Wednesday 14 June 2023

Higgs says internal PC turmoil makes him more likely to run in next N.B. election

 
 
 

Higgs says internal PC turmoil makes him more likely to run in next N.B. election

‘I’m not one to run away,’ premier says amid caucus split on 2 education initiatives

Far from pushing him out the door, the premier said, the mini-rebellion over two education initiatives makes him more likely to stay on as leader.

"I'm not one to run away from issues and I would say this sort of debate internally within our own group, this sort of uncertainty, does not cause me to run away," he told Radio-Canada in an interview Wednesday.

"It causes me to really kind of buckle down and say, 'the province is too important to be split on these issues … and we need to keep the progress moving.'

A side-by-side photo of a woman with dark and a man with white hair. Both photos taken outside. This week, two backbenchers, Andrea Anderson-Mason and Ross Wetmore, voted with the opposition parties to try to send a government bill to the law amendments committee, which would have led to public hearings slowing down passage of the legislation. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

"That is what's weighing heavy on my mind. Are we going to keep the ball rolling?"

Last week, six PC cabinet ministers and two backbenchers refused to take their seats in the legislature for the morning and issued a statement complaining about "a lack of process and transparency."

That statement followed the release of the government's changes to Policy 713 on LGBTQ students in provincial schools.

WATCH | Premier Higgs tells Radio-Canada he may run in 2024:

Higgs doubles down on his defence of Policy 713

Duration 1:54
Blaine Higgs tells Radio-Canada he’s leaning toward running in the next election to protect his policy legacy.
 

This week, the two backbenchers, Andrea Anderson-Mason and Ross Wetmore, voted with the opposition parties to try to send a government bill to the law amendments committee, which would have led to public hearings, slowing down passage of the legislation.

Anderson-Mason and Wetmore both said the bill's neutering of anglophone district education councils to advisory bodies risks centralizing too much power in Fredericton at the expense of local communities.

That motion was defeated 24-21, but it's still not clear if the bill itself will pass, and Higgs says the legislature may need to extend its session into next week to get it done.

A man with white hair in a dark suit raises his hands while he dances on stage.    In February, Higgs poked fun at the speculation about his future by leaving the stage after his annual state of the province speech to the Clash song, Should I Stay or Should I Go. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

The premier has professed for months to be undecided about whether to seek another term next year or hand off the PC leadership to someone else before the campaign.

In February, he poked fun at the speculation about the future by leaving the stage after his annual state of the province speech to the Clash song, Should I Stay or Should I Go.

But now he says the division in his caucus has led him to question what will happen to his policies under a new PC leader and premier.

"If we can't get our own house in order so that we have a good process to transition and continue the momentum of what the province is experiencing right now, then I can't walk away from what we've achieved to date," he said.

"I can't walk away from a situation we've left in chaos. And right now, the way our party is not coherent is difficult. We have to fix this issue internally and then make that decision." 

The next election is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2024.

With files from Nicolas Steinbach

 
 
 
77 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos
I never believe anything until its officially denied 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos 
 "The premier has professed for months to be undecided about whether to seek another term next year or hand off the PC leadership to someone else before the campaign.

In February, he poked fun at the speculation about the future by leaving the stage after his annual state of the province speech to the Clash song, Should I Stay or Should I Go."

 
 
 
 
David Amos 
Deja Vu Anyone?

Two PC MLAs vote with Liberals in bid to stall education governance bill

Fired deputy minister of education urges Tory rebels to oppose legislation that he says will centralize power

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 13, 2023 5:45 PM ADT

I say Daniel Allain will be the next PC Leader/Premier in short order

What say you???

 
 
 
 
danny rugg 
Even before he was Premier he was surrounded by yes men. Higgs needs to go solo and talk to real folks. But like most swollen head leaders, history will make sense of this fall from the Humpty Dumpty wall. 
 
 
Chris Merriam 
David Amos 
Reply to G. Timothy Walton

C'est Vrai
 
 
 
 

Two PC MLAs vote with Liberals in bid to stall education governance bill

Fired deputy minister of education urges Tory rebels to oppose legislation that he says will centralize power

Ross Wetmore and Andrea Anderson-Mason voted with a Liberal amendment that would send the bill to the legislature's law-amendments committee for public hearings — a step that would have prevented the bill passing by the end of this week. 

"I am concerned if this new governance model is enacted, there will be no limitations to where a Premier could have direct interference, including areas like curriculum, policy, finances or even staff hiring and disciplinary practices," Wetmore, the MLA for Gagetown-Petitcodiac, said in an email.

The Liberal amendment was defeated 24-21, allowing the bill to advance past second reading and go to a different committee with no public hearings.

What I witnessed ... left me feeling that our NB democracy had truly been hijacked.- George Daley, former deputy minister of education

Bill 46 would turn anglophone district education councils into advisory bodies with no direct decision-making power.

Anderson-Mason, the MLA for Fundy-The Isles-Saint John West, said in the legislature the bill will "remove debate and discourse at the local level. It eliminates the checks and balances that are there to protect our citizens, our families, our children."

A bald man with glasses wearing a grey plaid suit is sitting in an office. George Daley, for deputy minister of education, said the controversial review of Policy 713 is an example of what will happen more often if anglophone district education councils are neutered. (CBC)

The two PC MLAs made their move following an email from former anglophone deputy minister of education George Daley to the eight Tories who issued a statement last week, complaining of a lack of transparency and process on the Policy 713 review.

