door to future changes to Policy 713, if she decides that what she is promising in the election needs more tweaking.

Last year Holt said she would, if elected, implement recommendations by Kelly Lamrock, the child and youth advocate, a position she reiterated when she released her campaign platform on Oct. 3.

"That is still a commitment," she said.

In recent statements, however, Holt has suggested that additional "future changes" to the policy might happen if she becomes premier.

"Like other policies, there is always potential for things that need to be improved," Holt's campaign told CBC News in a statement Tuesday.

Holt says if the policy isn't working the way it's intended, 'there would need to be changes.' (Election Pool)

"If the policy isn't working the way it is intended to, then there would need to be changes. We also have to be cognizant of external factors, such as court cases from other jurisdictions."

Lamrock's August 2023 report warned that the Higgs government's changes to Policy 713 may violate the constitutional rights of children.

The policy says parents must be asked for their consent before educators can respect the choice by a student under the age of 16 to adopt a new name or pronoun reflecting their gender identity.

Lamrock recommended that starting in Grade 6 — around the age of 12 — children should be presumed to be capable of making the decision themselves with no need for parental consent.

School principals could decide whether someone younger has the "capacity" to choose, he proposed.

The principal could then develop a plan that "may include" an assessment of how to consult parents "consistent with the child's best interests and rights to educational services," he said.

Bill Hogan, PC candidate and education minister, says he wants to know how far the Liberal leader would go in making changes to Polcy 713. (Jacques Poitras / CBC)

The Progressive Conservatives oppose Lamrock's proposal because, they say, it allows parents to be excluded from decisions about their children.

"We believe that parents are the experts when it comes to raising kids," Bill Hogan, a PC candidate and education minister, said in a statement.

Hogan called on Holt to be more transparent about what other changes she might make.

"How far is Susan Holt planning to go?" he said.

More midwives needed, Greens say

A Green government would expand midwifery services in New Brunswick, the party's deputy leader announced in Saint John on Tuesday.

Megan Mitton said a Green administration would focus on expanding the service across the province's seven health regions, building on a commitment from the Progressive Conservatives.

WATCH | Greens would repeal law prohibiting Medicare-covered abortions outside hospitals:

 

Greens promise more midwifery clinics, better abortion access if elected

A Green government would spend $13.2 million over four years on more midwifery clinics, Megan Mitton, the Green Party deputy leader who’s running for re-election, announced in Saint John on Tuesday.

"The 2024 budget provided funding to launch two new midwifery clinics," said Mitton. 

"A Green government is committed to getting those open, to provide coverage in other regions. We would also open four additional midwifery clinics over the next four years."

Mitton pegged the cost of the new clinics at $13.2 million over four years.

The province only has one midwifery clinic, in Fredericton, which is often at capacity, as Mitton can attest.

"I am one of the people who signed up to try to access midwifery here in New Brunswick but couldn't because there was not room on their list," said Mitton.

WATCH | Sackville residents on the issues swaying their vote this election:

 

CBC Asks: What matters to you?

Throughout this election season, CBC New Brunswick is visiting several communities to ask people what’s top of mind as we get closer to Oct. 21. Jonna Brewer, host of Information Morning Moncton, went to speak with voters in Sackville.

New midwifery clinics are just part of the party's plan to expand health-care services for women and transgender New Brunswickers.

The Greens also promised to expand access to abortion by repealing the section of the Medical Services Payment Act that only allows Medicare to cover abortions performed in hospitals. 

The party said it would also extend family-planning access and transgender health care.

Helping across the aisle

In the Fredericton area, three opposing candidates have supported each other to fix blown over and — in some cases — broken campaign signs. 

Judy Wilson-Shee, Progressive Conservative candidate for Hanwell-New Maryland, said she first noticed a few campaign signs were blown down by heavy winds Saturday evening.

She said she messaged her Green Party opponent, Susan Jonah, to let her know about the signs and they decided they would set out the next morning to fix them. 

