David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the most telling thing to me about the vote was that Bobby Baby Gauvin was not man enough to keep his word and vote against his old buddy Higgy N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/liberals-soften-budget-vote-stance-in.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/liberals-budget-vote-election-1.5495381
Liberals soften budget vote stance in light of COVID-19
Party leaving decision up to chief medical officer, says MLA Roger Melanson
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 12, 2020 3:35 PM AT
'We will follow the advice of the chief medical officer and Public Health officials in regards to how to go about moving forward," said Liberal finance critic and Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
The Liberal opposition opened the door a little wider Thursday to abandoning their push for an early provincial election now that New Brunswick has its first case of COVID-19.
Finance critic and Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson told reporters the party was essentially leaving it up to Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell whether it should try to send New Brunswickers to the polls next week.
"We will follow the advice of the chief medical officer and Public Health officials in regards to how to go about moving forward," Melanson said.
"If that means we need to make decisions or changes, we'll listen."
The PCs withdrew the plan five days later, but in the legislature Thursday morning Melanson said New Brunswickers had lost trust in the government over the fiasco, and that's why his party will try to vote down the budget, triggering an election.
He repeated that on a CBC political panel Thursday, to which PC Finance Minister Ernie Steeves replied: "You think calling an election now would bring the trust back to you?"
Melanson said if the government believes an election isn't warranted it could delay the legislature's vote on the budget expected Friday March 20. "They have that right," he said.
But Steeves said the vote will go ahead next week. "The budget is the budget."
COVID-19 concerns
Earlier this week Green Party Leader David Coon said an election might not be a good idea given that it can involve many large gatherings and a lot of social contact.On Thursday the Quebec government banned public events of more than 250 people after the number of cases there jumped from nine to 13.
Melanson said it was too early to speculate about how such a decision here would affect an election.
"It would be very different as a campaign. But we're not making those decisions today."
The Liberals announced Feb. 11 that they would attempt to force an election after the Progressive Conservative minority government announced health reforms that included the nighttime closure of six small-hospital emergency rooms. (Graham Thompson/CBC)
Asked by reporters if there was any room for the PCs and Liberals to work together on a compromise about the budget and election timing, Melanson said it was "too early to make any decision or any consideration like that" and the party would heed Russell's guidance.
"She's quite credible and she has a lot of knowledge and we'll listen carefully and make decisions accordingly," he said.
Russell said Thursday afternoon that she was recommending the cancellation of any public events of more than 150 people — a size that covers many typical election events — but wouldn't comment further.
"Whether there's an election or not, it would have to be considered in light of these particular issues," she said.
Coon said a special committee of the premier, key cabinet ministers and all political party leaders will hold its first meeting tomorrow night to discuss the response to COVID-19.
David Coon, New Brunswick's Green Party leader, will announce his plans on the budget vote Friday. (CBC)
The committee could discuss "how that election might proceed based on the advice of the chief medical officer of health, with all four party leaders in the same room on this committee," Coon said.
"Obviously it wasn't just set up for that discussion but it's going to be an important opportunity where that discussion can occur if it's needed."
Coon is a pivotal vote on the budget and he plans to reveal Friday morning how he will vote on the document.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he hopes the all-party committee will let "cooler heads prevail" on a possible campaign.
"I won't be talking about the possibility of an election because I don't think we should have one, but it'll be up to my colleagues in the legislature to decide that next Friday," he said.
"I think our full focus has to be on this situation, and we should have all hands on deck and that should be our main task."
Accusations fly
Melanson's official response to the budget in the legislature Thursday was punctuated by a series of procedural complaints by the PC government over his choice of words.The Liberal MLA said the government had "deliberately deceived" the legislature, one example of violating the parliamentary rule against accusing another member of lying.
PC house leader Glen Savoie asked Melanson to withdraw the comments and he did, but not before Liberal house leader Guy Arseneault said he wanted to congratulate Melanson for the speech.