Daley was fired last fall not long after then-education minister Dominic Cardy quit over proposed changes to French immersion.

"What I witnessed while in the deputy role left me feeling that our NB democracy had truly been hijacked over the last three years," Daley wrote to the eight MLAs.

"Your efforts last week have given me some glimmer of hope."

A multicoloured flag flies atop a flagpole against a blue sky. The vote to advance Bill 46 came after MLAs from all parties gathered outside the legislature at noon for the raising of the Pride flag, an event proposed by the Liberals. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

In his email, obtained by CBC News, Daley complained of "the continual chaos" he said Premier Blaine Higgs was inflicting on the anglophone school system.

He said the controversial review of Policy 713, which sets minimum standards for schools to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces for LGBTQ students, is an example of what will happen more often if Bill 46 passes and anglophone district education councils are neutered.

"There is nothing in my educational career that I think will have a worse effect on our system than this currently proposed model," Daley wrote.

"Please continue to be courageous whether it is on this bill or with other significant decisions," he said.

Higgs told reporters the dissenting votes by Wetmore and Anderson-Mason were "concerning," but said he was happy the bill advanced to a different committee process for "a good open discussion" this week.

The bill is one of nine subject to a PC motion limiting debate time.

That motion will come up for a vote on Thursday, with approval effectively cutting off further discussion of Bill 46 and eight others so the house can adjourn for the summer on Friday.

A woman with blond hair and a tall man in a blue suit face each other outside while TV cameras look on. Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Education Minister Bill Hogan were among the MLAs and others who gathered outside the legislature Tuesday for the raising of the Pride flag. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

But Higgs said he was prepared to have the legislature sit next week if the education bill needs more time.

"I'm prepared to stay in the House and if the questions aren't all answered, we'll just continue the House," he said.

The premier says the bill is aiming at improving the governance of the anglophone education system to produce improved performance.

"Something has to be different. There has to be a step change in how we find better results," he said.

Pride flag raised

The vote to advance Bill 46 came after MLAs from all parties gathered outside the legislature at noon for the raising of the Pride flag.

Several PC MLAs attended, including Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Bill Hogan.

He said his presence was important in light of the debate over Policy 713 that has been unfolding over the last five weeks. 

"I think absolutely it's important for me to be here so that people understand that I support diversity, I support the LGBTQ+ community, and what we're doing has nothing to do with trying to roll back anyone's rights," he said.

"I respect them. I think we need to ensure they feel safe and protected."

Two women stand on alawn talking to each other, one is holding a small Pride flag. Gail Costello, of Pride in Education, and Social Development Minister Dorothy Shepherd at the raising of the Pride flag. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

The government's changes to the policy announced last week include ending an obligation for teachers to respect a student's choice of name and pronouns without parental notification if they're younger than 16.

Liberal Leader Susan Holt said she has decided to devote her party's debate time on Thursday to a motion calling on the government to undo the changes, in the hope some PC MLAs will support it.

The motion is not binding and if passed would not change the policy.

Local Government Minister Daniel Allain, one of the eight PCs who issued the dissenting statement last week, said he has not decided yet how he'll vote on the Liberal motion. 

"It's a social discussion that's dividing New Brunswickers, and I'm going to talk to my colleagues all this week and see where it goes. So we'll see what happens."

Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard, another dissenter, spent several minutes at the flag raising talking to Pride in Education co-chair Gail Costello.

Shepherd gave Costello a supportive tap on the forearm as they wrapped up their conversation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

 
 
 
73 Comments
 
 
David Amos
My My Thank goodness this little tempest in a teapot has not run out of steam yet while far more important matters are being ignored The obvious question is why? 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos
Perhaps some folks should check out all the comments in this article?

New LGBTQ school policy does not ban informal pronoun changes, experts say

NBTA trying to get clarity from department, child advocate says minister's words don't count, legally

Hadeel Ibrahim · CBC News · Posted: Jun 14, 2023 6:00 AM ADT

 


David Amos  
I wonder why all the MLAs and the media are ignoring the big EUB hearing going on across the street 
 
 
 
 
David Amos
I say Daniel Allain will be the next PC Leader/Premier in short order

What say you??? 

 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to David Amos
Let's ask the residents of Chiasson-Savoy how willing he is to listen or explain.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to G. Timothy Walton 
I just watched my MLA try to explain this to Higgy's blogging buddy and he wouldn't listen

Pension perk for deputy ministers should be cut, ex-MLA says

Former Progressive Conservative MLA Wes McLean says PCs should have ended special pension benefit

CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2014 7:05 AM ADT

 
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
"Daley was fired last fall not long after then-education minister Dominic Cardy quit"

I wonder how much he got for a golden handshake

 
Don Corey 
Reply to David Amos
Makes good sense to me.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Perhaps you should review the article from 2014  
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to David Amos   
Has not there been a liberal govt since the David, why no change then.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ken Howe  
Read the comment section from 2014 


 
 
Don Corey
It's about time for the PC Party to start the ball rolling on a process to remove Higgs as leader, since he obviously wants to stick around and just continue with all these ridiculous, controversial and totally unnecessary changes. The party needs a new leader more tuned into the 21st century, able to work with people, no extra favours to big business and preferably bilingual.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
They have a plan to replace him 
 
 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to Don Corey  
Yes David and you and I on the same wave length on this one. Dannys plan has been in place since working with Bernard Lord.  
 
