Higgs avoids the Clash's question, but sees no clear successor if he goes
N.B. premier’s choice of words suggests he worries his work will be undone if he doesn’t stay
Premier Blaine Higgs avoided the big political question on everyone's minds in his state of the province speech Thursday night.
He suggested last fall he'd use the event to reveal whether he'll stick around to run in the next provincial election in 2024.
Then in December he said he'd take more time to make up his mind.
"I know many of you have a question that you may have expected me to answer tonight, but I have a question for you," the decidedly non-punk premier told the crowd of more than 800 people as he wrapped up the 40-minute speech.
In
a tribute to his caucus of Progressive Conservative MLAs, Higgs didn't
mention the name of the party. He defined them as 'Team Higgs.' (Mikael Mayer/Radio-Canada)
Cue the music, the 1982 classic Should I Stay or Should I Go?
It was inappropriately silly to some, cringey to others — never mind incongruous, given the Clash's radical left-wing politics.
But the song allowed the premier to toss the question back at the audience before dancing, not completely rhythmically, off the stage.
Still, there were clues in the speech to what his own answer could be — phrases indicating he may be unsure anyone else would stick with his policies if he left.
In a tribute to his caucus of Progressive Conservative MLAs, Higgs didn't mention the name of the party. He defined them another way.
"I want to acknowledge here tonight the MLAs who ran with me. You ran with me as Team Higgs. I'm proud of what we have accomplished together."
in
his 2010 brochure, rookie candidate Higgs named health care, education,
energy, debt, N.B. Power, job loss and property taxes as priorities. (Submitted by GNB)
On the big screen, he displayed his campaign brochure from his first election run in Quispamsis in 2010, a pamphlet with a dramatic graphic.
"When I look at this, I look at the Band-Aid. I know we're ripping off a lot of Band-Aids lately, but everybody kind of should have known it was coming," he said.
The message: you knew what you were getting with me.
In that 2010 brochure, rookie candidate Higgs named health care, education, energy, debt, N.B. Power, job loss and property taxes as priorities.
"Major improvements have been made on at least four of those seven, and we're working on the other three," Higgs said Thursday night.
The job's not finished, one might say.
And for those who fear electoral defeat because of his dramatic and disruptive initiatives — like a plan, now redefined as a "proposal," to phase out French immersion starting this fall — Higgs returned to a familiar refrain: avoiding controversy is no way to govern.
"We aren't making decisions to benefit ourselves … for the next election," he said of the immersion issue. "We want decisions to benefit the next generation of students."
Higgs dodged attempts pin down his plan
One of his "Team Higgs" MLAs, Fundy-the Isles-Saint John West's Andrea Anderson-Mason, has called on the government to "pump the brakes" on the immersion proposal.
She worries it will undermine a new literacy program also launching this fall.
But Higgs suggested that whatever he decides, it's full speed ahead this year.
"That's why we moved it forward — not to say we're coming up with a solution in September 2024.… We're going to find a solution, not pass it on to the next generation."
Those are not the words of a premier looking to flee, or postpone, a political storm.
Speaking to reporters after the speech, Higgs was in good humour as he dodged several attempts to pin down his plans.
Again, however, there were tea leaves to read.
As a manager at Irving Oil, he said he learned to hit targets and "always looked for a successor that would build on that success. Learn from what we learned … and then continue.
"In politics that doesn't happen. In politics, it doesn't matter what the last one did. Just toss that and go fresh."
So is there someone out there now who will "build on that success?"
"Well, I guess it's possible," Higgs said, telling one reporter, "If someone presents that to you, and they actually have a concrete plan, not just 'I'm going to spend more of your money and hope for the best,' I'll listen."
That sounded like a big "if," like that person has yet to appear. "Not yet, no. I think the most I've heard is 'I'll undo what that one did,'" he said.
He quickly clarified, dropping his playful tone, that he wasn't suggesting there were no worthy successors in his own caucus. "No, I won't say that. I don't think that would be fair to my colleagues. I wouldn't say that."