Wilson-Shee said Carleton-York Green Party candidate Burt Folkins also joined in on the seven-hour trek throughout New Maryland and Hanwell. 

Hanwell-New Maryland candidates Susan Jonah (Green, left) and Judy Wilson-Shee (Progressive Conservative, right) helped each other fix their damaged signs. (Submtted by Judy Wilson-Shee)

"There was one of mine that was down in the ditch and it took all three of us to get it out," said Wilson-Shee."Some of mine the two-by-fours broke, so they helped me fix those." 

She said it's important to collaborate with others, even if you're against each other on the ballot. 

"We should all learn to get along, forget the criticism, lend a hand when you have to. If it had been any other party and their signs were down, I would have absolutely offered to help," she said. 

Jonah said she didn't think twice about helping after receiving a message from Wilson-Shee. She cancelled her Thanksgiving dinner plans and set out the next morning at 8. 

She said the group picked up some People's Alliance signs along the way too. 

"We had a lot of fun … you know, we've known each other and there was not reason not to do it [together]," said Jonah. 

"We are friends before, we will be friends after, and just because her party and my party are pretty far apart doesn't mean you're not going to be nice to people." 

A 'sedate campaign'

Earlier this year U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders remarked on national television that "politics should be kind of boring."

It appears New Brunswick's political leaders have taken the outspoken New Englander's words to heart, at least according to two political scientists.

When looking back on the past three weeks of the campaign, St. Thomas University political scientist Jamie Gillies said that so far, the campaign "is definitely on the ho-hum side."

"It's been a pretty sedate campaign," said Gillies.

   So far this campaign has not seen a whole lot of fireworks between the three main leaders, say two political scientists. From the left: PC Leader Blaine Higgs, Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Green Leader David Coon. (Stephen MacGillivray, Ron Ward/The Canadian Press)

This comes after a term for Higgs that was anything but pastoral, with the COVID-19 pandemic, protests over his revised Policy 713 and the resignations of several cabinet ministers.

Erin Crandall, an Acadia University political scientist, said a quieter campaign can allow people to dig more into the policy options, but there is a concern about what it could mean for turnout.

"Is it so quiet that it's not going to motivate people to get out to the polls, which we would see as a problem or a challenge," said Crandall.

Standings at dissolution: PCs 25, Liberals 16, Greens 3, Independent 1, vacant 4

Where the leaders are today

Liberal Leader Susan Holt has no public events scheduled on Wednesday.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs will be in Fredericton for a roundtable.

Green Leader David Coon will be in Fredericton for canvassing and events, including a student seminar and a roundtable event.

For complete campaign coverage, visit New Brunswick Votes 2024.

With files from Jacques Poitras, Isabelle Leger and Information Morning Fredericton

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

 

 

345 Comments

 

 

 

David Amos

Content Deactivated

Methinks there are a lots folks who think like Archie Bunker have heard enough of this nonsense N'esy Pas? 

 

 

David Amos

Content Deactivated 

Wow it didn't take me long to touch the third rail in here I wonder who flagged me 

 

 

 

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/election-nb-provincial-riding-important-1.7352390

 

The six, or nine, or 14 ridings that may determine the election

Every race is important but these key contests may decide which party governs New Brunswick

 

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Oct 16, 2024 6:00 AM ADT

 

 

     A party needs to win 25 seats to have a majority government in New Brunswick. Heading into the campaign, the PCs, under Blaine Higgs, held 25 seats, compared to 16 for the Liberals, under Leader Susan Holt, and three for David Coon's Green Party. There was one independent MLA and four seats were vacant. (CBC)

In a close election, every vote counts and every riding is important.

But when party campaign strategists look at a map of New Brunswick's 49 constituencies, they focus on some more than others.

For the Progressive Conservatives, under Blaine Higgs, to hold on to power — or for Susan Holt's Liberals to succeed in ousting them — a handful of key races are must-wins, many of them in the three largest cities.