 
 
 
 
Mario Doucet 
time to kick them out of caucus 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mario Doucet
That would make my day 
 
  
 
 
 
Matt Steele 
Premier Higgs is very popular within the PC party , and has the backing of the majority of N.B.ers . Maybe it is time to call a snap election , and get another mandate as he could easily win another majority government . 
 
 
Donald Smith 
Reply to Matt Steele
Exactly 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele 
So you say 
 
 
Yvan Theriault 
Reply to Matt Steele
In the last election the conservative had 39.34% of the votes, that's not even close to representing the majority buddy.   
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Yvan Theriault 
Then there is all those folks such as I who did not bother to vote for rather obvious reasons
 
 



 
Sandra Boudreau  
those two MP"S have shown loyalty to no party and no one. 
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to Sandra Boudreau 
They showed loyalty to their conscience and the province, either of which should outweigh party. 
 
 
Rachel Woods 
Reply to Sandra Boudreau 
They represent people first and party second, as they should.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to G. Timothy Walton 
Surely you jest
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Reply to David Amos
Not since I lost my lance in a poker game.  
 
 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to Rachel Woods   
And if we had a Consensus government that would definitely be the thing to do, Rachel. But no one knows of

Which I speak..yet

 
Andrew Clarkson 
Reply to Sandra Boudreau
MP's? Did they win a federal seat? I must have missed it!  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ray Skavinsky  
I do but I often speak in riddles if ya catch my drift  
 
 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to Sandra Boudreau
Gotcha..lol  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ray Skavinsky 
How many Independents would it take to rule the roost? 


Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to David Amos
Actually David we could cut the MLAs in half and have them run as independents..no parties..just on their own merits..it would run like a municipal/city council
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ray Skavinsky 
Why do you think I ran as an Independent 7 times? 
 
 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to David Amos
To get elected you have to have the favour of your constituents...promise to work for something they want. But then a single IND is hard to deliver and thats why we need all ind..consensus people duly elected. This is not difficult and it ride us of parties who look after their own at the trough...Maybe I'm a dreamer but honest caring people can get it done.
 
 
 
 
 
Christine Martinez  
If this were this to happen at the federal level for the party currently in power, the MPs would be removed from caucus. At least at the provincial level members are still allowed to vote with what what their constituents actually want.
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to Christine Martinez 
Really, do you think that Ross Wetmore almost totally rural riding would want him to vote against that change.
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to Christine Martinez 
Really, do you think that Ross Wetmore almost totally rural riding would want him to vote against that change. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ken Howe 
That dude is my MLA 
 
 
 
 
 
Greg Miller 
If you don't agree with your party stand as an independent--you can't have it both ways
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Greg Miller 
Why not?
 
 
Greg Miller
Reply to David Amos 
Well let's see: one foot on the dock and one foot on the gunnel -- eventually you get wet! 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Greg Miller  
Methinks if eight drunken sailors took your advice their independent caucus would rule the roost in a heartbeat N'esy Pas? 
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to David Amos  
David, pay attention only two voted with the liberals, they still lost the vote but keep dreaming 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Ken Howe 
Trust that I am enjoying the circus 


David Amos
Reply to Ken Howe
I did respond  


  

 
Jake Newman 
love to see higgs call a snap election and win another majority.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Jake Newman  
Why would an internal party rebellion within a majority government warrant an immediate election?
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to David Amos
Because 57% of New Brunswickers support the change and only 18% do not. Might be one reason 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ken Howe 
Dream on 
 
 
 
 
Marilyn Carr 
We need a referendum on this...Let the people speak 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Marilyn Carr
There is no need. We duly elected people to speak and act on our behalf, Hence we have the government we deserve. I have run against Higgy et al in the past and even I agreed with him on the 713 issue. However his bill aiming at the governance of the anglophone education system is just another very stinky kettle of fish to me. 
 
 
Kate LeBlanc  
Reply to David Amos
Well you wouldn't get my vote if you ran again. Higgs and Co. seem determined to interfere with and control where they really need to back off ,education and NOT Control where they really should, HOUSING and Health. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Kate LeBlanc 
Did I get it the first 7 times?
 
 
 
 
 
Colin Seeley  
What’s next from this Govt ? Teacher tells your parents about all things private ?   
 
 
Colin Seeley 
Reply to Colin Seeley
Smoking pot perhaps ? 
 
 
Pat Holland 
Reply to Colin Seeley  
They should be telling the parents everything that is going on with minor children, I would hope they would tell parents if the kid’s smoking pot 
 
 
Colin Seeley 
Reply to Colin Seeley
Let’s say we extend your brilliant ideas to clergy .  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Pat Holland 
Me too
 
 
 
 
 
Louis Leblanc
Power is/was centralized in healthcare and it's a disaster.  
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Louis Leblanc
That is false, over the last several months our healthcare system has seen some significant improvements. Is the system fixed, nope, will take a complete overhaul of the system countrywide to do that. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller    
How many years did it take Higgy to cough up a Health Care Card for me 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to David Amos
Not relevant.  
 
 
Ken Howe 
Reply to David Amos 
I missed that part of the article David. Focus  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
Very relevant when you look at me Health Care Bills while running for a seat in Parliament in 2019 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Ken Howe 
Perhaps you should take your own advice? 
 



