Higgs's rationale for no-snap-election deal is flawed, says political expert

---------- Original message ----------
From: "Higgs, Premier Blaine (PO/CPM)" <Blaine.Higgs@gnb.ca>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 23:04:24 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks Higgs's rationale for a
snap-election was flawed bigtime N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

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---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:04:18 -0300
Subject: Methinks Higgs's rationale for a snap-election was flawed
bigtime N'esy Pas?
To: oldmaison@yahoo.com, Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca, chris@duffie.ca,
ron.tremblay2@gmail.com, aadnc.minister.aandc@canada.ca,
jake.stewart@gnb.ca, andre@jafaust.com, rick.desaulniers@gnb.ca,
kris.austin@gnb.ca, michelle.conroy@gnb.ca, "David.Coon"
<David.Coon@gnb.ca>, elizabeth.may@parl.gc.ca, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)"
<megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)"
<kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, "Kevin.Vickers" <Kevin.Vickers@gnb.ca>,
Kevin.leahy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, Dale.Morgan@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, "dan.
bussieres" <dan.bussieres@gnb.ca>, "serge.rousselle"
<serge.rousselle@gnb.ca>, "greg.byrne" <greg.byrne@gnb.ca>,
"Jack.Keir" <Jack.Keir@gnb.ca>, "tyler.campbell"
<tyler.campbell@gnb.ca>, "jeff.carr" <jeff.carr@gnb.ca>,
bob.atwin@nb.aibn.com, jjatwin@gmail.com, markandcaroline
<markandcaroline@gmail.com>, sheppardmargo@gmail.com,
jordan.gill@cbc.ca, "steve.murphy" <steve.murphy@ctv.ca>, "David.Akin"
<David.Akin@globalnews.ca>, Newsroom <Newsroom@globeandmail.com>,
carolyn.bennett@parl.gc.ca, "Jody.Wilson-Raybould"
<Jody.Wilson-Raybould@parl.gc.ca>, "Furey, John" <jfurey@nbpower.com>,
"David.Lametti" <David.Lametti@parl.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>,
"Nathalie.Drouin" <Nathalie.Drouin@justice.gc.ca>, "jan.jensen"
<jan.jensen@justice.gc.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, premier
<premier@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "blaine.higgs"
<blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>,
"Ross.Wetmore" <Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca>, "Shane.Fowler"
<Shane.Fowler@cbc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, "PETER.MACKAY"
<PETER.MACKAY@bakermckenzie.com>, "Katie.Telford"
<Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, postur <postur@for.is>, postur
<postur@fjr.stjr.is>

https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies




David Raymond Amos‏ @DavidRayAmos

Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others

Methinks I should not have been surprised to see the VERY CORRUPT CBC block me in Facebook just like they do in Twitter and in the very domain we all pay for with our tax dollars N'esy Pas?

https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/08/higgss-rationale-for-no-snap-election.html

 #nbpoli #cdnpoli

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/provincial-election-covid-19-1.5691769

CBC's Facebook Live answers questions about provincial election

Do you have questions about the election on Sept. 14? We have answers

CBC News · Posted: Aug 19, 2020 10:44 AM AT



CBC provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras and Radio-Canada political analyst Michelle LeBlanc answer audience questions about the New Brunswick election. 52:32

Wondering about next month's provincial election and why it's happening?

CBC New Brunswick hosted a Facebook Live on Wednesday to answer voters' questions about the September election.

The Facebook Live was moderated by CBC New Brunswick reporter Elizabeth Fraser, who posed questions to provincial affairs reporter Jacques Poitras and Radio Canada political analyst Michelle LeBlanc.

Poitras and LeBlanc are co-hosts of the political podcast Spin Reduxit.

On Monday, Premier Blaine Higgs called a provincial election for Sept. 14, the first Canadian election to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

46 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.

Toby Tolly
poitras or leblanc = sanb?
transparency?   

David Amos
Content disabled 
Methinks they will block me in Facebook just like they do in Twitter N'esy Pas?

Lou Bell 
Spin Reduxit ? Spin alright ! 

BINGO
Your account has been banned until September 3, 2020. Reason: We have banned this account for 15 days because we believe it is in violation of our Terms of Use. For more information, please visit: http://cbc.ca/submissions.




https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-premier-blaine-higgs-no-election-agreement-flawed-1.5685109

Higgs's rationale for no-snap-election deal is flawed, says political expert

Three byelections must be held this fall

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Aug 13, 2020 2:50 PM AT



Green MLA Kevin Arseneau says its wrong to say there are just two options on the table, election or a deal. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

The four main political parties were back for a second day of closed-door meetings Thursday that are purportedly about a high-stakes, black-and-white choice: whether an early provincial election will happen.

But the stark dilemma being presented this week may not be that stark — and may not even be that much of a dilemma.

"One thing that is very important to realize is that there's not two options here," Green MLA Kevin Arseneau said on his way in to the meeting. "It's not an election or a deal. That's like a false dilemma that's been invented."

And one expert says the premise underlying Premier Blaine Higgs's rationale for the talks is flawed.
Higgs says he wants all four parties in the legislature to agree to a no-snap-election promise by Friday or he'll be forced to call one, because this summer and its COVID-19 lull is the best window for a provincial campaign.

Higgs argues that he could be removed from power as early as this fall without New Brunswickers having a chance to vote — a misleading claim, according to one of Canada's top authorities on the Westminster parliamentary system.

"It would be very odd for that to happen at this stage," says Philippe Lagassé, a professor at Carleton University.


Prof. Philippe Lagassé said it would be very odd for Premier Blaine Higgs to be removed from power as early as this fall if the Liberal were to win three byelections. (Courtesy of Philippe Lagassé)

After the September 2018 election gave no party a majority, Liberal Premier Brian Gallant stayed in power for six weeks, until he lost a confidence vote in early November. Higgs and the Progressive Conservatives were then sworn in without a new election.

Higgs has suggested that could happen again this fall.

Byelections must go ahead this fall in the ridings of Saint Croix and Shediac Bay-Dieppe, and a third will be required in Sussex-Fundy-St. Martin's, where the sitting MLA plans to retire.

If the Liberals won all three, they'd have 23 MLAs compared to 20 for the PCs.

"We know that that would be a change in government," Higgs said at his nominating convention last Saturday. "I don't think that would be any doubt that that would happen."

And he said that would happen without all provincial voters getting a say.

"Do we allow three byelections … [to] decide on the future of our government and the path we've been on as a province?" he said. "Or do we say we want all 49 ridings to be part of that decision?"

Voters must have say

In fact, given the traditions and conventions of the parliamentary system, it's almost inconceivable the Liberals would get to take power without voters getting a say province-wide.

If the PCs lost a confidence vote, Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy would almost certainly not swear in the Liberals without an election first.

"It would be very much against how custom and convention typically operate in Canada, particularly if the premier wasn't in agreement with it," Lagassé said.
 

Higgs told those attending his nomination convention that a change in government could happen without all provincial voters getting a say. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

The lieutenant-governor has the latitude to refuse a new election within six to 12 months of the last one, Lagassé said, if another party in the legislature has a realistic shot of forming a government that can win confidence.

That's what happened in 2018 when Higgs took power.

Indeed, Gallant recognized that reality and didn't even ask the lieutenant-governor for a new election. He instead recommended that she ask Higgs to govern.

2 years since election

But if the Liberals were to defeat Higgs in the house this fall — not a sure thing, given they'd need at least one other party voting with them to do it — it will have been more than two years since an election.

That makes it hard to imagine a change in government without an election.

• Premier Higgs warns little flexibility on Friday deadline to avoid fall election

• David Coon skeptical of Premier Blaine Higgs's 4-party deal to avoid fall election

An added reason why Vickers would not be able to form a government without an election is that his party, under Gallant, already had its shot to govern during the life of this legislature.