PC MLAs Margaret John and Kathy Bockus did not directly answer the leadership question posed by Higgs. (Mikael Mayer/Radio-Canada)
Moments later, five of those colleagues avoided the question that their leader had so perfectly teed up with his musical selection.
"I think it's a great song," said Saint Croix MLA Kathy Bockus.
"I think we all need to work together and as a team and continue the work that we've been doing."
Moncton East MLA Daniel Allain praised "a great state of the province speech" but did not use the phrase Team Higgs.
"I'm part of the Progressive Conservative team and we'll continue to work for New Brusnwickers," he said.
"We have another 18 months to go. … He was elected for four years. If there are decisions to make, we'll talk about them in caucus."
In fact, none of the five PC MLAs came out and said Higgs should stay.
"That's his decision. Only he can decide. For now we're working with him, he's there, and I'm very happy to be part of his team," said Miramichi Bay-Neguac's Réjean Savoie.
"I think he's done a great job," said Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson. "We've got work to do and we've got a year and a half to get it done in this mandate."
Anderson-Mason also avoided answering the Clash's question.
"That was a good song. Was that not a good song? I think it was definitely a very good music choice," she said.
"He ended very well. That's what we were all waiting for. And you know everyone's still asking the question."
Fortunately for Higgs — and for Team Higgs — the music had faded before the lyrics at the 1:20 mark:
If I go there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Alex Villeneuve, Radio-Canada
David Amos
Methinks everybody knows I sent my documents to Higgy before he got elected in 2010 and sworn a oath to the Crown after seven cars full of cop pounced on me on election night. I believe Higgy must be aware he will have to pay for his lawyers out of pocket after he leaves public office. However to be fair the current leader of the liberals is in the same pickle right now because she has yet to be elected N'esy Pas?
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
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Nobody has a clue what you’re going on about!
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Methinks you should grow up and get a name N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
BTW if you had bothered to read the article before pounding on it you would have understood what I was addressing
"in his 2010 brochure, rookie candidate Higgs named health care, education, energy, debt, N.B. Power, job loss and property taxes as priorities."
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
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Nobody cares
David Amos
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
C'est Vrai
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
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Why do you think everyone cares about your personal issues with politicians?
David Amos
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Methinks politicians certainly do because I ran against them 7 times and sued them in two countries N'esy Pas?
Do give the devil his due I thought Higgy rather clever to use that song in his latest circus in order to keep the media et al wondering what he was going to do. It was obvious he was having fun. However his actions caused me to think of the lyrics a song by one of my favourite song and dance dudes. Many people have tried to figure out what he meant by it but he ain't telling because he hated the video they made about it.
That said the old tune has raised some interesting questions over the years. Such as:
"To be considered “evil,” do we have to actively contribute to corruption in the world or is our passivity enough to make us complicit? When do we become Infidels? Who do we caution against the neglect of responsibility? How can songs be used to warn the listener?"
This is a portion of the tune that made me think of Higgy
"Freedom just around the corner for you
But with the truth so far off, what good will it do?
Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman"
Bob Dylan
Robert Losier
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If there will be Debates come the next election call, just think about how the other Leaders might respond:
Liberal Leader - No one else wanted the position.
Green leader - I will be over there hugging a tree.
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
The con will say "moving forward (don't look back)" Shades of the genius exploding shawn.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Methinks you should ask your pal Al about my debates and where to find some of them N'esy Pas?
Matt Steele
Looks like the Premier , MLAs , and the PC Party have CBC reporter JP pretty much shut out from any type of real interviews , and JP is left grasping at straws , and making assumptions . JP must be the Dominic Cardy of the news world as they are both shut out from what is actually going on inside of government .
Robert Losier
Reply to Matt Steele
Did you happen to see Cardy in Tip Toe To Tyranny? 35 minute mark start.
just now
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
I did but trust that you do not know the half of it
Al Clark
I had jakey pegged for new cor leader but that will have to be the 3.0 version. He's got the "smarts" for it !