 
 
Ronald Miller
Is there a better example of making a mountain out of a molehill. Straight forward review, small revisions, it is in the rearview mirror, but this site is feeding the flames and the usuals are taking the bait. 
 
 
Ron parker 
Reply to Ronald Miller   
that bait is working as you seem to have had a bite.
 
 
Jim Lake 
Reply to Ronald Miller   
Very laughable how off the mark the “small revisions” remark is.
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Jim Lake
However the joke is on us 
 
 
Ronald Miller
Reply to Ron parker
Well actually no, because I am not eating up what the article served, I thought my post was fairly straight forward.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Jim Lake 
Oh My My 
 
 
 
 
Ronald Miller
AAM will not be around after the next election, I guess she is getting her last 15 minutes.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller 
The Fat Lady ain't sung yet
 
 
 
 
 
Jim Lake 
"Higgs said the justification for the review of policy 713 was because parents should have a say in h..."
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Jim Lake 
I am happy to see that somebody pointed that out  
 
 
 
 
 
Mic Mellosz 
How does this relate to Jordan Peterson's enforced speech concerns 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Mic Mellosz 
Who cares? 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mic Mellosz  
Oh My
 
 
 
 
 
 

PC rebels, Liberal opposition seem unsure how to push Higgs on Policy 713

Ministers who broke ranks won’t force the issue, Holt uncertain if non-confidence vote would have any effect

There was that remarkable expression of "extreme disappointment" by eight Progressive Conservative MLAs — including six cabinet ministers — who refused to take their seats Thursday morning.

But there was no firm, sustained pressure to force the premier to back down or quit.

The opposition Liberals, meanwhile, seemed unsure how to leverage the turmoil to inflict maximum damage on Higgs or compel him to reverse course.

It's probably a symptom of decades of top-down, leader-driven, party-line governance that elected members of the legislature are so uncertain of the powers they have and the best way to use them.

"Obviously, it was certainly breaking the conventions of the British parliamentary system," Higgs said last week in Question Period of the statement by six ministers and two backbench MLAs.

A collage of headshots of four men and four women. Ministers Dorothy Shephard, Trevor Holder, Daniel Allain, Arlene Dunn, Jeff Carr, Jill Green, and backbenchers Ross Wetmore and Andrea Anderson-Mason said in a statement last Thursday morning they refrained from participating in routine business and question period as a way to express their 'extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency.' (CBC)

The premier was right: normally, ministers who disagree with a government policy resign.

But the six ministers breaking ranks last week identified themselves as members of caucus — trying to distinguish between their cabinet jobs and their roles as ordinary MLAs, who have more leeway to disagree.

That's not a distinction our British cabinet system of government normally allows.

There's no rulebook for this in Canada, but the U.K. government has a manual for how cabinet works — and it says decisions are "binding on all members of government" and even if ministers disagree privately, they must maintain "a united front" publicly.

And, it says, they should quit or be removed, "when they are not able to continue to accept collective responsibility" — precisely where the six ministers found themselves Thursday.

Rebellion lasted only 2 hours

Not only did the six not quit, their no-show lasted just two hours. After lunch, they were back in the legislature voting for government legislation.

That indicated that they weren't willing to resign or be fired over Policy 713.

So what other options do they have?

Backbench PC MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason, who signed the statement, went on to slam the government's Education Act during second-reading debate last Friday.

It's easier for Anderson-Mason to do that because she's not a minister. Those in cabinet would have a harder time following suit because of the same obligations to show solidarity.

The rebels could vote in favour of a Liberal motion calling on the government to revert back to the original Policy 713.

That motion is not binding, though, so even if the motion passed, it would have no effect.

They could also make mischief by voting against their own government's motion to limit debate time on nine bills so that the house can adjourn as scheduled this Friday.

Forcing the session to drag on into next week would be an annoyance, but would do nothing to change Policy 713.

WATCH | Some of the public's reaction to the Higgs government's moves on Policy 713: 

Oromocto residents react to Policy 713 changes

Duration 1:50
Changes to policy that protects LGBTQ students get a mixed reaction from Oromocto residents.

Higgs actually gave the rebels some latitude on both of those motions when he said last week he would not declare them confidence measures.

If they were confidence votes, Higgs would have to call an election if he lost either vote.

By declaring they're not, Higgs both takes pressure off himself and gives the PC rebels more leeway to vote against him without any risk of consequences.

If Higgs were to somehow lose a confidence vote, former education minister Dominic Cardy has argued that Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy could reject an election call and offer another PC MLA the chance to form a government and win the confidence of the house.

But that rarely happens in Canada. Governing parties that select new leaders in the middle of a mandate do so through their party's rules on leadership races and reviews, not through a legislative vote.

Holt won't commit to Policy 713 motion this week

The Liberals, meanwhile, have their own challenges figuring out the conventions and precedents they might use to paint Higgs into a corner.

Leader Susan Holt declared last Friday that her party is "trying to use every tool in our toolkit to get this policy into the legislature."

But Holt said her party would not itself introduce a non-confidence motion in the hopes of getting the PC rebels to support it.

"It's not up to us to make the government fall," she said, claiming — incorrectly — that a non-confidence motion introduced by the opposition would not be binding.