"That further cements the idea of how many governments you're going to have in a single legislature without going back to the electorate?" Lagassé said.

If Higgs lost a confidence vote, he would have the right to ask for an election and Murphy would be required by precedent to agree.

Higgs said Wednesday that if an election is going to happen, it's better to do it now, which is why he says he's pushing the parties to make a deal by Friday.

• Higgs proposes deal to avoid general election until 2022 or end of COVID-19 pandemic

"I'm looking at a window here," he said. "We'd say if we're going to have an election, we're not going to keep talking about this for the next month, or two weeks, or three weeks."

Vickers said Wednesday that the premier's deal-or-election ultimatum is a sign he's not "negotiating in good faith" and is really just looking for a pretext to go the polls.

"Should you call an election, that is your decision and your decision alone," Vickers said in a prepared text given to reporters.

The negotiations are scheduled to continue all day Thursday and into Friday.

About the Author

Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit. 

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

99 Comments

Commenting is now closed for this story.

David Amos
Methinks "political experts" make some of the best clowns in Higgy's circus but the Green Meanies take the cake N'esy Pas? 








David Amos
A false dilemma??? Too Too Funny

"One thing that is very important to realize is that there's not two options here," Green MLA Kevin Arseneau said on his way in to the meeting. "It's not an election or a deal. That's like a false dilemma that's been invented."


Lou Bell 

Reply to @David Amos: Dilemma alright ! Does Arsenault reveal he's an back door SANB Liberal or continue running as an uncommitted Green ? We know what Gauvins true colours always were ! Same as Arsenault !

David Amos 

Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you must have enough clues between your ears to understand that a dilemma is a dilemma for the former SANB boss and that is no such thing as a false one N'esy Pas?

Jos Allaire 

Reply to @Lou Bell: I see that you are obsessed with the SANB, grosse bee got!

Jos Allaire 

Reply to @David Amos: I think you are giving Lou Dumbell too much credit.

David Amos 

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Welcome back to the circus Maggie

Lou Bell 

Reply to @David Amos: Ah yes , the reincarnation of poor Maggie ! And we also know who Marc is now . With an Anglophone name to boot !

Jason Inness
I think Higgs has done a pretty good job. However, this is a disturbing trend that he is always looking for more power. He doesn't seem to consult his caucus on important decisions (i.e. the ER Closures), he wanted more power legislated into the EM Act (and backed down when he couldn't get the votes to pass it), and now he wants the opposition to declare two years of support for his government. If this is how he acts with a minority, can he really be trusted with a majority government?


Jos Allaire 

Reply to @Jason Inness: I agree with you on everything except the first sentence.

David Amos 

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Methinks Maggie by any other name is like moth to flame N'esy Pas?

Lou Bell 

Reply to @Jason Inness: Can the SANB Liberals be trusted any at all ? See their UNDISCLOSED 130 million dollar giveaway of taxpayers money !!! Obviously they can't !!!!!!!!

Al Borland
If Higgs were to send Cardy packing back to the N D P , Greens, or Liberals where he belongs then he'd gain my vote. Otherwise, let's hope the P A N B do well.


David Amos 

Reply to @Al Borland: Now thats funny. Methinks you PANB people should Google Cardy Higgs and butter tarts ASAP N'esy Pas?

Peter Baxter
Inconceivable.....
Very much against tradition....
Like Brian Gallant refusing to step aside when he did not have the most seats!

So ... we know......inconceivable and very much against tradition ...are trade marks of the Liberals !
"It would be very much against how custom and convention typically operate in Canada" ,...yep...that describes what Brian did....only two years ago...in a nutshell


David Amos 

Reply to @Peter Baxter: You understand that it is just a circus?

Fred Brewer
I smell desperation coming from the PC camp.


David Amos 

Reply to @Fred Brewer: Me Too

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/robert-gauvin-election-former-deputy-premier-1.5690535

Former PC cabinet minister runs for Liberals in Shediac Bay-Dieppe

Robert Gauvin was deputy premier and minister of tourism in Blaine Higgs's cabinet until quitting

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Aug 18, 2020 11:47 AM AT



Robert Gauvin will run in the riding once held by former premier Brian Gallant.  (Michel Corriveau/Radio-Canada)

Former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister Robert Gauvin has completed his defection from the party and will run as a Liberal candidate in the provincial election.

Gauvin will run for the Liberals in Shediac Bay-Dieppe, the riding once held by former premier Brian Gallant.

"I feel liberated. I am Liberal!" he declared at an announcement with leader Kevin Vickers Tuesday morning.

Gauvin, elected in 2018 as the Progressive Conservative MLA for Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou and named deputy premier by Blaine Higgs, quit the cabinet in February over the government's proposed hospital reforms that would have closed six emergency departments at night.

• Blaine Higgs calls New Brunswick election for Sept. 14, despite pandemic

Higgs cancelled the plan within days of it being announced, but by then Gauvin had quit the party to sit as an independent MLA. 

Gauvin is the son of the late Jean Gauvin, a top minister in the PC government of Richard Hatfield and was the only francophone in Higgs's government.

He ran in Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou, the area his father represented, despite living in the Dieppe area. He said Tuesday he's running closer to home now for "family reasons."

Vickers had planned to run in a pending byelection in Shediac Bay-Dieppe, but with a general election now called for Sept. 14, he will run in his hometown of Miramichi instead.

At a campaign appearance happening at the same time as Gauvin's, Higgs shrugged off his former ally's switch to the Liberals.


The decision to call an election came after four party leaders failed to reach an agreement on keeping Higgs in power for two more years. 1:35

"That's a decision that Mr. Gauvin made," he said. "He's obviously looked at the opportunities for him. … Walking away — it wouldn't be the first time."

Higgs promised Tuesday morning that no hospital emergency departments will close if his government is re-elected, extending a commitment he made in March to cover a possible new four-year mandate.

He thanked New Brunswickers for "speaking up and challenging" the PC health reforms in February.

"That's how a strong democracy works," he said.

About the Author

Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit. 

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|

236Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.




David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al are well aware that I am overjoyed by the fact that Mr Gauvin donned a red coat and opted to remain in the circus N'esy Pas?









David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise 


Josef Blow
Reply to @David Amos: Just when you thought you were having a good day, along comes the Beard.


David Amos 

Content disabled

Reply to @Josef Blow: Methinks you are just jealous that you can't grow one worth talking about N'esy Pas?

Jim Cyr
He's an opportunistic disgrace to all Acadians.


David Amos 

Reply to @Jim Cyr: Methinks many Acadians appreciate his skills as a comedian so they should keep the clown in the circus N'esy Pas?

David Stairs
these guys will do anything to guarantee the golden pension....say one thing to get votes and then follow whatever party line there is...it's disgusting...


David Amos 

Reply to @David Stairs: Methinks it par for the course that all politicians and public employees play N'esy Pas?

Johnny Almar
This is enough reason to ditch the Liberal party.

Vickers will probably lose in Miramichi because the PA has a well liked and respected MLA there already.

Insiders have balked at Vickers’ poor social skills and overall snobiness.

Al Borland

Reply to @Johnny Almar: Let's hope the People's Alliance replace the Liberals as the official opposition. I see good things in the future for New Brunswick. A level of unity and pride that we haven't had for a long time.

Janice small

Reply to @Johnny Almar: Thie is nothing exciting about Vickers, poor people skills,, no experience in gouvernment reminds of my grandfather when he talks, little no no charisma and really knows nothing about being Premier.. Just like Gallant,, but that's what the party wants a soft gumby who they can twist and bend and make him tow the party line.. God forsaken if they had somebody with a voice and an opinion..

David Amos 

Reply to @Johnny Almar: Imagine me agreeing with you. Methinks amazing things never cease N'esy Pas?