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Methinks you and Losier are merely male versions of Little Lou and Maggy N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
jakey??? Are you emulating my style now?
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
attempting to immolate it more like ;-)
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Maybe I should concentrate on nonsensical gibberish and get a former ha wannabe's knickers in a knot pause da naysay
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
immolate.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Al Clark
Is that a threat???
Well then it is settled. Another Majority for Premier Higgs.
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
yea right
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
I see that you are using my brief expressions even though you claimed to not appreciate them EH?
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
welcom eto the circus. seen before?
Robert Losier
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Reply to Al Clark
You have been following politics for long enough to be able to look back and then also to be able to look ahead. There is no creditable threat from any other Party. Leadership is lacking in those. More
times than not voters don't so much pick someone new to vote for, they most times vote someone out. There is no other Party to vote for now other than The Premier's Party. If he so chooses to run again he will win again.
Robert Losier
Reply to David Amos
What is your brief expressions?
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Clearly you have your fancy red knickers in quite a knot today EH?
Al Clark
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Reply to David Amos
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Trust that you are way behind the eight ball
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
I agree with most of what you say, except the last part. Higgy's overconfident antics the past 3 weeks or so; as we say up home "he has s**t his wad"
Robert Losier
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Reply to Al Clark
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
I see.
David Amos
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Reply to Al Clark
How much for a piece of your old Red Serge uniform?
Methinks it is close to the same colour of the G4tr my first wife owned when she worked at the Radio Station and her Mother worked with you dudes in the Fat Fred City HQ where the Lt Gov now hangs her hat. Perhaps you now own the same bike N'esy Pas???
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
There is some expression on my knickers, send the 20 ;-)
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
Brown on Red. True Liberal for sure on that one.
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
ahhh smarter than dayray. Not much of an accomplishment tho.....
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
Ed Bassmaster ... is that you?
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Yo Mr G4tr I see I struck a nerve about your fancy red knickers and your uniform etc
robert brown
he called them team higgs whitch showes you that he is the boss not
the party time for team Irving to go
David Amos
Reply to robert brown
Methinks that was a Freudian Slip N'esy Pas?
Rusty Shackleford
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Cbc's war against the Provincial Government continues. Glad we have a non partisan publicly funded broadcaster.
Archara Goldehere
Reply to Rusty Shackleford
Not CBC's war it's my war as I voted for them my entire life (Jody Carr) and I wouldn't vote Higgs as I new about his COR days and he is a good old Irving boy from way back -- I will never vote PC because of Higgs -- So Higgs has made a lot of people leave the PC party -- The war is with Higgs and the people --
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Rusty Shackleford
Good to see you are coming around. Go CBC!
David Amos
Reply to Rusty Shackleford
Relax and enjoy the circus we are paying for
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Al Clark
LOL don't worry Higgy your "work" will be undone in a year and a half
regardless if you stay or not ;-)
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Dream on
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
Continuez vos reves
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
I see your nasty comments are beginning to evaporate before I can save
them in my latest blog
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
say nay paw vray
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Anybody can see what I said is true within this very forum
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I have read allegations here that someone or some people are accused of threatening counselors. Some even think that may go to a court. I for one will be following that case (not that there ever will be a
case) just to see how many translators will need to be called to decipher Chiac.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
You're Acadian aren't you? Look at your name :D
Robert Losier
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Never was and never will be. It's a long story.
Michael Cain
Reply to Wilbur Ross
It's misspelled; the i needs to be removed.
Jos Allaire
Reply to Robert Losier
This north of Bathurst. Their French is impeccable, one of the best in Canada.
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
Camp counselor? Marriage counselor? Sounds like someone needs a
inglitch to english translator!
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
Keep fighting for yer langritch rites! LOL
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
Old Jimmy Webb reincarnated!
Robert Losier
Reply to Jos Allaire
Badhurst? Impeccable?
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Methinks all you Anglo sheople hate it when I employ Chiac but my French friends get quite a chuckle out of your indignation about my simply spelling something like it sounds N'esy Pas?