The Green Party's clout in the next legislature is also in play.

WATCH | Key ridings in this election explained:

 

New Brunswick votes: Key ridings explained

Want to watch the election like a true analyst? Here’s a look at the six ridings that could determine the outcome of the 2024 election.

The uncertainty in those pivotal ridings was evident among voters late last week in Rockwood Park in Saint John, a city with at least two pivotal ridings.

"I'm not entirely decided," Paddy Huizinga said.

"It used to be there wasn't that big of difference between one party and the other, and now there is." 

Madison Kelson said her riding of Saint John Harbour seemed "pretty close." 

Robert Collette said one candidate at his door "seemed like a nice fella, but because of the party leader, I told the gentlemen, 'If it wasn't for the party leader, I'd probably vote for you.'"

A party needs to win 25 seats to have a majority government.

Heading into the campaign, the PCs held — thanks to departures and defections — 25 seats, compared to 16 for the Liberals and three for the Greens. There was one independent MLA and four seats were vacant.

Here are six key ridings that, if they all go Liberal, could deprive the PCs of that majority.

Fredericton South-Silverwood

This new riding includes part of the former Fredericton South, which Green Leader David Coon won in 2020, and part of Fredericton West-Hanwell, where there is a strong PC voting history.

Liberal Leader Susan Holt is on the ballot here and is not a shoe-in. Holt lost badly to Coon in Fredericton South in 2018, and in 2020 the PCs had more votes within the contours of the new riding.

Saint John Harbour 

This constituency in the Port City's urban core has swung between PCs and Liberals recently, sometimes by narrow margins.

Arlene Dunn won it comfortably for the PCs in 2020, but the race was decided by just 10 votes in 2018, 71 votes in 2014 and seven votes in 2010.

If Liberal candidate David Hickey, a city councillor, can't win, it doesn't bode well for his party provincially.

Saint John Portland-Simonds 

The area was represented for 25 years by PC MLA Trevor Holder, one of six elected members who rebelled against Blaine Higgs last year over Policy 713 and his leadership style.

Holder opted not to run again.

Whether the turmoil costs Higgs this seat — or others — is up to voters.

The Liberal candidate also has a history with Higgs: Dr. John Dornan was fired by the premier from his position as Horizon Health CEO. He later won a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the province.

Moncton East 

Moncton is another make-or-break area for the election.

Moncton East has been redrawn since the last election, when PC candidate Daniel Allain won it and became the only francophone member of Higgs's caucus for two years.

Without Allain on the ballot, the Liberals see an opportunity to flip a riding from the PCs.

Miramichi Bay-Neguac 

The Liberals won here easily in 2020, but Réjean Savoie picked it up for the PCs in a 2022 byelection and became the second francophone PC MLA and cabinet minister in the Higgs government.

The Liberals hope to win it back.

Champdoré-Irishtown

This is a new riding carved out of parts of the old Moncton East riding and some areas that were previously in Kent South.

There is a Liberal voting history here so the party sees this as a potential gain.

Other ridings that may be pivotal

The PCs would be reduced to 24 seats if the Liberals sweep all six of those constituencies — one short of a majority.

But the Liberals would rather have a majority and not rely on the Green Party to pass budgets and legislation.

In Fredericton North and Miramichi East, they believe there's a chance they can defeat PC candidates Jill Green and Michelle Conroy.

And they are hoping that former federal PC MP John Herron, running as a Liberal, will defeat PC candidate Faytene Grasseschi in Hampton-Fundy-St. Martins.

Many longtime PCs who opposed Grasseschi's candidacy are backing Herron.

Winning those three additional seats would give the Liberals a 25-seat majority — assuming nothing else changes.

PC pickup possibilities

The Progressive Conservatives are generally playing defence in this election, but there are some races where they hope to upset seemingly solid Liberal incumbents.

In Bathurst, in a seat that has been Liberal for almost a century, Mayor Kim Chamberlain is running for the PCs.