Melanson violated the parliamentary rule against accusing another member of lying and later withdrew his comments. (CBC)
"I like it, I like it, I like it," Arseneault shouted to the applause of Liberal MLAs.
Coon said he didn't think the sharp partisan exchange was a sign the parties couldn't work together on a major issue like COVID-19.
"There's always lots of political theatre in the legislative assembly, and I think what you were seeing was political theatre. When the rubber hits the road, I think the political theatre will be put aside."
About the Author
98 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.David Amos
Methinks this circus get more entertaining by the hour these days N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Higgs has done such a good job even Marc uerite has gone into hiding !
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: droll, very droll !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks if you speak of the devil he is sure to appear N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Where's the next meeting ? And I expect Gauvin , Arsenault
will be attending. Plan B didn't work and Liberals have lost supporters
faster than a sheep being sheared in the sprintime loses it's wool.
Looks very Baaaaaadd for the Liberals. More than even Farmer Arsenault
would have answers to.
Lou Bell
Even Amos has more credibility than the Liberals ! Other than their " me first " agendas.
Donald Smith
Reply to @Lou Bell: lolololo
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks the lady doth jest too much The Fat Lady ain't singing until
March 20th and that is a eternity for your Hero Higgy In the "Mean" time
obviously I am enjoying the circus as usual N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks I have every right to say that you have no credibility
whatsoever. I would lay odds that you would be complaining more than I
am if your hero Higgy put a "Stay" on your Medicare Card and you had to
pay the emergency room bills and the the doctors fees out of pocket like
I am forced to do N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
Oh My MY Methinks somebody can't handle the awful truth in a replay to
someone who attacked me N'esy Pas?
John Pokiok
I can't believe that
Irving has bought every politician in this province this is crazy. This
budget only benefits the rich business owners nothing absolutely nothing
for working class. In a mist when everyone is asking for tax reform to
get heavy industry to pay their fair share this government gives them
break. Higgs is Irving man you have to be blind to not see it shame.
Dianne
MacPherson
Terry Hughes
Nessy paw this. It's a very good budget. Mr. Higgs is doing a good job. His solutions are not "plant a tree and all is well"
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Methinks you must work for Higgy or the Irving Clan or both N'esy Pas?
David Amos
I wonder what I am not permitted to read
David Amos
David Amos
Reply to @John Pokiok:
You didn't read the budget either.
Give it a rest !!!!
You didn't read the budget either.
Give it a rest !!!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @John
Pokiok: Meanwhile , Anglophones in NB who voted Liberal last election
have come to realize who they really represent. Never again . That 130
million dollar undisclosed giveaway will be the bee in the elephants
behind for the Liberals for decades to come.
David Webb NB
Reply to @Lou Bell: Nope, not the ones that were dyed red at birth
Bobby Burke
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: - Not necessarily so, but, nice “Job Security” work here.
If you can’t see that the Irving’s are destroying NB, then the Education
System continues to do it’s job, ...so very sad, by those who can see
this “ROBBERY”!
John
Pokiok
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: I read the budget small increase to welfare recepeints and
8.75% property tax reduction for Industry. My assessment went up how
about yours. Whats in it for working class?
Bobby Burke
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: - You must not have heard, or read, ...MILLIONS TO THE
GLUTTONOUS IRVING FAMILY, & pennies to The down trodden. Only if you
or a loved one works for the EMPIRE, can I understand your post.
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you need to learn to speak for yourself Trust that you have no
right whatsoever to speak for any other Anglophone in NB no matter which
political party they opt to support or no politician at all N'esy Pas?
Terry Hughes
Nessy paw this. It's a very good budget. Mr. Higgs is doing a good job. His solutions are not "plant a tree and all is well"
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Methinks you must work for Higgy or the Irving Clan or both N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Terry
Hughes: Methinks the awful truth is that Higgy has been the Premier for
18 months or so only because the PANB supported him. Now the Green Party
claim to hold the reigns of power which only proves my point that this
is quite a circus and the we get the governments we deserve when blindly
vote for political parties instead of people N'esy Pas?