Robert Losier
I was just thinking that maybe the Premier should call another snap election. Judging by the comments here for/against a guaranteed second Majority term is assured.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
Hahaha yes he should :D
Too bad you aren't his advisor or someone important. He's doomed and he knows it.
You are the only person who doesn't grasp that.
Robert Losier
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Well then maybe I should be his advisor.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
Bet his security would tackle you.
Robert Losier
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Reply to Wilbur Ross
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
There is such thing as a lesser evil...Tories are by far the worst.
Robert Losier
Reply to Wilbur Ross
So you support The Lesser Evil Party?
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
Big A, little A, bouncing be
The system might have got you but it won't get me
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
Yes I encourage it absolutely!
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
I explained in a previous reply that has now vanished - that I am no longer interested. There was amore lengthy exchange between myself and another yet that too is gone.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Cry me a river
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Losier
I meant call a snap election, mainly. Do those impressive post #'s in the past few weeks include the half that are snuffed?
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Methinks everybody knows why Higgy will take his time calling 3 byelections N'esy Pas?
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
because it's a form of hunkering down??
Robert Losier
Reply to Al Clark
Maybe he should call a snap election.
Robert Losier
I project seven more Conservative seats in the next election.
Jos Allaire
Reply to Robert Losier
I read you budding Nostradamus.
Donald LeBlanc
Reply to Robert Losier
Word of advice, don’t get into the stock market.
Robert Losier
Reply to Donald LeBlanc
That would take money of which I have little and that little I have will never go to a Stock Market.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
I gather you heard about me versus the US Senate Banking Committee in November of 2003. If not as you newfound pal Al about it. Methinks he thinks he knows everything N'esy Pas?
Robert Losier
Reply to David Amos
I look up on my own.
Robert Losier
If I were in any way a Party supporter (and that will never happen) and I was member of The Liberal Party, I would call for a leadership review right away. There is no reasonable chance that The Liberals
will ever form government at the rate they are going now.
Jos Allaire
Reply to Robert Losier
I would call for a leadership review if I was a CONservative. But I hope they don't. They are toast with Higgs.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Methinks I should be your hero after running in 7 elections as an Independent with no false illusions of ever being elected N'esy Pas?
Robert Losier
Reply to David Amos
That takes determination for sure.
Robert Losier
Wow. Look at that. Less than 125 comments (possibly even counting those now gone) about a Majority in The Legislature Premier on whether or not he should decide to stay on for one more term. Obviously he is well liked and most assuredly not only will he run again but he will win again. This count shows to me that there is virtually not many thinking of voting any other way than PC.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
What's his latest numbers look like? Sounds like he's on the way out bub. Don't cry, it'll be ok :D
Robert Losier
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Wise politicians peak just before an election. Watch and see how that will take place.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
Walks like a lame duck. Talks like a lame duck. He is a lame duck.
Robert Losier
Reply to Wilbur Ross
If The Premier chooses to run again - he will win again.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Robert Losier
He's done. Get over it.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Robert Losier
Dream on
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
C'est Vrai
david arseneau
he has my vote again
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to david arseneau
That's one vote.
Robert Losier
Marguerite Deschamps
How long have been following provincial politics here in N N-B?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to Robert Losier
Since Hugh John Flemming❗
Robert Losier
Reply to Marguerite Deschamps
Okay now think back to when it was that a second term if desired was not won?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to Robert Losier
Another term is not desired❗
Donald LeBlanc
Reply to Robert Losier
Graham, Alward, Gallant. Higgs a minority, stretched to a majority on the back of a Pandemic. Then under that majority, things start to disintegrate. Division, hard feelings, firings, lawsuits, chaos.
David Amos
Reply to Marguerite Deschamps
I only go back as far as your hero little Louie when he was premier. Teddy's Grampy took office the year I was born. However I did get a kick of him dicing with another hero of yours Trudeau the Elder when I was going to UNB
Buford Wilson
Blaine will be premier for years to come.