She may be their best shot of gaining a seat in the predominantly francophone north, though Liberal René Legacy's high profile — and likely cabinet role — make it a tough climb.

And in Moncton Centre, Liberal incumbent Rob McKee is confronting newly redrawn riding boundaries.

It now takes in parts of the former Moncton Southwest riding that were solidly PC in 2020.

Greens under pressure

The election isn't a cakewalk for the three Green candidates running for re-election, either.

Two in particular are facing new challenges.

Coon's Fredericton South riding was cut in two by the electoral boundary redistricting.

He is running in Fredericton Lincoln, a fusion of parts of his old riding, where he won handily last time, and new areas which have voted strongly PC in recent elections.

• Candidates, voters weigh in on the fine art of door-to-door election campaigning

• Election Notebook
  Thousands in New Brunswick cast ballots in Saturday's advance poll

Kevin Arseneau, another Green MLA in the last legislature, is facing a challenge in Kent North from Pat Finnigan, a well-liked former two-term federal Liberal MP.

A win by Finnigan wouldn't change the overall math for the PCs but it could be the difference between a Liberal majority or minority. 

The same goes for Tracadie, which the Greens hope to grab from the Liberals.

Green candidate Serge Brideau, the well-known lead singer for the Acadian rock group Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire, won 35.4 per cent of the vote in the 2023 byelection in Bathurst East-Nepisiguit-St. Isidore, which Holt won.

This time he is running in Tracadie against two-term Liberal Keith Chiasson.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacques Poitras

Provincial 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.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

 

 

346 Comments

 

David Amos
Methinks the all knowing political scientists have decided that I don't have a prayer in Quispamsis against Higgy et al N'esy Pas?

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
David itmight t be best to go with a known party then try to make what you feel are the necessary adjustments to better rep your constituency

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky  
I would never belong to any party that would have me for a member

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Either that or go with the new Consensus Party..now there I feel is the better thought.

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky  
Surely you jest

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Then you are just spinning your wheels David with no progress on the horizon..too bad really.

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky  
Are you sure about that?

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Give me a hint to which you speak,please kind sir.

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
How can a Consensus Party have a leader?

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Read how it's done in the NWT for one jurisdiction. It's all straight forward David..Google it!

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Why did Higgy's minions invite me to sue the government again then blink and finally give me a Health Care Card?

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
I talked to the dudes in NWT 20 years ago that is why I did not sue them in 2015

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
It seems you have an ongoing axe to grind. I of course am not privy to your problem with the government. But apparently the " card" issue must have been rectified so it should be all good.

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Sorry David...I can't follow your argument(s )..have a good day!

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Perhaps you should Google me and the ERRE Committee and listen to what I said about the NWT when they visited Fat Fred City just before Thanksgiving in 2016

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
They have yet to give me my money back

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
I have errands to do right now.. will try to fathom my way thru it all later.

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
You are the one who picked this fight

Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
I picked a fight..lol..nope. Just trying to help to understand your problem(s) ...the last thing I do is pick a fight...lol..you really don't know me and that's probably good...later gotta run

David Wilson
Reply to David Amos
What's with the "Methinks" and "N'esy Pas" ?

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
I am very busy too because this is the last day for submissions to the public inquiry into foreign interference

David Amos
Reply to David Wilson
As your friends and my opponents I have explained a bunch of times over the years

David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Who said I wanted to know you? Is that even your real name?

James Risdon
Reply to David Wilson
Good question.

David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Why not ask your former Party Leader?

David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Well I got the submission in on time and their Senior Communications Advisor affirmed it

 

 

Ronald Miller
Content Deactivated

This left biased writer just posted an article about how the Liberals can dethrone the PCs. He focuses on the ridings they can flip but spends little time on ridings that could flip the other way. I know Lib supporters blindly support their party more than vice versa but this is once again very poor, and left biased reporting. He even goes so far as endorsing the Lib candidate in Bathurst, calling him high profile and a likely cabinet minister, really, where did he get that information? We have to remember, this is the same writer who attempted to take an infrastructure project and turn it negative and people may vote against the gov't because they have to take an alternate route during the construction.