David Amos 

Reply to @Al Borland: Dream on

Luke Armstrong
Shediac Bay - Dieppe...do you they ever elect anyone but Liberals?


val harris 

Reply to @Luke Armstrong: No and it shows they know what they are doin. Well done Shediac

Ray Oliver 

Reply to @Luke Armstrong: French name, the vote is yours. Doesn't matter what kind of human garbage it is

Josef Blow 

Reply to @Ray Oliver: Pretty nasty language there, Mr. Oliver ! I'm surprised CBC would, in this very situation, allow "human garage" such as that to which you so gingerly refer, to publish such offensive gibberish.

Ray Oliver

Reply to @Josef Blow: Did I hurt your feelings? Awww

Ray Oliver

Reply to @Josef Blow: Whats a human garage? I'm confused. If you're gonna go all moral police on someone get the nasty bits right at least, precious Mr blow

Greg Windsor

Reply to @val harris: well that is certainly where the money is being pumped into....

Josef Blow 

Reply to @Ray Oliver: A gallant effort Ray, but you'"ll need to eat a few more Wheaties to get up to speed. I'll sip my Red Rose waiting for your arrival … ah, I'll make a pot. Lots of time … And, my feelings are damaged … but I'll make it. Ne pas worry.

Ray Oliver

Reply to @Josef Blow: A "Gallant" effort. Perfect candidate for Shediac. Maybe prop one up like weekend at Bernies, he/she would win every time. Be about as useful too

Jeff Leblanc

Reply to @Ray Oliver: just mute this new guy who seems to be a condescending jerk. Thats what I'm doing. Then him and David Amos and Marc Martin can all play together in the sandbox with nobody' to bother them

David Amos  

Reply to @Josef Blow: Imagine me agreeing with you. Methinks amazing things never cease N'esy Pas?

Brian Robertson

It's always been us and them.
The French always vote Liberal, so we either concede to them of vote Conservative.


Jeff LeBlanc 

Reply to @Brian Robertson: or...and here me out, you could vote purple. Then one day, not this election cycle or even next, but one day they might get enough seats to be a viable alternative. We will never know unless we give it a shot.

Dan Lee 

Reply to @Brian Robertson:
What is it with you quys ..the french this ....the french that.......

Jeff LeBlanc 

Reply to @Dan Lee: well I mean come on. In NB the French are quite vocal and tend to be catered to by the main 2 parties who need the votes. And that rubs the great silent majority the wrong way. Used to bother me too but I've come to accept it will never change. Your food will taste better and the air will be fresher when you realize that sad fact.

Dan Lee 

Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: bahahahaha.......yea...... bahahaha...........

Josef Blow 

Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: So, you appear to equate "Purple" (such a noble colour for such a petty party) with "Green", (as in the expression, "The grass is always greener on the other side".

Someone once told me that the reason why the grass is likely "greener on the other side", is because that is where the septic tank is … . I think the idea fits the bill here.

Jeff LeBlanc 

Reply to @Josef Blow: the only way the grass would be greener near the septic tank would be it it was leaking

Natalie Pugh 

Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: We need to, now more than ever, force the change! Our children and grandchildren have been placed second best simply for not being able to speak a language that is fading away. After all what are the true stats of those who are unilingual french in NB....3%?? It's not about culture and never was. It's control over the job market and nothing else.

David Amos

Reply to @Brian Robertson: Methinks you should explain to folks real slow why lots of French folks voted for Mr Gauvin in the last election or all the other Conservatives they have elected in the past particularly under the mandates of Hatfield, Lord and even Alward N'esy Pas?

Brian Robertson 

Reply to @David Amos:
I think you should explain this bizarre idiom you have adopted as some kind a signature preamble and postscript to all your comments.
But, in the fullness of time and the plethora of my posts, you will find the answers to your query.
It would be redundant of me to repeat it merely at your request.

Eric Plexe
Robert Gauvin would not be the only political opportunist to change parties as Dominic Cardy was formerly the leader of the NB NDP.

Mack Leigh

Reply to @Eric Plexe:
It is not about political conviction, ethics or strength of character but all about what Gauvin can benefit from this move..

Terry Tibbs

Reply to @Mack Leigh:
Much the same as Mr Cardy then..............

David Amos 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks Minister Cardy won't miss having to share his butter tarts with the former Deputy Premier as his former conservative cohort Mr Duffie challenges him for his seat N'esy Pas?

Lou Bell
Now all we need is for Arsenault to admit his also being another SANB Liberal .


David Amos  

Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you forgot that when the liberals didn't want him to run for them last time he snubbed Higgy et al and ran for the Green Meanies instead N'esy Pas?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-gerry-lowe-2020-saint-john-harbour-1.5690877

'Not my piece of cake': Liberal Gerry Lowe not running again in Saint John Harbour

Former city councillor said he missed direct contact with people as an MLA

CBC News · Posted: Aug 18, 2020 5:10 PM AT



Gerry Lowe said he will not as the Liberal candidate in Saint John Harbour in the upcoming provincial election. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

Gerry Lowe announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in Saint John Harbour, saying he came to that conclusion early on as a member of the Liberal caucus.

"It's just not my piece of cake," Lowe, who was elected two years ago, said in an interview.

In a post on his Facebook page, he said: "After much consideration early in my term, I realized that I had made a gigantic mistake, leaving Saint John council and entering an area where I lacked direct contact with the people."

An election has been called for Sept. 14, only two years into the government of Progressive Conservative Blaine Higgs.

Lowe joins Liberals Brian Kenny in Bathurst West-Beresford and Cathy Rogers in Moncton South, who have also decided not to run again for seats in the legislature.
 
On the PC side, Carl Urquhart, the public safety minister who represented York, Bruce Northrup in Sussex and Stewart Fairgrieve in Carleton aren't running.

Lowe told CBC News that he enjoyed working in his riding on his issues of homelessness and better housing, but he didn't like the other part of his job as an MLA.

"Once you get to Fredericton, everything is a different world," he said. "It's such a waste of time up there, and it's so political.

"You don't get to the problems ... . Problems are solved directly when you're around here."

Lowe said being a business agent for a union for 21 years and spending five years on city council showed him problems could get resolved locally.

"Going there was a whole different world," he said of his switch to provincial politics in 2018.

• Liberal MLA Lowe still mulling over his budget vote

• Saint John Harbour MLA Gerry Lowe considers return to municipal politics

Lowe, who beat Progressive Conservative candidate Barry Ogden by 10 votes and survived a court challenge of the result, said he was warned by some people he wouldn't like provincial politics.

"Turns out they were right."

Lowe said everything he did as an MLA was in the best interests of the people. Among other things, he cited his vote to lift the moratorium on shale gas exploration in the Sussex area.

"My belief was that, if we had enough gas, we could reverse the LNG terminal to ship gas out, which would allow a greater assessed value for tax purposes in Saint John."

• Judge won't throw out tight Saint John Harbour election result

• Tight election may delay votes to fill vacant council seats

As MLA, Lowe also brought forward a motion calling for a closer look at shifting the property tax burden away from private citizens and "back onto the shoulders of those who have enough political power to avoid paying their fair share."

But at hearings in Fredericton before the legislature's law amendments committee, Lowe said, the majority of presenters were against any changes to taxes.

Lowe said the Liberals made the right decision when they pulled out of negotiations with Higgs on Friday that would have delayed a provincial election for two years or until the pandemic was over.


Gerry Lowe said he may consider running for city council again. (CBC)

"If we had stayed, the only option allowed to us would have been for the Conservatives to act as majority government with absolutely no opposition from any other party. This is not a democracy."

Lowe said the Liberals have a good chance of beating Progressive Conservatives in all four Saint John-area ridings.

• Profile
  Riding spotlight: Why Saint John Harbour is one to watch

He also said he liked having a minority government, which is what Higgs has had.