Apart from Frank, he's the best premier we ever had. By a mile.
Michael Cain
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Reply to Buford Wilson
Greg Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
I don't know about years BUT he'll get in again unless some magic wonder "rides in on his/her horse."
Jay Miller
Reply to Buford Wilson
He is the weakest link …… GOODBYE!
Greg Miller
Reply to Jay Miller
Good grief "weakest" ? Focus!
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to Buford WilsonReply to Robert Losier
Frank was head and shoulders smarter than Higgs.
Robert Losier
Reply to Marguerite Deschamps
Premier McKenna was an excellent politician and he was rewarded for that with about four dozen Corporation Appointments in board rooms. But really who was it that ever though that he was a Liberal? Not me for one.
David Amos
Reply to Marguerite Deschamps
C'est Vrai But....
Methinks they equally evil because there is no degree in such a thing just like either you are honest or you are not or you are pregnant or you are not N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
Methinks there is no such thing as an excellent politician just artful dodgers who climb to the top of the food chain for their benefit not the sheople they purportedly serve and protec N'esy Pas?
Greg Meahan
The vast majority of NBers are worried about inflation, health care, education, housing, jobs and their own future prospects, not what Higgs personal agenda is. That is two articles in one day Poitras has done in this topic. It is inside baseball to the max. And not of concern to most NBers.
The fact that Higgs is focused on that, and how well he has done, (like him personally, not the party, not the ministers, not caucus) likely does not bolster their chances in the next election. Most citizens are concerned about their own lives not whether some 70 year old party leader is going to retire or not.
Michael Cain
Reply to Greg Meahan
He is not 70 yet.
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
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Reply to Greg Meahan
Most Canadians are happy to see our nation prosper and grow stronger in unity. New potential healthcare deals will allow better healthcare delivery for Canadians. When the federal government has more information about the health of Canadians, it allows for better national strategies and allows seamless experience, for example with international travel and future requirements for that.
David Amos
Reply to Michael Cain
I am
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Methinks you should grow up and get a name N'esy Pas?
"To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted."
Murray Brown
He has singlehandedly destroyed the Tory party, so mission accomplished.... And he's installed lots and lots of Irving sycophants, so their agenda of securing as much tax funds as possible for Irving operations is secured no matter who wins the next election... So yeah... Retirement is well deserved. It's time for him to enjoy his riches.
Michael Cain
Reply to Murray Brown
Did you see his CTV interview? Way past time to leave.
David Amos
Reply to Michael Cain
Did you watch me on CTV in 2004?
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
no mimi
Errol Willis
Why? Who are you?
Reply to David Amos
David Amos
Reply to Errol Willis
Ask JP
Harvey York
Reply to David Amos
I watched you. You were an embarrassment to the democratic process and your appearance made a mockery of our institutions.
Reply to Harvey York
yea right. Dream on.
Go
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to Raymond Leger
Go to Ottawa! Higgs for PM of our wonderful country!
Reply to Raymond Leger
I second that emotion
If Higgs goes it is bad news for the Liberals as the next PC leader will be more appealing to francophones, might even be an Acadian.
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to Chuck Gendron
Many francophones love Higgs, don’t fall for the propaganda.
David Amos
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Say hey to Higgy for me will ya?
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
I don’t know Higgs.
Michael Cain
Reply to Chuck Gendron
Allain?
Jos Allaire
Reply to Michael Cain
Alain, sounds like Putin!
Michael Cain
Reply to Jos Allaire
Don't go there; not a fair comparison at all.
Jos Allaire
Reply to Michael Cain
Putin in French.
Michael Cain
Reply to Jos Allaire
nasty
Luv or hate I see no viable alternative at this point.Ms.Holt is folding in to that old adage,,hate whatever the other side does
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to Terry Cunningham
Indeed! How can the Liberals cry about the healthcare deal negotiated with Trudeau? It shows that Higgs is willing to work with Trudeau for the good of all Canadians. For too long, too many tried to make healthcare the sole proprietorship of their province, when really only the federal government have the money and resources to solve it. Proud to have a premier that looks out for all of the dominion and not just their fiefdom!