William Murdoch
Reply to Ronald Miller
Fortunately few read opinion disguised as reporting at this site. Otherwise the call for The Mother Corp to fold would be overwhelming.

Ronald Miller
Reply to William Murdoch
There was actually an article on the Canada board either today or yesterday bringing up talk about removing funding, it continues to gather steam. But you are correct, the Holt fanbase gobbles it up, most others use it for entertainment purposes only.

fanbase gobbles it up, most others use it for entertainment purposes only.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Need I say that I always enjoyed the "Spin Reduxit" ?

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Some of us sure do.

Jay Miller
Reply to Ronald Miller
I want a NB where there is social harmony, and where everyone is respected regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic origin and first language; a NB where the environment is a major preoccupation; a NB where it is safe to drive on highways during all 4 seasons; a NB I can call home / mon chez-moi; a NB where it feels good to wake-up and to go to sleep! A NB where there is no North, South, East or West - we are all one.

 

Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
If NBers ever want to see development of our rich natural resources they better avoid the Green / Liberal coalition . Billions of dollars ( actually trillions ) in resources just laying in the ground waiting to be developed . The false narrative from the Liberals they've been telling us for years should come to an end when the Liberals , Federally and Provincially , are ousted . Thousands of high paying jobs , instead of the Liberals shortcut minimum weeks to EI for many . A plan for no money , no pension , and no future .

Lou Bell
Reply to Lou Bell
Much like what the McKenna Liberals gave NB . Lowpaying call center jobs , low pay , no pension , no future . And today we're all paying for what they did .

David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
How many votes will I get running against Higgy?



Lou Bell
Content Deactivated
Remember how the press did all those stories on how upset so many NBers were over Bill 713 ? Remember how the press did all those stories on how there was some kind of coverup with the Public employees penions ? Remember how they wrote all the stories on MLA's leaving the Conservatives , the same people the Greens and Liberals were calling incompetent ? Remember when the riding presidents in the francophone ridings claimed there was enough support to oust Higgs from the leadership of the PC Party ? And so many other things that were written about Higgs and things he was getting done , stating all NBers were against them . And then eventually it was found that most NBers actually supported Higgs and most all of the changes he was making . And it's surely funny we've heard nothing from the press about all the people , most all who've been resoundingly defeated while running for other parties , that the Liberals have running for them . It's like a Neil Simon song , " where have all the Liberals gone ? Long time passing , where have all the Liberals gone ... .. .. . . . .. " !

David Amos
Reply to Lou Bell
I remember how they slandered Faytene forever and a day but June 6th took the cake when Carlin stepped up to the plate

James Risdon
Voters in Bathurst can see the actual work being done to clean up the former Smurfit-Stone property - a result of Mayor Kim Chamberlain, the Conservative candidate, taking action on that file.

If that's what she can do for Bathurst as mayor, I'm pretty sure voters here will want to see what she can do for the community as a cabinet minister in Premier Blaine Higgs' next government.

David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Higgy needs to talk to his mayor buddy in Heron Bay as well

"In casting the deciding vote, Mayor Pelletier said it will benefit the town to see the project through.

“I am doing this for the economic future of our town,” he said. “We need more good-paying jobs.”

Lou Bell
Reply to David Amos
With Higgs in power , I'd expect he'll be on Prime Minister Poilievre to put NB on the resource development map quite rapidly . Monthly billion dollar trade deficits courtesy of the Trudeau Liberals certainly has put Canada in a deep whole and NB can play a huge part in turning things around ! Thousands of high paying jobs for our growing population will certainly be welcome news , keeping our young people here in the province and providing a future for them here . No more exporting our young people elsewhere .



Buford Wilson
The expression on Susan's face speaks volumes.