Too Too Funny Indeed I doubt the Greens or the PANB will have as many seats as they now enjoy when the Fat Lady sings after the the next election. Nessy paw this
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
He said many people have lost trust in Premier Blaine Higgs and many lack confidence in Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers.
"I ask that you trust me," Coon said. "We have your back, New Brunswick."
Too Too Funny Indeed I doubt the Greens or the PANB will have as many seats as they now enjoy when the Fat Lady sings after the the next election. Nessy paw this
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
He said many people have lost trust in Premier Blaine Higgs and many lack confidence in Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers.
"I ask that you trust me," Coon said. "We have your back, New Brunswick."
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Your wish was my command but I doubt that you will get to read it
David Amos
I wonder what I am not permitted to read
David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks lots of folks are just like me and sincerely wish that the comments others did not go "Poof" N'esy Pas? I read the news today Did you?? If Not Go figure
From The Associated Press, updated at 7:30 a.m. ET
"China, where the virus emerged late last year, still accounts for more than 60 per cent of global infections. But on Friday it reported just eight new cases and seven deaths. More than 64,000 people have been released from hospitals.
With China's caseload slowing, the government was helping other countries with its expertise. A Chinese medical crew was heading to Italy and surplus supplies were sent to Iran."
"China reported just 8 cases of the coronavirus on Friday, with no new domestic infections outside the epicentre of Hubei province"
"South Korea reported 114 new cases and was near 8,000 overall. Officials said 177 patients were released from hospitals, making Friday the first day recoveries outnumbered new infections since the country's first patient was confirmed on Jan. 20."
Lou Bell
Kinda hard to vote against a budget that everyone likes ! And I suspect there's not an UNDISCLOSED 130 million dollar giveaway hidden somewhere after it's approval !!
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Speak for yourself Methinks I may not be a part of Trudeau The Younger's
beloved "Peoplekind" but I don't like Higgy's budget nor do many other
folks you don't like N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Polls are NOT a virus ! Time to man up and admit it's not the Covid-19 responsible for their bailout of an election ! It's also become quite obvious who's running the Liberal Party ! Melanson and his SANB cohorts . A true leader would be making announcments like this
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you should not advise another to "man up" in light of the fact
that you can't do so yourself N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Polls or a virus may make you feel ill but at least you have a Medicare
Card yet make fun of the fact that I do not
Joe Rootliek
Hard to have an election around COVID - 19, could infect everyone at the polls.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: Methinks this latest virus scare is working out very well for
certain politicians and their banksters buddies N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Joe Rootliek: Not if e-voting were allowed. Vote from the comfort of your home or from anywhere in the world.
Paul Estey
Leaving the decision up to the Chief Medical Officer to call an election, when she doesnt even have a vote in the Legislatture??? What happened to the Leader of the Liberal Party who has the one calling for the vote to drop the House since before the budget was even presented. Sounds like the sitting members have taken decision making from their leader. Thats a first.
Joe Rootliek
Reply to @Paul Estey:
You trust what happens behind a computer. You cannot see where your
vote goes, you are only told where it goes.
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Estey:
Methinks according to the Canadian Constitution whereas the leader of
the Liberal Party cannot vote in the legislature because he has no seat
then it should not matter what Vicky says about anything in the media
because political parties have no standing in our Constitution N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Estey:
Methinks we are the ones with the true power These dudes are elected
only on a temporary basis to speak for us Nobody voted for Vicky. Hence
he has no more say as to whether the government should stand or fall
than you do N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
When will Canada and its provinces allow online voting? Online voting would:
1) Reduce the cost of elections drastically.
2) Allow almost instant results.
3) Allow elections to proceed despite disruptions like weather or pandemics.
4) It could allow polling of the electorate by plebiscite or referendum on any important issues.
Joe Rootliek
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: You trust what happens behind a computer. You cannot see where
your vote goes, you are only told where it goes.