Terry Cunningham
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Very smart capable guy ,however not buying in to some decisions which don’t make sense to me.And very sorry to say we are not back or there.Believe he has forgotten or has no reality of the gap which continues to grow between living Day to day versus very comfortable.The rich get richer and the poor move to tents !
David Amos
Reply to Terry Cunningham
Higgy knows exactly what he is doing
Michael Cain
Reply to Terry Cunningham
I don't think New Brunswickers would accept a female for premier. What they would like is for all the parties to work together; Cons just can't seem to work with anyone.
Fred Brewer
Reply to Michael Cain
I have to be honest and admit the cons did work fairly well with everyone right up until they got a majority and then it became "My way or the highway".
Robert Losier
Reply to Terry Cunningham
The job of Opposition Leader is to criticize. Granted this opposition leader you speak can't even seem to get that going.
Jim Gootjes
Reply to Michael Cain
Funny I was thinking the opposite! It would be a great change.
Robert Losier
Reply to Jim Gootjes
Peoplekind say "they".
Terry Cunningham
Reply to Robert Losier
Agree.I would love for the culture to change.Find common ground,get on with it and stop all the whining.
Robert Losier
Reply to Terry Cunningham
Why would anyone (French included) want to make efforts to hold onto a dying language?
Jos Allaire
Reply to Robert Losier
But Higgs says he supports bilingualism and you support him. Are you saying he doesn't. Well, that would make him a hip po crit.
Michael Cain
Reply to Fred Brewer
I am still trying to figure out his accomplishments. What he says and what is reality are two different things.
Jos Allaire
Reply to Michael Cain
Don't bother. It's an exercise in futility. Higgs has done nothing except lining the pockets of his rich friends.
Reply to Jos Allaire
Reply to Robert Losier
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DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
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So proud to see Canadians coming together across the political spectrum to fix healthcare. Only when Canadians unite as one will we truly solve national problems. So pleased to see Higgs working well with Trudeau to strengthen our national ties!
David Amos
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Yawn
Bob Smith
If Higgs retires, it's bad news for NB Liberals as it undercuts a lot of their posturing in northern NB. Should be interesting in 2023 for NB politics regardless..
David Amos
Reply to Bob Smith
Yup
Rosco holt
Reply to Bob Smith
In reality liberals in the north are just do nothing seat warmers.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Rosco holt
Yup
Jos Allaire
Reply to Rosco holt
Aren't all politicians?
Go.
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to Fred Brewer
Are ya kidding?! Strongest growth in years, massive population increase, record revenues due to booming economy, plus Higgs just negotiated a super deal for everyone with healthcare! Higgs majority for the next decade!
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Yea right
DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Are you anti Canadian and want to see this country fail? Why don’t you ever celebrate our victories? I suppose you’d be rooting for the Americans over us in 1812?
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
Dream on
Fred Brewer
Reply to DominionOfCanadaStrong BritishCommonwealthStrong
People dying in the ER, people dropping like flies from covid, mystery neurological disease hushed up, Legionnaires Disease outbreaks hushed up, Rod Cumberland fired for speaking out about glyphosate, still no action on Parlee Beach raw sewage problem other than various attempts to minimize and hush it up, and of course, blatant support of the oil and gas industries, forestry industries etc.
Covid drove people to the east in general it had nothing to do with Higgs. NS and PEI saw huge spikes in population growth also.
You really call that good government? Well, I don't.
Greg Miller
Reply to Fred Brewer
Drum roll please -- Fred and the alternative for Premier is............????
Robert Losier
Reply to Fred Brewer
Dropping like flies?
Michael Cain
Reply to Greg Miller
Daffy Duck
Reply to Greg Miller
The answer is obvious, is it not?
Me.
Greg Miller
Reply to Fred Brewer
Reply to Greg Miller
Higgs offers no clues to his future in state of the province speech
Premier emphasizes health and education achievements in Fredericton speech
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs defended his major moves in health and education but offered no clues in his annual state of the province speech Thursday night as to how long he'll stick around to see them through.