Having four different parties bringing their ideas forward is a better way of getting things done, Lowe said.

He said he's not sure what he will do next but he's on a few committees to keep him busy and will consider running for a seat on Saint John city council again.

"It will depend who's running. We'll see when the time comes."

With files from Connell Smith

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices





45 Comments 
Commenting is now closed for this story.





David Amos
Content disabled  
Pure D BS






David Amos
Content disabled 
Need I say BS??? 


Ray Oliver
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: Are you referring to your own life?










Janice small
Gerry knew full well what he signed up for and you can play dumb as you wish!! Good riddance from the party and Saint John can have him back.. A moody individual..


David Amos 

Reply to @Janice small: I concur

George Smith
Gerry will stand toe to toe with you in a heated argument and later he'll be on your side arguing for you and helping you out. Just a great guy to have on your side and not one to hold an argument against you. Always available if I call and ready to help or give advice. Welcome Back Gerry. You're good for Saint John and we're glad to have you working for us. Not a voice to leave on the back benches.


Janice small

Reply to @George Smith: Gerry is out for Gerry ,,, and he plays this well...

David Amos  

Content disabled 
Reply to @George Smith: Yea Right

Bud Gardiner 

Reply to @George Smith: Couldn't agree more. Gerry's a stand-up guy who will tell it like it is - whether you like what he says or not. His method of operation doesn't work well with those politicians who will say what they think people want to hear. A straight shooter who is welcomed back to SJ with open arms.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/liberal-caucus-general-election-1.5686266

Longest-serving Liberal MLA hopes for general election, despite talks to delay one

'Our caucus is not representing the whole province, but in an election everybody will have a say: yes or no'

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Aug 14, 2020 10:46 AM AT



Liberal MLA Denis Landry said he would rather go to an election that wait until the fall of 2022. (Jacques Poitras/CBC News)

The longest-serving Liberal member of the legislature says he'd prefer to trigger a general election than sign a two-year ceasefire with the Progressive Conservative minority government.

"I would rather like to go to an election," Denis Landry told activist Jefferson George Wright, who was buttonholing politicians Friday morning as they arrived for a third day of negotiations.

"Our caucus is not representing the whole province, but in an election everybody will have a say: yes or no."

That's not the position articulated by Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers, who says Higgs should not call an election.

• Negotiations to postpone New Brunswick early election continue

Landry was first elected in 1995 and has been an MLA for all but four years ever since. He's is serving as leader of the Official Opposition in the legislature because Vickers does not have a seat.

Asked by reporters if the Liberal caucus will support Vickers whatever he decides on signing a deal, Landry said, "I wouldn't say no or yes. I'm going to tell you why: we're working as a team and the leader will go with what the caucus decides."

Jacques Poitras

@poitrasCBC

·

Aug 14, 2020

Replying to @poitrasCBC

FULL STORY on Landry's comments:

Longest-serving Liberal MLA hopes for general election, despite talks to delay one | CBC News

The longest-serving Liberal member of the legislature says he’d prefer to trigger a general election than sign a two-year ceasefire with the Progressive Conservative minority government.

cbc.ca

Jacques Poitras

@poitrasCBC

NEW: Liberal MLA Isabelle Thériault arrives for decisive party caucus meeting.

12:04 PM · Aug 14, 2020

The Liberal caucus is scheduled to meet at noon. Vickers said last night he'll stay in the talks until he gets direction from his MLAs.

Landry made the comments as he, Vickers and party staffer Greg Byrne arrived around 9 a.m.

Vickers acknowledged Thursday night there were "reservations and concerns" within his caucus about the negotiations with Premier Blaine Higgs.


Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers said there are reservations and concerns among Liberal caucus members, (Shane Fowler/CBC)

Vickers wouldn't say whether he's optimistic there will be a deal today, which is the deadline established by Higgs.

"We're here in good faith," he said.

Avoiding early election 

Higgs sent a letter to the three opposition parties Monday asking them to to agree to avoid forcing an early election until the scheduled date in October 2022 or until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Higgs has been hinting for weeks that he would trigger a campaign, justifying the threat by saying the province needs stability to manage the pandemic and continue restarting the economy.

The agreement would include a promise by the other parties to not defeat the Progressive Conservative minority government on confidence and supply votes such as the budget and trigger a campaign.


Premier Blaine Higgs speaks to reporters on Day 2 of negotiations to have all four parties agree to postpone an early election call to October 2022. (Shane Fowler/CBC)

In return, Higgs, whose approval ratings in polls have been at record highs, would also not call an election until 2022.

The premier said he wants a deal by the scheduled end of the talks on Friday because the coming weeks are the best "window" for an election if one has to happen, with the province in a relative lull with COVID-19 ahead of a possible second wave.

Mathematically, Higgs doesn't need the Liberals to be part of a deal for him to stay in power for two more years. The votes of the Greens and the Alliance would be enough.

But he said Thursday night that he needed all four parties to be part of any deal.

Activist urges for byelection to go ahead 

On Friday morning, Wright, a Saint Johner whose email address identifies him with the "UFO Party," politely urged the politicians arriving for the meetings to stand up for democracy.

He said three looming byelections should go ahead this fall.

"It seems there is the long-term planning of a tyranny in place," he said. "I just mean a government that is more happy to control us than to be free."


Saint John Activist Jefferson George Wright, spoke to the three Green MLAs, People's Alliance leader Kris Austin and Vickers and Landry in Fredericton Friday morning about triggering an election. (Jacques Poitras/CBC News)

Wright protested the postponement of municipal elections at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday morning he spoke to the three Green MLAs, People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin, Vickers and Landry.

"I was treated with dignity and respect," Wright said. "My heart feels pure. I spoke truth to people. I received from those politicians truthful answers back. It seemed like I was understood, so this was nothing but a miraculous success for me."

About the Author

Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit. 

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

103 Comments

Commenting is now closed for this story.





David Amos
"I would rather like to go to an election," Denis Landry told activist Jefferson George Wright"

Surprise Surprise Surprise 










Mac Isaac
Besides being polite to this "activist", how can he seriously expect much support for a "U.F.O." party. This isn't an issue about believing in U.F.O.s, but about integrity in the election process...such a party denigrates the democratic process as much as the Rhino party and those of that ilk. My belief remains that since we're being well-served by Premier Higgs and his government, we should let well enough. I'm a Red l/Liberal and I cannot see how an expensive election at a time when we don't need one will serve anybody's interest, except possibly that of the P.C.s but who knows...lots can happen between the writ being dropped and election day!

 

David Amos

Reply to @Mac Isaac: Methinks you have the right o say what you wish about the UFO Party.However at least the dude in charge of the party is a raging success at getting on CBC and by simply recording his conversations with MLAs who would never talk to me or answer my emails since 2004 N'esy Pas?

Graham McCormack
Doesn't sound like the Liberals are there in good faith to me.


David Amos 

Reply to @Graham McCormack: Is anyone?

Leslie Russell
Would love to hear libs COVID plan before deciding who to vote for. Power is alluring but be careful what you wish for.


David Amos  

Reply to @Leslie Russell: Methinks the many folks who don't bother to vote agree that we always get the governments we deserve N'esy Pas?

Roy Kirk
Democracy? The unelected leader of a major party will contractually bind his elected members to abandon their role as Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition?!?
Only in NB, one hopes.


David Amos 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: Welcome back to the circus

Matthew Smith
"politicians are not born- they are excreted"- ( Cicero, d 43BC )


David Amos  

Reply to @Matthew Smith: Methinks that fact must justify all the BS N'esy Pas?