David Amos
Reply to Buford Wilson
C'est Vrai

Lou Bell
Reply to Buford Wilson
She's in way over her head .



Bill Smith
You say Miramichi baie neguac, is one to watch. Why don't you report the facts? The false, liberal candidate running was the former president of the federal conservative party in Miramichi. Will he also jump the fence, if he gets elected? Maybe ask him?

David Amos
Reply to Bill Smith
Interesting

 

Jake Newman
Holt will be lucky to win her own seat.

David Amos
Reply to Jake Newman
Its not her seat

William Murdoch
Will the Green Leader join with The Liberals to make a Majority. I doubt that. Between the two parties their win count won't even add up to enough.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
It would not be wise to bet the farm on that opinion



William Murdoch
Max The Tax.

Vote Holt.

Dan Lee
Reply to William Murdoch
empty your pockets

Vote Higgs

William Murdoch
Reply to Dan Lee
How so?

David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Methinks many agree that we must "Stand and Deliver" to whatever gang of crooks oversee us N'ey Pas?



Rosco holt
Many NBers want Higgs gone.

William Murdoch
Reply to Rosco holt
Perhaps many want him to stay.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Higgy played a song about that question a couple of years ago

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
How true. And wouldn't you know it - he stayed.



William Murdoch
So when Susan Holt loses her riding will she then still be able to stay on as Leader of The Opposition?

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Yup Vickers had no seat

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Well I for one think that she will make an excellent non winner Leader for The Liberals

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Me too



Harold Reagan
Does the term "axe the facts" apply in N.B. also?

David Amos
Reply to Harold Reagan
It always has

William Murdoch
Content Deactivated

During his next Majority (coming right up) I encourage Premier Higgs to start the machinations needed to shutter Duality across the board.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Methinks many agree that he will win a minority and then the Greens and the leaderless Red Coats will try to take control of the mandate N'esy Pas?

Creep Sheep aka Stephen Sonnier
Reply to William Murdoch
Why is that important to you ? Who would benefit from this ?

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Could be.

William Murdoch
Reply to Creep Sheep aka Stephen Sonnier
Constant is change. Four more years of constant steady leadership from the current sitting Premier when he wins Majority again

William Murdoch
The Liberals apparently made a major mistake going with the Leader they chose.

https://338canada.com/nb/

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Yup

Jay Miller
Reply to William Murdoch
These are as of Oct 4 (today’s date is Oct 16) - There should be polling numbers as of Oct 11 - but 338Canada has not posted them because the Libs will form the next Majority Government

Albalita Rose
Reply to Jay Miller
Sure that's it.....chuckle

Harold Reagan
Reply to Albalita Rose
Again? Axe the facts?

Jos Allaire
Reply to William Murdoch
The major mistake was made way back when the Conservatives went with the leader they chose.

Gabriel Boucher
Reply to William Murdoch
If choosing Holt was a mistake, then why is Higgs struggling at the polls? It should be a clear victory if that was the case. Higgs has a hard time winning in his best case scenario. That's a sign of a weak government.

William Murdoch
Reply to Gabriel Boucher
Another Majority on tap for Higgs.

William Murdoch
Reply to Jos Allaire
See the aggregate as shown on 338.

Rosco holt
Reply to Jos Allaire
Higgs wasn't chosen, they "rigged"(change venue at the last moment) the convention to let Higgs win. Many long time conservatives quit after words.
ng time conservatives quit after words.

William Murdoch
Reply to Rosco holt
Same surname. Next.

Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Rosco holt
Higgs did not win the Leadership easily.

The GRASSROOTS of the PC Party won

the Leadership for him !!

 

Hugh MacDonald
Many people today are taking comedians seriously and politicians as jokes.

David Amos
Reply to Hugh MacDonald
Welcome to the circus



William Murdoch
338 latest projection

Susan Holt will lose her seat.

Probable Progressive Conservative Majority.