Joe
Rootliek
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: The costs- you still have to hire technical support, virus
support, to make sure things are up and up.
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: And after your paper ballot goes into the ballot box or into
the scanner you have to TRUST that it is handled and recorded properly.
Do not be afraid of technology. An electronic voting system leaves an
auditable trail that can be verified by the political parties or judges
if necessary. Also bear in mind that many countries have already
adopted e-voting systems for a decade or more. If they can do it, why
can't we?
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: The government has its own IT department, so there really
would be no extra cost for tech support or virus support.
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: Speaking of trust, did you not follow what happened in the
last election where Gerry Lowe and Barry Ogden fought an expensive,
lengthy court battle over voter fraud? There were 71 voter
irregularities and Lowe won by 10 votes. More than 20 voters voted twice
and Court costs exceeded $400,000. E-voting would make double voting
impossible.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Cry me a river
Peter C. Shearer
Bahhhhhhhh something good coming from this virus... it's giving the greens and libs and excuse to vote for the budget and not cause an election that they would lose. Finally listened to the people of NB whp said we don't want an election yet.
David Amos
Reply to @Peter C. Shearer: Methinks not all the Feds think like you N'esy Pas?
Dan Armitage
Go ahead push an election . GOOD LUCK!
David Amos
Reply to @Dan Armitage: What will you do with no sports or circus to watch?
Yves Savoie
If the Liberals have to use Vickers as their leader, they are really going down the tank...
David Amos
Reply to @Yves Savoie: Methinks many would agree that they were always there N'esy Pas?
Yves Savoie
Look at the first picture, I think Melanson should see a doctor ASAP!
David Amos
Reply to @Yves
Savoie: At least Melanason has a Medicare Card Higgy is keeping the
"Stay" on mine so I have to pay for health care for no reason I will
ever understand.
Colin
Seeley
“ Socialism is the Philosophy of Failure “ -
Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill.
Michel
Forgeron
Reply to @Colin
Seeley: “The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerated
the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than
the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism: ownership
of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling private
power.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
David Amos
Reply to @Michel
Forgeron: Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up
essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve
neither Liberty nor Safety."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/green-leader-pc-budget-1.5496809
Unprecedented day in legislature as budget, carbon tax bills pass in 17 minutes
Green leader's vote was key to getting the budget passed and avoiding spring election
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 13, 2020 1:35 PM AT
All four party leaders, from left, Premier Blaine Higgs, People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin, Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers, and Green Leader David Coon, talked to reporters after the speedy passage of the budget. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
In a series of high-speed procedural votes, the New Brunswick legislature passed the Higgs government's budget Friday afternoon, clearing the way for politicians and civil servants to turn their full attention to the COVID-19 outbreak.
MLAs crammed what would normally take weeks of debate, committee sessions and votes into a 17-minute blitz that also passed the government's carbon-tax legislation.
But the most dramatic turn of events was a 24-0 vote in which the budget passed, guaranteeing there will be no provincial election this spring.
PC and People's Alliance MLAs were joined by Green Leader David Coon in voting for the motion. All Liberals, as well as Green members Kevin Arseneau and Megan Mitton and independent MLA Robert Gauvin, abstained.
He praised all MLAs for allowing the votes to move quickly and gave them a guarantee on an issue that first led the Opposition Liberals to push for an early election: health reforms announced and then cancelled in February.
"There's been a lot of angst created over the past few weeks and months over the 24-hour emergency care in these rural hospitals," he said.
"I want to set the record straight: there will be emergency services 24/7 in these hospitals, but we will be facing together what our challenges are in the health system. And I'm asking for the same co-operation that we've seen today to work together for solutions."
Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers told reporters the party abandoned its hard line against the budget because of the COVID-19 crisis.
"Today is a day for all of us to come together to ensure the health and safety of our citizens," he said.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin called it "a historic moment."
The vote on the carbon tax had to happen before April 1. Without it passing, the higher federal carbon tax would have remained in effect in New Brunswick.