Roy Kirk

Reply to @Matthew Smith: The words of a man who watched a republic devolve into autocracy. On a more hopeful note, consider Burke:

"Certainly, Gentlemen, it ought to be the happiness and glory of a representative to live in the strictest union, the closest correspondence, and the most unreserved communication with his constituents. Their wishes ought to have great weight with him; their opinions high respect; their business unremitted attention. It is his duty to sacrifice his repose, his pleasure, his satisfactions, to theirs,—and above all, ever, and in all cases, to prefer their interest to his own.
But his unbiased opinion, his mature judgment, his enlightened conscience, he ought not to sacrifice to you, to any man, or to any set of men living. These he does not derive from your pleasure,—no, nor from the law and the Constitution. They are a trust from Providence, for the abuse of which he is deeply answerable. Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.

David Amos  

Reply to @Roy Kirk: Some say a dude named Burke said this as well

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke

James Risdon
UFO party? Now I'm intrigued. What are their policies and do they have candidates throughout the province?


David Amos  

Reply to @James Risdon: Methinks you should tell us us about your KISS Party first N'esy Pas?

Gerry Ferguson
Vickers is just looking for a pay cheque

James Risdon

Reply to @Gerry Ferguson: Aren't we all?

David Amos 

Reply to @James Risdon: Speak for yourself

Fred Dee
NB needs stability!!!


Roy Kirk

Reply to @Fred Dee: A rock at the bottom of a well is very stable.

  

James Risdon

Reply to @Fred Dee: NB needs to send me to the Senate.

And pizza. NB also needs pizza.

David Amos  

Reply to @James Risdon: Witty

Douglas James
Longest serving MLA who hasn't learned a thing about democracy. Municipal elections are needed before political opportunism on the provincial side.


David Amos  

Reply to @Douglas James: Methinks he is playing right on par for the course N'esy Pas?

randy doncaster
Vikcers wants an election so he can get started on his 4th Government Pension, right now he doesn't have seat.


David Amos 

Reply to @randy doncaster: Perhaps

Claude DeRoche
The Irving Boy can do better then that!
Vladimir Putin is in until 2032!


David Amos 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Don' bet on it

Lou Bell 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: The SANB Liberals , like Putin does , attempted to pilfer an UNDISCLOSED 130 million from the provincial coffers ! Can't blame him for wanting to keep them outta government !

Claude DeRoche
The CORservative Party needs a mandate to return more 100's of millions of dollars
in infrastructure to Ottawa destined to northern New Brunswick!

Jos Allaire

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Imagine that, a poor province like New Brunswick, refusing money from Ottawa!

Graham McCormack

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Imagine a poor province like New Brunswick having to match it dollar for dollar.

Jos Allaire 

Reply to @Graham McCormack: OK then, let the money go elsewhere. Tough!

David Amos

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Yup

Lou Bell 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Liberals would have used it for their Phonie Games ! Undisclosed of course !!

Lou Bell 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: The only ones who'd know about that would be the Liberals ! And Dom. of course ! And they've never put anything into the north in the past 2 decades , so it wouldn't start now ! But they did have 130 million to put into their Phonie Games !!!

Lou Bell

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: That money was destined for the Phonie Games fund by the Liberals !!

Lou Bell
As Landry stated , of course the Liberal caucus doesn't represent all of NB ! That has become very obvious ! It represents one particular group and that's it ! Pilfering 130 million of taxpayer money for one small group of people has made that obvious to everyone.

David Amos

Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks that dead horse you have been flogging dont' care anymore N'esy Pas?

Kat Jo  

Reply to @David Amos: I disagree, it shows the Liberal pattern of funneling taxpayer dollars.

Randy McNally

Reply to @Lou Bell: Let's stay focused on the present and gods forbid, maybe even the future

Luke Armstrong
I'm betting big that Premier Higgs stays on. For the sake of NB. Great little province!


David Amos 

Reply to @Luke Armstrong: Methinks it would not be wise to bet the farm N'esy Pas?

Kat Jo

Reply to @Luke Armstrong: I hope so too. The alternatives aren't good for this province.

Matt Smith
Hopefully le Parti acadien get hustling so that I have someone to vote for this fall. The liberals will not stand a chance if they ran candidates.


Al Borland 

Reply to @Matt Smith: Please consider the P A N B. Wouldn't it be great if our province stopped allowing politicians to d i v i d e us?

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Al Borland: PANB do not have much of a chance up here but le Parti acadien could finally bring new hope and prosperity to the area.

Jos Allaire

Both P A N B are a joke. They both divide us.

David Amos 

Content disabled

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Yup

Sarah Elizabeth

Reply to @Al Borland: The PANB literally has candidates who've made discriminatory comments towards francophones, such as stating that no francophone should be premiers in this province... why in the world would francophones vote for that?

Al Borland
Good, let's vote P A N B and get people who actually care about our province and uniting it in power. I know a lot of Francophones who are ready for a party that truly appreciates their heritage and the richness and uniqueness it brings to New Brunswick. One who appreciates it and isn't using it to d i v i d e and control voting. That party is the P A N B.


James Edward

Reply to @Al Borland: it's worth a shot. we know what we will get with the other ones.

Andrew Clarkson 

Reply to @Al Borland:
Don't Bogart that joint my friend!

Al Borland

Reply to @Andrew Clarkson: I don't understand what that means.

Jos Allaire 

Reply to @Al Borland: Which P A N B are you referring to, the People's Alliance of New Brunswick or Le Parti Acadien du Nouveau-Brunswick? - Both parties are divisive, if you ask me.

David Amos 

Reply to @Al Borland: Methinks some old folks such as I still remember the way Humphrey used to smoke his cigarettes N'esy Pas?

Donald Gallant
Send out the voting envelopes.

Enough of this foolishness.

Graham McCormack

Reply to @Donald Gallant: The last thing we need right now is a general election.

 

 

David Amos 

Reply to @Graham McCormack: I disagree

Roy Kirk
Hold the by-elections Mr. Higgs. And govern until 2022 or until you lose a confidence motion in the House. Stop trying to obstruct the proper functioning of the House by tying the hands of the opposition. The PC Party is, or should be, better than that.


Al Borland 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: The PC Party has really lost it's way. I like Blaine Higgs as a person, but he has terrible judgment and I think he's letting that socialist Cardy whisper in his ear too much. Don't trust Cardy, he's a strange man.

James Edward

Reply to @Roy Kirk: PC and Liberal or BLUEvsRED two sides of the same coin. Heads "they win" tails "they win".

Al Borland 

Reply to @Al Borland: And I don't feel badly about saying such nasty things about Cardy. He always has lots of v e n i m for anyone who dares to disagree with any of his e d i c t s. Is he the education minister or the health minister? It's h a r d to tell these days.

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: This whole ultimatum is to shutdown the liberal's talking point that Higgs wants an election. After today, the liberals intentions will be plain as day and they will be responsible for what happens.

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Matt Smith: A lovely theory, but in practice the only way the liberals could get a general election is by carrying a vote of non-confidence. If they did that, the general election that might result would be entirely on them. Instead we have Mr. Higgs threatening to call one himself, unless the loyal opposition agrees to abandon its role in the House. It stinks to high heavens.

Jos Allaire

Reply to @Al Borland: I don't like either.

David Amos 

Reply to @Jos Allaire: Nor I

Matt Steele 

It seems that the MLAs like Denis Landry who are confident in being re-elected want a general election ; and the MLAs like Coon , Austin , and Vickers want to avoid an election for fear of being rejected by the voters , and losing their place at the taxpayer funded trough. It is not hard to determine which MLAs truly believe in the democratic system , and which MLAs are only in politics to fill their own pockets .

Christopher Harborne

Reply to @Matt Steele: First off, Vickers has no seat, so I'm questioning the intention of your comments. As for avoiding an election - there's a public health crisis ongoing, in case you've missed that. Have you ever campaigned? It involves talking, to a LOT of people, going door to door, holding town halls, etc. If even one infected person meets a candidate, they could spread it to team members, other candidates, the general public, etc. That's why there's hesitance to hold an election.