Liberals to win the popular vote - as if the popular vote has ever mattered before.

Jay Miller
Reply to William Murdoch
There should be polling numbers as of Oct 11 - but 338Canada has not posted them because the Libs will form the next Majority Government

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
I concur

Gabriel Boucher
Reply to William Murdoch
According to the polls that you've posted, Higgs would not have enough seats to form government without a coalition with another party. The Greens have already said that they would not support another Cons government. Higgs loses both in seats and popular votes.

another Cons government. Higgs loses both in seats and popular votes.

William Murdoch
Reply to Gabriel Boucher
Check the graph result showing PCs ahead of Liberals so far as Majority is concerned.

Ronald Miller
Content Deactivated

This left biased writer just posted an article about how the Liberals can dethrone the PCs. He focuses on the ridings they can flip but spends little time on ridings that could flip the other way. I know Lib supporters blindly support their party more than vice versa but this is once again very poor, and left biased reporting. He even goes so far as endorsing the Lib candidate in Bathurst, calling him high profile and a likely cabinet minister, really, where did he get that information? We have to remember, this is the same writer who attempted to take an infrastructure project and turn it negative and people may vote against the gov't because they have to take an alternate route during the construction.

William Murdoch
Reply to Ronald Miller
Fortunately few read opinion disguised as reporting at this site. Otherwise the call for The Mother Corp to fold would be overwhelming.

Ronald Miller
Reply to William Murdoch
There was actually an article on the Canada board either today or yesterday bringing up talk about removing funding, it continues to gather steam. But you are correct, the Holt fanbase gobbles it up, most others use it for entertainment purposes only.

fanbase gobbles it up, most others use it for entertainment purposes only.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Need I say that I always enjoyed the "Spin Reduxit" ?

William Murdoch
Reply to David Amos
Some of us sure do.

Jay Miller
Reply to Ronald Miller
I want a NB where there is social harmony, and where everyone is respected regardless of sexual orientation, ethnic origin and first language; a NB where the environment is a major preoccupation; a NB where it is safe to drive on highways during all 4 seasons; a NB I can call home / mon chez-moi; a NB where it feels good to wake-up and to go to sleep! A NB where there is no North, South, East or West - we are all one.



Daniel Franklin
Driving around Saint John today at lunch, I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of PC signs on lawns I was seeing compared to the other parties.

David Amos
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Methinks you missed a few important neighbourhoods N'esy Pas?

Daniel Franklin
Reply to David Amos
I'm not sure David, my route took me from Uptown to over West and then back to the industrial park. I saw 2 or 3 PC signs and double digits of the other 2. Too bad there are two parties on the left or Higgie wouldn't stand a fighting chance.

David Amos
Reply to Daniel Franklin
You must know that I am running against Higgy and I have been told there are lots of PC signs in certain areas

Archie MacDaniel
I already voted. Wrote in Ronald Miller

Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
NB needs someone with all the answers

Dan Lee
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
lol......right or wrong.......

Ronald Miller
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
Thank you, but do you have time for me with all the other people you obsess over? Irving, Irving, Irving, don't forget about them, just kidding, I know you didn't.

David Amos
Reply to Dan Lee
Ditto

 

Daniel Franklin  

Reply to Ronald Miller

Blaine? Is that you?

Arnold Duershere
I've already sent in my mail in ballots, I'm voting for the party that believes in science

William Murdoch
Reply to Arnold Duershere
Would that be The Science supporting the jabs? Don't stop transmission, Don't protect from contracting, and never in fact treated anything.

David Amos
Reply to William Murdoch
Methinks all the parties supported the jabs except one new one N'esy Pas??

William Murdoch
In every election I try to find some humorous incident.

Horsman with Carrs in tow - LOL

Archie MacDaniel
Reply to William Murdoch
Horsman with Mary Wilson holding the cat litter litter box behind him.

David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
Northrup following Holt around like a puppy made my day

David Amos
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
Oh My My