A man with grey hair and glasses, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and tie, speaks to reporters. New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs raised the idea of an election when asked Thursday whether he might be forced to step down when the PC MLAs refused to take their seats. (CBC)

In fact, an opposition motion of no confidence is what led to the defeat of the Joe Clark government in 1979.

More recently in New Brunswick, the Gallant government was defeated in 2018 after the opposition, led by Higgs, inserted a non-confidence amendment into a throne speech motion.

"Lots to figure out here," Holt said, when that bit of history was pointed out on Friday.

The Liberal leader also would not commit to even bringing her party's Policy 713 motion up for a vote this week.

The opposition parties have limited time to set the agenda on Thursday afternoons, and Holt said her party might bring one of its other bills or motions to the floor instead.

"It remains to be seen what happens between now and then," she said.

8 could choose to become independent

There is one procedural move that, if the eight PC rebels used it, would likely bring things to a head.

If the Tories quit their party caucus to sit as independents, they'd deprive Higgs of the votes to pass several bills that have yet to win final approval.

They'd be in a position to make demands.

But if they were that bold, they would probably have made that move already.

And once the house adjourns for the summer, that opportunity is gone until October.

The PC diffidence and Holt's hesitations suggest it could be an inconclusive week.

No one appears able or willing to twist the knife — if they even know where to find one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

 
 
 
 
162 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos   
Two PC MLAs vote with Liberals in bid to stall education governance bill

Fired deputy minister of education urges Tory rebels to oppose legislation that he says will centralize power

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 13, 2023 5:45 PM ADT

 

David Amos  
Oh My My

"It's not up to us to make the government fall," she said, claiming — incorrectly — that a non-confidence motion introduced by the opposition would not be binding."

 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to David Amos 
Gotta say David,she keeps putting her foot in her mouth.



 
 
Matt Steele  
If worse come to worse , Premier Higgs can shuffle his Cabinet , kick out the problem MLAs , and call a snap election which would flatten the Liberals , and put an end to Susan Holts political career . Many of the MLAs , including Cardy , Andersen-Mason and Susan Holt wouldn't have enough time in for a pension , so it would end their political career , and no pension . 
 
 
Al Clark 
Reply to Matt Steele 
Awesome idea! Make the call! Too funny! 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark  
Yea Right 
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to Matt Steele 
I'm not so sure. A few months ago I would have agreed, but the guy just continues to alienate NB'ers for totally unnecessary reasons/causes/issues/whatever.

The PC party needs a new leader before going into another election. The party and the province would be much better off for it (if they pick the right person).

 
 
 
Donald Smith
Time to do a cabinet shuffle. 
 

Marcel Belanger
Reply to Donald Smith
Time to change the government. 
 
 
Ron Miller
Reply to Marcel Belanger
Agreed, we need to get JT out asap, he is putting everyone in the poor house with his constant tax barrage. 
 
 
Marcel Belanger
Reply to Ron Miller
It’s better to be in the poor house by paying our taxes to government than to do so by giving our taxes to Irving. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ron Miller
I agree
 
 
 
 

 
Mark Deckard 
Parents should be concerned how this story has been covered.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mark Deckard  
I agree
 
 
 
 
 
Mark Deckard  
According to a recent poll, a majority side with Premier Blaine Higgs on gender identity. It's not even close. 
 
 
Rachel Woods 
Reply to Mark Deckard  
“According to a recent poll”

Where is this poll?

 
Marcel Belanger 
Reply to Mark Deckard 
Sure, but human rights are not decided by polls. 

 
Mark Deckard 
Reply to Rachel Woods 
The poll is from SecondStreet.org collected by market research firm Leger in May.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mark Deckard 
True 
 
 
Michael Cain 
Reply to Mark Deckard  
Polls include unaffected individuals, making it invalid; supreme court already ruled on this.




 
Max Gray  
New Brunswick, the bush league of Canadian politics.
 
 
Chris Merriam
Reply to Max Gray
Brilliant comment. Added a lot to the conversation that the adults were having
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Chris Merriam  
It also happens to be true
 
 
 
 
 
Marc LeBlanc
It's pretty obvious what the premier is doing. He hires the same social media "expert" used by the west in their hate crusades against Trudeau. Because Trudeau is responsible for ALL the problems in Canada. The premier himself said he won't run in the next election if he doesn't think he can win. Until that time comes he's going to try every trick in the far right's tool bag. The cause and effect of that strategy? I fear Riverview's play park is just the unlocking of pandora's box
 
 
Ronald Miller  
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Let me guess, the taxes hitting us on July 1 are not JT's fault, they are the premier's fault. 
 
 
Ronald Miller  
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Every party has a social media "expert" based on the audience it reaches, it is not a trick, or is it just a trick for our premier, but no one else?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
JT wants to make Canada Day memorable in the Maritimes

Atlantic premiers brace for fuel price jump expected to 'unfairly impact' region

Health care, other priorities also discussed at premiers' meeting on P.E.I.

Shane Ross · CBC News · Posted: Jun 12, 2023 6:36 PM ADT

 
Mark Deckard 
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Trudeau's comments are not helping. 
 
 
Marcel Belanger 
Reply to Ronald Miller 
Effectively yes they are, Higgs passed legislation beck in December that allows the refinery to pass on the clean fuel acts costs to consumers. Billions in profits for his former employer is not enough. 