I've given Higgs lots of credit for his COVID response and the way he worked with the Leg. This undoes a lot of that goodwill in my mind, this is just craven opportunism.  

David Amos

Reply to @Christopher Harborne: How many times has your name been on a ballot? 

 

Al Borland
Francophone or Anglophone, anyone who lives in rural New Brunswick (that's the majority of us) who votes for anyone other than the P A N B is making a mistake in my opinion. How many times can we vote for the same people who don't care about our rural way of life?


Al Borland 

Reply to @Al Borland: That's not to say that the P A N B won't care about the cities, it just means they might govern with both the cities and rural areas in mind. People in rural areas aren't against cities, they're where we work, shop, conduct our business, but we need people in power who understand the challenges unique to rural areas.

Matt Steele 

Reply to @Al Borland: .....If that is the case , then the PANB had better get a new leader as Kris Austin is doing everything he can to avoid an election . The big MLA pay cheque and expense account seems to mean more to Austin than anything else .

Al Borland 

Reply to @Matt Steele: That's unfortunate. I'd like to think it's because he wants to maintain the influence his party currently enjoys or that he's worried about being blamed for an election during a pandemic. I'd like to think it's for nobler reasons than his salary.

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Matt Steele: So not being selfish, working across party lines, and caring about the health of seniors in NB is seen as weakness in your eyes. Interesting.

Fred Brewer 

Reply to @Matt Smith: Trying to stay in power by offering bribes is perhaps the most selfish act I have seen in a long while there Mattie.

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Fred Brewer: The paramedics was a bribe?

Fred Brewer 

Reply to @Matt Smith: No. Higgy is offering Minister's positions to the opposition parties as a deal sweetener. That is probably the only reason they are still at the table discussing this absurd deal.

 

David Amos

Reply to @Fred Brewer: YUP

Jos Allaire 

Reply to @Al Borland: You are delusional if you believe that this party will work for Northern New Brunswick.

Sarah Elizabeth

Reply to @Al Borland: Cute joke. Meanwhile, a few of the candidates for the PANB have a known and public history of saying nasty things against francophones and their communities. No francophone in their right mind would vote for a single-issue party trying to work against their rights, especially a party who allows people who speak AGAINST francophones on a discriminatory level to act as voices and leaders for their platform as candidates.

Examples, such as Michael Griffin stating in these exact words: “There should be no more Francophone premiers in this province”, Doug Ellis going out of his way to purposely and hatefully call the Acadian flag a “banner”, Sharon Buchanan sharing nonsense offensive ads with her hate group masquerading themselves as a “anglo rights” group. The type of people running this group are the same types of people you see parading around in the US making fools of themselves because of their needs for “white and straight pride and rights”.

There's a reason why no one takes them seriously, and there's a reason why PANB supporters are viewed in the same light as Trumpers in this province.

 

Jos Allaire

Reply to @Sarah Elizabeth: I see that Lou DumBell would fit right in with this party! No wonder she supports CORservative Higgs.

Winston Gray

Reply to @Al Borland: “rural way of life” is code for “keep people out who don’t look like us and blame them for all our problems”

Matt Smith
So the back room liberals are stating that they want an election, confirming Vickers is just a figure head with no power or influence. Higgs has outed/aired the liberal's true intentions that they want an election even if it costs the lives of the elderely to get back to the trough. If there is an election it's 100% because of liberal greed.


Roy Kirk: 

Reply to @Matt Smith: To be fair, M. Landry is an elected MLA. Not the normal definition of a 'back-room boy'. And his state desire was only actionable through a motion of non-confidence, in which case his party would clearly bear responsibility. Premier Higgs has muddied these waters by threatening to call a general election unless the opposition in the house abandons its normal role -- and absurd demand on its face. So Mr. Higgs will have to own it if he fails to hold the by-elections and just calls a general election.

 

 

Michael Collins

Reply to @Matt Smith: That's exactly what Higg's would have people believe but it's not based in reality. Higg's believes he can win an election right now, but if the opposition is crazy enough to buy into his proposal ,it's even better for him. No risk,all gain.

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: I disagree. Two seconds on the liberal facebook page and you can see they have been in full election mode this whole time. Higgs is going to make them state their true intentions today and they will not be able to sugar coat it. The liberals will 100% be the cause of the next election and if any deaths occur it will be on their heads solely.

Matt Smith 

Reply to @Michael Collins: Please explain the title of this article then.

David Amos 

Reply to @Matt Smith: Who cares about the title?

Winston Gray 

Reply to @Matt Smith: the liberals are not the cause of an election if the one who calls it is the Conservative Premier.

They are being held hostage, either they accept losing their ability to challenge the minority government (effectively making it a majority) or reject the offer.

You don’t blame a father if they refuse to pay the ransom and their child goes missing.

janice small
Higgs proposal to the opposition is a like a well built Lobster trap.You can get in but you can't get out and Higgs will decide with this proposal when he pulls your trap out of the water and places you in boiling water.

Matt Smith

Reply to @janice small: It was built to show NBers that the liberals had no intention of not forcing an election. It will be their fault if an outbreak occurs.

James Smythe

Reply to @Matt Smith: I see you took the bait.

David Amos

Reply to @janice small: I concur

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-negotiations-continue-election-1.5685870

Negotiations to postpone New Brunswick early election continue

Outcome will be historic says People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Aug 13, 2020 9:00 PM AT



Negotiations to postpone the fall election until 2022 are taking place on the sixth floor of Chancery Place in Fredericton. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

New Brunswick Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers says there are "reservations and concerns" within his caucus about the idea of signing a deal with Premier Blaine Higgs to avoid an early provincial election until October 2022.

Vickers said at the end of a second day of negotiations among party leaders that he plans to meet with his caucus at noon on Friday to update them on the talks.

"Until such time as I get direction from my caucus, my intention is to continue to attend these meetings," he said Thursday night. .

The four party leaders and their teams spent about 10 hours meetings on the top floor of the government's Chancery Place building haggling for the second day over how such a deal might work.


Premier Blaine Higgs speaks to reporters on Day 2 of negotiations to have all four parties agree to postpone an early election call to October 2022. (Shane Fowler/CBC)

Higgs said Friday's discussion will determine whether a deal will come together or whether he'll call a snap election.

"Tomorrow's a big day," he said after Thursday's meeting ended past 9 p.m.

• Higgs's rationale for no-snap-election deal is flawed, says political expert

• Premier Higgs warns little flexibility on Friday deadline to avoid fall election

Higgs sent a letter to the three opposition parties Monday asking them to to agree to avoid forcing an early election until the scheduled date in October 2022 or until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Higgs has been hinting for weeks that he would trigger a campaign, justifying the threat by saying the province needs stability to manage the pandemic and continue restarting the economy.

The agreement would include a promise by the other parties to not defeat the Progressive Conservative minority government on confidence and supply votes such as the budget and trigger a campaign.

• David Coon skeptical of Premier Blaine Higgs's 4-party deal to avoid fall election

• Higgs proposes deal to avoid general election until 2022 or end of COVID-19 pandemic

In return, Higgs, whose approval ratings in polls have been at record highs, would also not call an election until 2022.


Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers said there are reservations and concerns among Liberal caucus members, but he will continue to attend the meetings until he updates them Friday. (Shane Fowler/CBC)

The premier said he wants a deal by the scheduled end of the talks on Friday because the coming weeks are the best "window" for an election if one has to happen, with the province in a relative lull with COVID-19 ahead of a possible second wave.

Higgs said the parties talked Thursday about the shape of a confidence and supply agreement that would commit all four caucuses to not vote down a government throne speech or budget, triggering an election.

"The mood in the room was encouraging because there was a sense of urgency for our province," he said.