He made only passing references to his most controversial initiatives while arguing his four-year-old government is responsible for the province's record population growth, low unemployment and growing exports.
"We knew we could do better," Higgs told the crowd of around 800 people at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
"I'm proud to say that New Brunswick is back in a big way. We are no longer at the edge of the cliff. We are now standing on the cusp of greatness."
At one point last year Higgs said he would use the state of the province speech to announce whether he'd stay on to seek another mandate in next year's election.
But he later revised that commitment and said he could wait until early 2024 to reveal his plans.
Higgs made no reference to that Thursday night, though he told his caucus of Progressive Conservative MLAs that "you ran with me as team Higgs" and thanked them for sticking with him "as we continue to push forward together.
"Sometimes it's a little trying, but we're building a better New Brunswick."
His only other nod to the speculation about his future was at the end of the speech, when he referred to "a question that you may have expected me to answer tonight," and left the stage to the sound of The Clash's Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Economic data put in the spotlight
Speaking to reporters after the speech, Higgs cheerfully batted away several questions aimed at trying to pin him down about when he might feel confident enough in the province's direction to hand off the job to a successor.
His wife Marcia Higgs was also coy on what she'd like him to do.
Premier Blaine Higgs fielded questions from reporters after delivering his state of the province speech. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
"I'm not going to say, but as long as he's keen and excited, I'll be there beside him."
Higgs devoted much of the speech to touting economic data, such as strong growth in weekly earnings, the fastest population growth since Confederation and the first reduction in the province's median age since 1961.
The province's population is now estimated to have surpassed 824,000, Higgs said.
"I could go on about the momentum we're building together in our economy," he said, adding, "You all know I like data by now."
That was a joking reference to his now-infamous "Data, my ass" comment to education officials, which Dominic Cardy revealed when he quit as education minister in October.
The triumphant tone came at a time Higgs is facing low approval in public opinion polls, dissatisfaction with the quality of health care and a strong pushback against his proposal to phase out French immersion this fall.
Controversial health moves paying off, premier says
He described taking "what some might call extreme measures" in health care, a reference to shuffling his health minister, firing Horizon Health's CEO and replacing the two partly-elected health authority boards with appointed trustees last summer.
But he said that bold move had yielded improvements, including reduced waiting times at walk-in clinics, a reduction in the number of people waiting for a family doctor or nurse practitioner from 74,000 to 52,000 and more hip and knee surgeries.
On immersion, the premier was non-committal on a reform that as recently as last October he said was essential to put in place this September.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt says she feels Premier Blaine Higgs is now 'out of touch' and ought to step aside. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
He described a recent round of raucous public meetings— where people spoke with near unanimity against the changes — as "a conversation" that needed to happen.
"I don't pretend to have all of the solutions, and we may not all agree on the path forward," he said.
But, he said, it's clear that some students are disadvantaged because their schools don't offer immersion, and students in both immersion and English prime programs are not hitting achievement targets while being streamed into a two-tier education system.
He also suggested the immersion controversy had revealed other issues — "the need for us to equip our students better in math, ensure early literacy by Grade 2, and … better meet the needs of children who require targeted interventions, often by trained professionals.
"We can't do better if we aren't willing to talk about it — to explore solutions," he said.
"Please keep giving us your input.… Having these conversations is the only way to move forward."
Higgs also talked about how his government is projected to have reduced the province's net debt by $2 billion, freeing up $69 million per year that would be spent on interest payments to fund provincial services.
Repeating a frequent theme, the premier said he wants to "modernize energy policies" to develop a provincial natural gas sector "in partnership with First Nations."
Higgs should go, Liberal and Green leaders say
Higgs's relationship with Indigenous people has been fraught because of his cancellation of retail tax-sharing agreements with band governments.
But Thursday he said a partnership on natural gas "would reflect a new kind of economic partnership with First Nations and hopefully the first of many as we strive to build development opportunities together — nation to nation."