 


 
 
Lorelei Stott 
still can't find a cbc report that answers my question is Holt's position on keeping secrets from parents, for or against 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Lorelei Stott  
It would appear that she's still trying to figure out what her position is.  
 
 
Marc LeBlanc
Reply to Lorelei Stott
No it's a loaded question. Try getting a politician to answer this one. Do we want more online gambling that will tear more families apart?  
 
 
Michael Cain  
Reply to Lorelei Stott
It is not about secrets at all.  
 
 
Ray Skavinsky
Reply to Lorelei Stott
It does take time to make decisions Lorelei as she wants to get it right unlike the advising she made with Brian Gallant  
 
 
Ronald Miller  
Reply to Marc LeBlanc
Your question is an easy No. Holt is fighting a policy review and changes that keeps information from parents, it can be worded however you want it to be to suit your narrative.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Lorelei Stott   
"A new partisan attack by Premier Blaine Higgs on Liberal Leader Susan Holt's stance on LGBTQ issues is strikingly similar to the tactics of a Prairie communications guru that quietly started working for the premier this spring."

Higgs attack on Trudeau and Holt bears hallmark of N.B. premier's new social media guru

Derek Robinson worked on 2019 campaign to unseat Prairie Liberals, citing threat of western separatism

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 12, 2023 12:09 PM ADT

 
Andrew Martin 
Reply to Michael Cain  
That is exactly what it boils down to being about.  
 
 
Michael Cain 
Reply to Andrew Martin 
Nonsense. What parent would send a child to school not knowing their sexual orientation or gender identification? Get real.

 
 
 
 
Ronald Miller
Can you imagine if the reporters who post about NB had the train wreck that is Ottawa to report about on a regular basis, they would be working 24/7.  
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Ronald Miller
Far different "standards" here when it comes to a Liberal government.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Oh So True 
 
 
 
 
 
 
G. Timothy Walton 
Party or province, the rebel ministers and backbenchers have to decide which is more important. 
 
 
Gillian Wolf  
Reply to G. Timothy Walton 
Pension. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Gillian Wolf 
Bingo

 
 
 
Al Clark  
The strategy seems to be a copy of djt's; create a new massive fail to make people quickly forget the last one.  
 
 
David Amos
 
Reply to Al Clark 
Methinks you are a wannabe wiseguy N'esy Pas?  
 
 
 
 
 

Higgs attack on Trudeau and Holt bears hallmark of N.B. premier's new social media guru

Derek Robinson worked on 2019 campaign to unseat Prairie Liberals, citing threat of western separatism

Derek Robinson, a key player in western Canadian conservative groups, is advising the premier through his communications firm MASH Strategy.

In 2019 one of those groups helped defeat longtime Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale by running aggressive advertising highlighting his connections to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

On Saturday night, Higgs linked Trudeau's stand on LGBTQ issues to Holt — even though Holt herself is keeping her distance from the prime minister.

"Susan Holt & Justin Trudeau don't believe parents need be involved in such critical discussions as gender identity, even in children as young as 4," Higgs said in two tweets posted Saturday night at 6:53 p.m. and again at 9:18 p.m.

Hired same month review of Policy 713 began

Higgs's spokesperson Nicolle Carlin recently confirmed that Robinson's firm is providing "communications services" to the New Brunswick government.

"Most of their work is dealing with the Premier's Office," Carlin said in an emailed statement.

The firm started advising the premier's office in April, the same month the government began reviewing Policy 713, which sets minimum standards for ensuring safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ  students.

Trudeau called out the province's changes to the policy at a Pride event in Toronto last week.

The changes announced last week remove an obligation teachers had to respect a child's choice of name and pronouns in the classroom whether parents consent or not.

"Trans kids need to feel safe, not targeted by politicians," Trudeau said.

A billboard bearing images of long-time Saskatchewan Liberal MP Ralph Goodale and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. These billboards popped up around Regina in the spring of 2019 and were part of a multi-province ad campaign aimed at Liberal MPs and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (Marie-Christine Bouillon/Radio-Canada)

Higgs's initial response Friday was mild.

He told reporters it was "not unusual" for Trudeau to wade into provincial issues and said it was "unfortunate the prime minister wouldn't look at the big picture" and was "playing to the audience" at the Pride event.

Saturday's tweets went further, invoking four-year-olds and linking Trudeau to Holt, Higgs's main opponent in the next election — even though Holt distanced herself from the prime minister on Friday.

"It's not clear to me why Trudeau would be commenting on provincial education policy," she said.

Higgs's social media accounts generally avoid direct political attacks on the prime minister.

Carlin said the premier's office works "with many people in communications" but the Saturday tweets were written by Higgs himself.

Campaign in Manitoba subject of complaint

Robinson was the chief of digital strategy for Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall from 2011 to 2018.

After leaving Wall's office he got involved with the Buffalo Project, an initiative aimed at having Alberta and Saskatchewan take control of some policy areas now under federal jurisdiction, including pensions and immigration.

He was also part of the Canada Growth Council, which ran the 2019 third-party advertising campaign to defeat Liberal MPs in Western Canada.

That campaign included large billboards in Regina with photos of Trudeau and Goodale, who was a minister in the prime minister's cabinet at the time.

The group is now the subject of a complaint from the Manitoba NDP about pre-election ads in Manitoba tying that party's leader to Trudeau and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

A portrait of a man in a T-shirt, smiling. Derek Robinson argued for a referendum in Saskatchewan on the equalization program. (Derek Robinson/Facebook)

After Goodale lost his seat in 2019, Robinson warned the west needed more autonomy — and many people there would consider separating – in response to federal Liberal policies. 