People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin hinted at the Liberal caucus concerns when he spoke to reporters late Thursday night, saying he and Green Leader David Coon benefited from having small caucuses they could take with them into the meetings.


People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin told reporters the tone in the meetings remained positive and if something came out of it, it would historic. (Shane Fowler/CBC)

The Liberals and PC leaders have to consult MLAs who aren't in the room, he pointed out.

"That's another element of this that maybe we're not seeing right now," he said.

Coon called the marathon negotiations "fascinating" and said he's still optimistic there can be a deal.
"We're still meeting so the possibility is still there," he said.

Asked whether an election is more or less likely than it had been 24 hours before, Coon said, "that ebbs and flows every hour."

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

110 Comments

Commenting is now closed for this story.






David Amos
Methinks it should prove interesting to see how the rules of Higgy's Police State apply to the general election he is considering having a writ dropped on this weekend N'esy Pas? 













David Amos 
Methinks the libersal can't make a deal without losing face. However it would prove interesting if the PANB and the Greens were to make a deal to support the devil in a blue suit for 2 more years will he will remain true his word and appoint at least two new cabinet ministers from each party N'esy Pas?

Lou Bell

Reply to @David Amos: Liberals lost face with 75 % of the population when they committed 130 million undisclosed dollars to their limited base !

George Smith

Reply to @David Amos: The real problem with your thinking is wondering if Higgs "will remain true to his word"
Of course he won't. He's a politician.

David Amos 

Reply to @George Smith: Methinks you and your little buddy Lou know why I am enjoying the circus N'esy Pas?

Claude DeRoche
It's official the Liberals as expected refused the offer!
The COR party Irving Boy is the only one that wants an election in the middle of the pandemic!


David Amos 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Methinks everybody knew that Higgy was bluffing and the liberals had no choice but to call him on it What surprised me was Higgy ignoring the PANB and the Green Meanies offer to support him now that was really dumb even for Higgy N'esy Pas?

Buford Wilson
Kevin's glorious return to New/Nouveau-Brunswick hasn't turned out too well.
He'll be gone soon after the election.


David Amos  

Reply to @Buford Wilson: I disagree

Claude DeRoche 

Vickers will send the Irving boy packing!

Blaine take your fat Irving and government pensions
and take a one way ticket to join your boss in the Bermudas!

Terry Tibbs

Reply to @Buford Wilson:
Not a chance, now we get to see if your hero, the song and dance man (2 steps ahead and 3 back) is bluffing.

David Amos  

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks we should stock up on peanuts and popcorn before the writ is dropped and the circus begins in earnest N'esy Pas?

Claude DeRoche
Negotiations to postpone democracy in New Brunswick continue


David Amos 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Its after 5 pm Methinks the clock just ran out on Higgy's deadline N'esy Pas?

Josée Bourque
NO to a general election ! The audacity, during the continued and draconian state of emergency that is clearly not that. Give us back our democracy and allow the by-elections. You are giving us a false choice and it's obvious to many that you would just rather skip the consequences of these by-elections. People are not even thinking straight thanks to the non-stop fear coming from this gov't. I shudder to think what would happen when cases spike and he has a majority. We will end up like New Zealand. Stop the manipulation now.


Claude DeRoche 

The CORservative Party needs a mandate to return more 100's of millions of dollars
in infrastructure to Ottawa destined for northern New Brunswick!

David Amos  

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Yea Right

Claude DeRoche
The COR Party needs a mandate to return more 100's of millions of dollars
to Ottawa destined to northern New Brunswick!


David Amos   

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Methinks you are being a little redundant N'esy Pas? 

 

Claude DeRoche
The Crown Prince of Bermuda can do better then that!
Vladimir Putin is in until 2032!


David Amos    

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: You keep saying that Why?

Al Borland
A lot of companies in Quebec, Ontario, and the USA are looking at the numbers coming in from New Brunswick during these economically challenged times and they are impressed. A lot of them cannot believe the numbers they're doing in New Brunswick and will likely be choosing to spend their resources expanding here rathe than elsewhere. I do hope that we don't open our border with Canada and give away our advantage.

David Amos

Reply to @Al Borland: Methinks its time for your nap N'esy Pas?

Terry Tibbs

Reply to @David Amos:
Time for something maybe a bit stronger................

Roy Kirk
"Outcome will be historic says People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin"
===
Indeed it may be, if Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition contractually commits to abandoning its role in the House.
Not a things historic are good.

Lou Bell

Reply to @Roy Kirk: Aw . poor Roy !

David Amos

Reply to @Roy Kirk: I agree

Brian Robertson
Only Higgs is negotiating for what's good for New Brunswick.
The others are coming from what's good for their Party.


Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Brian Robertson: What's good for NB is to hold the by-elections. That doesn't require any negotiation.

Terry Tibbs

Reply to @Brian Robertson:
BS Mr Higgs feels "entitled" to a majority government and will go to any lengths to get one. May the good Lord help us if he EVER achieves his goal. With the amount of backtracking he has done on his decisions I fully expect Worksafe NB to be opening a file n him claiming whiplash.

Lou Bell

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Maybe like put a " satellite office " in Saint John " as a vote buying incentive ? Oh, sorry , the Liberals already did that !!!!!!!!

Brian Robertson 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: holding by elections is part of the proposal.

George Smith  

Reply to @Brian Robertson: Seriously?

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Stephen Robertson: There is no need to propose them. Just hold them and deal with the consequences.

David Amos 

Reply to @Brian Robertson: Yea right Methinks many folks who don't bother to vote would agree that all the politicians and their many minions are looking after themselves first and foremost N'esy Pas?

janice small

Higgs has set a sold Lobster trap for the opposition in his proposal, you can get in but you can't get out and I will decide when I pull your trap out of the water and drop you in boiling water.

   

 

David Amos

Reply to @janice small: Well put

Claude DeRoche
Imagine if Trudeau proposed the same?
Conservatives would be out with pitch forks!


Dan Armitage  

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: he tried

Lou Bell

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Imagine if Higgs gave an UNDISCLOSED 130 million to one certain group of NBers only ? Oh, Liberals already tried that ! And trudeau has constantly been filling Quebec's coffers !

David Amos 

Reply to @Claude DeRoche: i concur 

 

Wally Manza
Don't think the province can last another day with Flemming as Minister of Health. He is a total failure, the worst.


Dan Lee

Reply to @Wally Manza:
He looks like he scared of his shadow

David Amos

Reply to @Wally Manza: Methinks everybody knows why that lawyer is gonna regret denying me my right to free health care N'esy Pas?

valmond landry
TERRY TIBBS isn't a by election an election ?


Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @valmond landry:
Ok, my bad, but a "by election" is not a "general election", not everyone, including The Great and Wise Higgs, uses the term "general election" anymore, but you are right.

David Amos 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Yup

Terry Tibbs
This has got to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
We have absolutely no reason for an election. We do have several byelections that need to take place, which may trigger a change of government, but the ONLY reason for an election is a power hungary politician making the choice to ignore the citizens of this province.


Stephen Robertson 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: each mla is, according to the story, being given an opportunity to comment to thier respective leader. The leaders are then in negotiations to see if there is agreement. Sounds kind of like democracy to me??

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Stephen Robertson: A perhaps reasonable process applied to an unnecessary and inappropriate end. Yes, consulting and discussing matters is generally a reasonable procedure, but to what end? Their mandate runs until fall 2022 or until there is no longer confidence in the house. The only thing motivating this is fear of the outcome of the by-elections, themselves a fundamental requirement of our representative govt. So if its democracy you want, hold the byelections and deal with the outcome.