At
one point last year Higgs said he would use the state of the province
speech to announce whether he'd stay on to seek another mandate in next
year's election. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Higgs also said his government will announce new initiatives on mental health and addiction treatment in the coming weeks and release a housing strategy in June.
Both Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Green Leader David Coon said the speech contained nothing new to address the province's challenges and both said Higgs should bow out.
"I think at this point he's out of touch," Holt said, mentioning Cardy's resignation last fall and PC MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason urging the government to slow down on replacing French immersion.
"So I think it would be in the best interest of New Brunswickers if he were to step aside," she said.
Coon told reporters, "He asked the question at the end, 'should he stay or should he go?' He should go."
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Higgs may wait until 2024 to reveal his plans for next election
Premier casts doubt on timeline for leadership announcement early next year
Political insiders have been assuming the premier would signal in early 2023 whether he plans to stick around as party leader for the next campaign or retire beforehand.
But in a year-end interview with CBC News, Higgs was ambiguous about his timeline, suggesting he could announce "early in the year of the election, very early."
The fixed-date schedule of elections in provincial legislation sets the date of the next election as Oct. 21, 2024.
The premier said a leadership convention in May 2024 would give the PC Party enough time to get ready for a campaign five months later.
"So I think I've got time, just yet, to make a decision," he said.
'The great reveal'
In the fall, Higgs appeared to suggest to Brunswick News that he'd declare his intentions in his annual state of the province speech, now scheduled for Feb. 9, 2023.
He told CBC, however, that he was referring at the time to using the speech to highlight "what we've accomplished to date, the mandate, the things we're working on … and kind of go from there. So I will talk about it."
He said that what he jokingly calls "the great reveal" may not happen at that time.
Brunswick News reporter Andrew Waugh tweeted Thursday morning that he has a recording of his September interview in which Higgs mentions the state of the province speech and says, "My intention is to, at that time, identify what my plans are."
The premier's new comments in the CBC interview came the same day a group of 48 New Brunswickers, including one former PC cabinet minister, released an open letter calling on members of the party to trigger a leadership review to oust Higgs.
The letter asked that it happen before the Feb. 9 state of the province speech.
Jean-Pierre
Ouellet, a minister in the former government of Richard Hatfield, says
he thinks Higgs should let someone else take the role in the 2024
election. (Bernard LeBel/Radio-Canada)
"I personally think he should pass the torch to someone else," said Jean-Pierre Ouellet, a minister in the former PC government of Richard Hatfield.
Ouellet said Higgs's handling of language issues shows the party needs a new leader.
It's not healthy for northern francophone ridings to be mostly represented by one party and southern anglophone seats by another, Ouellet argued.
"If he decides to reoffer, the members of the Progressive Conservative Party have to ask for a leadership review to try to deal with this situation, with this division that is not good for the economy and not good for the province," he told Radio-Canada.
"It takes a leader who can unite the province to deal with the situation."
Hasn't decided, premier says
Higgs acknowledged that "what's typical, what's normal" might be to announce his plans in early 2023 so the party could hold a leadership vote in the fall and give a new premier a year to establish their own record before going to the polls.
"But I really haven't decided," he said.
Pushing Higgs out while he's premier would require 50 grassroots party members, including 20 riding association presidents, signing letters to ask the PC president's council to consider a review vote.
That council, made up of the party executive, regional vice-presidents and all 49 PC riding association presidents, would then have to vote two-thirds in favour of a review.
Only then would a vote on removing Higgs be scheduled for all members.
After Higgs appointed former People's Alliance leader Kris Austin to his cabinet in October, one party vice-president, Maurice Arsenault, called for a review. But no one else came out publicly in favour.
At the party's annual meeting in November, a candidate for party president, Andrew Dawson, said Arsenault's letter "was the 'check engine' light" flashing for the party.
Members at the meeting rejected that message, electing Fredericton lawyer Erika Hachey as party president with 110 votes to 70 for Dawson.
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