"There's going to be a lot of people who say, 'I don't know if this whole Canada thing is working for us anymore,'" he told Global News.

He said western Canadians were upset at funding social programs in other provinces through equalization, a program that benefits New Brunswick.

Robinson has also argued Saskatchewan should set a date for a referendum on the program, which distributes public funds from wealthier provinces to so-called "have-not" provinces.

While some form of sharing wealth was a good idea, "at the levels it's been happening, it's not fair, it's not right, and that needs to change," he said.

In a 2020 podcast by Sen. Pamela Wallin, Robinson said the Buffalo Project was espousing policies to counter, not encourage, separatist sentiment on the prairies.

"Our movement is really about trying to make sure we don't separate," he said.

"If we don't get a fair deal within Confederation within a decent period of time here, I think the flames of separation are going to be burning much hotter in the very near future."

Robinson did not respond to an interview request sent by email to his firm's office.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
80 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos 
Why does this not surprise me?  
 
 
 
David Amos  
Who do you think is paying the spin doctor fees?  
 
 
 
 
David Amos
A military veteran-turned-lawyer and now out of work politician who I first crossed paths when he was one of Premier Hamm's minions is looking for a job Perhaps Higgy should hire him to even things out

"In his final speech in the House of Commons, former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole called on MPs to focus on fostering respectful debate at a time when "performance politics is fuelling polarization."

O'Toole took aim at social media in his Monday address, saying that the House has become a place where politicians are more focused on generating clips than on national debates.

"We are becoming elected officials who judge our self worth by how many likes we get on social media, but not how many lives we change in the real world," he said. "We're becoming followers of our followers when we should be leaders.

"Social media did not build this great country but it is starting to tear its democracy down."

 
 
 
 
Milt Brock 
It seems that the PM thinks that his gov't s policy should supercede parental rights on their own children. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Milt Brock 
Methinks many folks agree that the PM should mind his own business N'esy Pas? 
 
 
Donald LeBlanc 
Reply to Milt Brock   
Constitutional and Charter Rights are abundantly clear that if a child’s rights collide with a parent’s then the courts will always rule in favour of the child. As the Child Advocate clearly stated Trans kids are being singled out for discriminatory treatment by the Higgs/Hogan policy and 8 members of the PC caucus agrees with the Advocate.

Higgs should find better advisors than a western separatist who is anti-vaxxer and anti-environment.

Imagine the furor if Brian Gallant had chosen a Parti Québécois high-level hack as an advisor.

 
 
 
 
William Peters 
Divide in order to conquer. They feel they have a rallying cry and "winner" with being the guardians of traditional gender identities. I'm sure they have studied it. It's troubling to know we'll essentially be voting for or against some Conservative ideological PR person's platform in our next election. For them it is how they earn their industry awards. Winning elections and delivering power is their game. Meanwhile we are drowned in this incessant faux social outrage that all sides appear to love to be playin theater with. Solve this immediately and stop distracting us. That is not what we our leaders to do. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to William Peters 
Amen 





Mark Deckard 
Misleading headline. Higg was defending himself. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mark Deckard 
Not really
 
 
 
 
 
Jeffrey Lebowski  
The typical talking point attack tweet is so obvious and staged. We see it hear all the time with Russian disinformation or the fill in the blank insult of Trudeau. Then the pile on effect where 5 or 10 posters continually all agree to each others' inane comments. It is why cbc boards seem slanted conservative when most readers do not share the view. Like locusts. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Jeffrey Lebowski  
Methinks Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski would not be impressed with your spin N'esy Pas?  
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Parniak 
When people think "ad hominem" they usually think it means insulting people, but it's really things like this - focusing on the person behind the message rather than addressing the message.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mike Parniak  
Kinda sorta true  
 
 
 
 
 
Myra Maynes
So further confirmation Higgs can't think for himself. I can't wait for election time! Here he was a week ago speaking of giving himself a raise!! For what??!!  
 
 
William Peters 
Reply to Myra Maynes   
He was doing something wrong if you look at his woeful approval ratings. They'll jump onto a national public relations narrative to try and lift him up. The guy will always carry the Irving identity and will never find support for that if we somehow go into an election cycle talking about how bad things are across the public sector and how great they are for the balance sheets of those who live to caress numbers. Let's face it, Higgs is never going to find appeal with his "we should be run more in the Irving mold" and "the people of NB must want less" narratives. Those are PR losers and I'm sure he's been reminded of it.  
 
 
Jake Newman 
Reply to Myra Maynes 
you forgot to mention that the Green and Liberal party agreed with the raises. You also forgot to mention the other parties have communication firms working for them. 
 
 
Ron Miller 
Reply to Myra Maynes  
He did not give himself any raise, maybe a re-read of the article is needed. But he has certainly earned one based on his performance. 
 
 
Ron Miller 
Reply to William Peters
He has done nothing different with Irving than any other premier, the constant reference that somehow he is different is a tired and incorrect one. How are things bad across the public sector? The record raises for many of the unions? How do we have less, enlighten me, I can't wait.  
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Myra Maynes  
Good government. 
 
 
David Amos  
Reply to Don Corey 
Surely you jest
 
 
 
 

Deja Vu Anyone???