 

 

Stephen Robertson

Reply to @Roy Kirk: holding the byelection has always been part of the proposal. Given that the results are far from preordained that could lead to a general election, or the liberal party, who won less of the popular vote, I know its irrelevant but it's brought up, trying to lead a minority again in the middle of the turmoil of a second wave. If the pandemic is done, the deal is done. If anyone goes sideways the others can/will back out.

David Amos 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I concur 

 

valmond landry
that is the stupidest thing I have ever seen or heard of a minority government make all decision and giving them the authority to dictate at their will the people of this province
the premier had the opposition in the palm of his hand all along since this virus was discovered .and now he wants more we are one of the province with the least cases
almost 0 what is the problem with having an election now time to get off your bottom and call an election .


Stephen Robertson 

Reply to @valmond landry: is you are looking for leadership, seems like you would be voting for Higgs, the one who demonstrated it?

Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @Stephen Robertson:
Hardly.

David Amos 

Reply to @Stephen Robertson: Yea right

Justin Gunther
"People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin told reporters the tone in the meetings remained positive and if something came out of it, it would historic. (Shane Fowler/CBC)"


Justin Gunther 

Reply to @Justin Gunther: Grammmmarly would have caught this one. Are you people sober?

Justin Gunther 

Reply to @Justin Gunther: I hope the Times staff are watching today. They'd probably have a good laugh.

Toby Tolly 

Reply to @Justin Gunther:
you can be his poof reader....

Beverley Kernan 

Reply to @Toby Tolly:
"poof" ... LOL

David Amos 

Reply to @Justin Gunther: Methinks it may be historically comical N'esy Pas?

Justin Gunther
"Liberal leader Kevin Vickers said he while there are reservations and concerns among his caucus, he will continue to attend the meetings until he updates them Friday. (Shane Fowler/CBC)"

I would be fired from my barely minimum wage transcription job for such sloppiness.

$1B


Justin Gunther 

Reply to @Justin Gunther: It's only minimum wage if I invest $0/hr in time evaluating and selecting the most profitable work. It's piece work.

1 Billion dollars.

Justin Gunther 

Reply to @Justin Gunther: This passes the Grammmmarly check. But Grammmmarly, while useful, should not be the final authority. Do you see why you need real human eyes on this stuff?

David Amos  

Reply to @Justin Gunther: Who is Kevin Vickers to tell anyone anything? He does not have a seat. Hence methinks he has no standing whatsoever N'esy Pas?

David Peters
It wasn't the coronavirus that destroyed the economy, it was the government's reaction to it.


Terry Tibbs  

Reply to @David Peters:
In the very beginning there were 2 choices, shut our borders tight, or isolate us in our houses. For whatever reason, our borders were (and still are) left completely open, and we were shut up in our houses.
This was a federal decision. No matter what Mr Higgs (or his supporters) claim, we were following the federal lead, and acting at their instruction.
It will be up to the historians, to attempt to figure out, if we were advised and lead wisely.

David Peters 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs:
Historians? We now have to stand in line outside the grocery store. Shelves are sometimes looking empty. Businesses are closing all over the place. Auto parts are now difficult to find. We have police checkpoints at the provincial borders and we are severely restricted in our abilities to travel....and people think this is a good thing?

Imo, once again, gov't isn't the solution to the problem, gov't is the problem...like the saying goes.

Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @David Peters:
Yes, historians. Because the path was chosen back in February, once chosen there was no turning back, and life became a train wreck. This train wreck isn't over yet.

Lou Bell 

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Our borders AREN"T completely open . Try to keep up ! Please !!

Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @Lou Bell:
So Lou, what's today's excuse, glasses broken? brain broken? Come on, you can tell us.......................

David Amos

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks Little Lou will never tell N'esy Pas?

David Amos

Reply to @David Peters: Methinks you should have your friend Fred check out the latest filings within the EUB.Clearly NB Power wants the ok to borrow a 100 million for Not So Smart Meters obviously before a writ is dropped N'esy Pas?

Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @David Amos:
Meds, gotta get those meds adjusted again. 

 

Terry Tibbs
I'm still not sure that these folks have the right, or reason, to negotiate away democracy in NB.
Mr Vickers certainly does not have such a right as he has never been elected for anything in a provincial election. The rest of them have never been a part of a majority government, so they too do not have "the right".
As far as "reason", there simply isn't any.

David Amos

Content disabled

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I concur

David Amos

Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks we both know why its rough agreeing with you as well N'esy Pas?

Terry Tibbs 

Reply to @David Amos:
And I meant "reason" in EVERY sense of the word.

Matt Steele
If this wasn't so sad , it would almost be funny . Four political parties , and everyone of them scared to death of an election because they might lose their big salaries , fat expense accounts , and gold plated pensions ; yet they try to get people to believe that they are so concerned over Covid-19 , that they couldn't possibly have an election . Just how stupid do these self serving politicians think that New Brunswickers are . What a farce !


David Webb NB 

Reply to @Matt Steele: Mix that all up with an electorate, where a high percentage of them think that paying out in excess of $1 million per day, and rising, to service the debt, is perfectly wonderful. Just adds to the farce and the training of the seals.

Matt Steele

Reply to @David Webb NB: .....I believe that it is actually closer to 2 million per day just to pay the interest on the provincial debt .

David Amos 

Reply to @Matt Steele: Cry me a river 

 

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


David Webb NB 

Reply to @Buford Wilson: Lol. Yup.

David Amos  

Reply to @Buford Wilson: Yup 

 

James Smythe
This little Higgy rigged the markets
This little Higgy stayed home
This little Higgy had coast beef
This little Higgy had none

I hope this little Higgy cries all the way home!

Buford Wilson

(Hilarious!)

David Amos 

Reply to @Buford Wilson: Kinda sorta funny anyway

Wally Manza
" ...justifying the threat by saying the province needs stability to manage the pandemic and continue restarting the economy."
Why is "stability" a concern for Higgs. Call an election whoever gets elected heads up government...governments have come and gone ....transitioning from one government to another has always gone smooth in this provinces history.


David Amos 

Reply to @Wally Manza: Not the last time

John Grail
If NBers vote for Higgs it will just show how gullible they are. If you want your own locked borders separate and stop taking transfer payments.

David Webb NB

Reply to @John Grail: You can't be from here. Maritimers are more than happy to keep out people who can't follow basic safety measures.

David Amos 

Reply to @David Webb NB: Speak for yourself Methinks you must be well aware that not all of us believe in Higgy's Police State N'esy Pas?

Joe Doe
Looking forward to this election. I would be happy to vote for the party that suspends our state of emergency and governs with reason. Unfortunately, I may not be able to vote.


Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Joe Doe: How do you know which party will act to satisfy your wishes?

Joe Doe 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: I do not believe that any party will, hence my difficulty in deciding who to vote for.

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Joe Doe: So why do you think we need an election?

David Webb NB

Reply to @Joe Doe: You should find yourself right home in most of the USA.

David Amos 

Reply to @David Webb NB: What is it you think you know about the US of A?

doug kirby
Call an election..this is just rediculous


Joe Doe 

Reply to @doug kirby: agree

Gerry Ferguson 

Reply to @doug kirby: Ridiculous

David Amos 

Reply to @Joe Doe: Me Too

David Amos 

Reply to @Gerry Ferguson: That Too

Roy Kirk
" . . . the coming weeks are the best "window" for an election if one has to happen, . . .""
====
Only the by-elections have to happen. Foisting a general election on the public before its needed will be punished. And using the threat of one to nobble our elected representatives is contemptible. :-(


Joe Doe 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: it is needed.

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Joe Doe: Why?

Joe Doe 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: to depose King Blaine.

Roy Kirk 

Reply to @Joe Doe: and you don't think the by-elections will do that? Seems to me he wouldn't be pushing for a general election if he thought it more likely he'd lose power than just by holding the by-elections.

David Amos 

Reply to @Roy Kirk: Methinks Higgy is confused too N'esy Pas?