The legislature promptly adjourned so that Higgs could take part in a conference call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the other Canadian premiers.
PC house leader Glen Savoie said the house will return Tuesday as planned but added the weekend would give officials the chance to sort out what has to happen next.
That, and the rushed carbon-tax vote, suggests the house may not sit beyond Tuesday.
Coon's decision pivotal
The budget vote became a foregone conclusion Friday morning when Coon said he would not vote against it.Coon said there are elements of the budget that represent "progress," and he wanted to see them passed so that his party can use its newfound leverage in the legislature to improve them and push for more.
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
Coon says there are elements in the PC budget that have potential and he hopes they can be improved upon. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
"I know many have lost trust in Premier Higgs, and many lack confidence in [Liberal leader] Kevin Vickers. … I ask that you trust me. We have your back, New Brunswick."
Shortly after his announcement, Coon and the other three party leaders in the legislature huddled to discuss accelerating the budget vote. Negotiations dragged on from around noon to just after 2 p.m.
One item of business that might need to come before MLAs on Tuesday is legislation to postpone municipal elections scheduled for May 11.
Chief electoral officer Kim Poffenroth issued a statement Friday saying that given the elections will require hundreds of thousands of people to vote in polling stations staffed by thousands of election workers, "there are obvious concerns over public safety."
She said there is no "easy solution" to reduce the risk of infection but that under the Local
Governance Act she doesn't have the power to postpone the vote without the legislature passing amendments.
About the Author
79 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks it all over but the crying now and Higgy's circus will go on for another year. I have no doubt that the EUB will say OK to "Not So Smart" Meters in short order and allow NB Power will get to spend another 100 million loonies we cannot afford N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks the most telling thing to me about the vote was that Bobby Baby Gauvin was not man enough to keep his word and vote against his old buddy Higgy N'esy Pas?
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks that I am glad you are not voting on the budget. Seriously
man, voting against it would have been provincial suicide!
David Amos
Reply to @Joe Campbell: Dream on
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Amos: Oh right, province is already on the suicide train!
Matt Steele
It looks like the Green Party has been looking at possible election dates if they force an early election , and have realised that an early election could happen in June when the University students are away . Two of the Green Party MLAs owe their being elected to University students in both Fredericton and Sackville ; so if an election happened to fall during the summer University break , then say goodbye to at least TWO of the Green MLAs . Of course , the Green Party is trying to portray their decision as if they are concerned over the public , when they are actually concerned over keeping their high paying jobs , and banking time for their gold plated pension . Lots of SPIN going on there for sure .
DJ Redfern
Reply to @Matt Steele:
Once again Mr. Steele you have stated this very well, certainly mirrors "my take" on the Greens.....
Once again Mr. Steele you have stated this very well, certainly mirrors "my take" on the Greens.....
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks everybody knows the Greens will never win in Kent County again N'esy Pas?
Kelly Alder
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Bang In Mittons riding. She made sure (along with her
environmental warriors) to make sure to grab well into the 90% rate of
the mta student vote. And the fact no one actually verified wether or
not the student was even living in the riding long enough to be eligible
didn’t help either.
Pierre LaRoches
Mr Coon just saved Vickers a butt kicking. Plus we all know the Greens have no money for an election right now.
David Amos
Reply to @Pierre
LaRoches: Methinks many folks would agree that all the Party Leaders
just saved the seats for their butts to park in as they ride on the
Gravy Train for another year N'esy Pas?
Matthew Smith
Reply to @David Amos:
telling as well, N'esy Pas, that you keep trying to join that self same
gravy train? Methinks you'll have the same results everytime
Paul Burgoin
Reply to @Pierre
LaRoches: If the Greens are needed to topple ,well money in politics has
a mysterious way of appearing in coffers at the right time when needed!
David Amos
Reply to @Matthew Smith: Why is it that I feel honoured that you hate me?
Josef Blow
Reply to @David Amos: Dave, you deserve empathy instead of hate. Poor boy.
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