 
 
 
 

Ross Wetmore-MLA Gagetown Petitcodiac debate the Gang of 8 with Pain in the Ass Blogger!!!!

Charles Leblanc 
 
 
 
 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/pension-perk-for-deputy-ministers-should-be-cut-ex-mla-says-1.2802418 

 

Pension perk for deputy ministers should be cut, ex-MLA says

 

Former Progressive Conservative MLA Wes McLean says PCs should have ended special pension benefit

The previous Progressive Conservative government faced a significant backlash from provincial employees for its decision to overhaul civil service pensions by moving to a shared-risk model.

Civil servants accumulate larger pensions the longer they work for the provincial government, but deputy ministers accumulate their pensions at twice the normal rate for the first five years that they are at that top level.

Wes McLean, the former Victoria-Tobique Tory MLA who did not re-offer in the 2014 election, said the switch to a shared-risk pension system should have also eliminated that special arrangement for deputy ministers.

"I'm of the view that it's a relic and needs to be scrapped, especially given New Brunswick's fiscal situation,” he said.

When David Alward’s Progressive Conservative government took on pension reform, the goal was to reduce the long-term cost of the pension program.

McLean says he has a theory about why the Tories stopped short of cutting the extra benefit for deputy ministers while they were changing other elements of the pension system for provincial government employees.

"The water cooler talk was pushback from the deputies themselves,” the former MLA said.

Quispamsis Tory MLA Blaine Higgs, the former finance minister who was in charge of the pension changes, confirmed deputies got to keep the pension perk.

But Higgs says it's because he planned a larger overhaul of the pension system for deputy ministers had the Tories won a second term.

"That's why we didn't. We were looking at the whole picture. That was the next step, to look at the whole compensation package for senior officials,” Higgs said.

But the Progressive Conservatives lost the election to the Liberals, which makes further reforms unlikely.

The Liberals promised during the election to reconsider the reforms already imposed by the Tory government, rather than take them further.

 
 
85 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos
I wonder if Higgy and his minions ever bothered to check my work yet
 
 
 
 
Mike76ss
Well Gallant has the opportunity now to correct this and do the right thing for the tax payers of NB... The Cons did the first step in pension reform to sustain the system. L:ets now see what Gallant and the Liberals do. Lets give them their chance before this razor thing majority dissolves.   
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Mike76ss  
How did that work out for ya? 
 
 
 
 
BarbaraCanuski 
The perks of the Deputy Ministers is not limited to just this.

Deputy Ministers are entitled to a car supplied by government.

Deputy Ministers are also entitled to a "performance bonus" on an annual basis, which amounts to an additional $15k -$20k a year. And guess what, nearly all Deputy Ministers receive their bonus.

When I and a couple other civil servants suggested the bonus be eliminated we were told that the bonuses were needed to retain the best, and without paying it, those DMs would leave. Not likely I responded. At a salary level of $120k-$150k, there are plenty of others that would assume the job.

It would appear that these Deputy Ministers had no objection to cutting the pension benefits of the rank and file civil servants, but not their own very costly perks (bonuses and car allowance, and travel). 

 

justathought  
Reply to BarbaraCanuski 
"retain the best"??? Retain the best what I ask...the best scammers?? "There was a crooked man who lived in a crooked house". 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to BarbaraCanuski 
And it goes on and on
 
 
 
Anne Bérubé 
Dear Mr. Higgs: Of course, you would not touch your deputies' pension, why should you, right? These guys are fighters, not like older retirees who are an easier target. Deputies can also buy the cars they drove which were given by your government. at an excellent price. I have to tell you that I do not believe one little thing coming from your mouth, do you hear me? You are the reason I am getting up earlier in the morning just so that I can dislike you a little longer daily. You took my pension and changed it without my permission. I am also not expecting that the liberal government will change anything, as you are ALL alike, selfish, however, your government got voted out and this is very sweet music to my ears.  
 
 
debtdebt © 
Reply to Anne Bérubé  
it does suck that your pension was changed to a shared risk plan.....but isn't it better then having huge cuts forced upon you because the Province is broke? A contract was made but the Province simply cannot afford it any more.....It is not like they can go out of business one day and start up a new Province the next day. They have to legislate the changes to deal with the real world situation of being broke....  
 
 
ROBBEB 
Reply to debtdebt ©  
And how much money did the Government give away just before the election?? I believe the amount was around 400 million. That would have paid the pensioners for quite a few years. So don't say the Province is broke. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Anne Bérubé  
Trust that Higgy and I are still going at it 
 
 
 
Jerodcan  
"But Higgs says it's because he planned a larger overhaul of the pension system for deputy ministers had the Tories won a second term.".... "That's why we didn't. We were looking at the whole picture. That was the next step, to look at the whole compensation package for senior officials,” Higgs said....

Right Blaine... You had plenty of time to screw over the little guy making thirty grand a year and getting a twenty some thousand dollar pension, while you the politician and the senior civil servants still get the same cushy pensions you always get, and those are the pensions that make the public mad. There was no time to deal with Deputies pensions while you were in office and people would need to re-elect your government for that to happen... Tell me Blaine... Are you still waiting for that call from Brian Gallant offering you the position of Minister of Finance? Because if you are, you can forget it he already has one.


David Amos
Reply to Jerodcan  
Too Too Funny

 

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