Wednesday 27 September 2023

New Brunswick surplus hit $1 billion last year, new figures show

 

New Brunswick surplus hit $1 billion last year, new figures show

All-time record latest example of PC government underestimating black ink

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

 

205 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos 
Bruce Fitch knows this money his boss is bragging about is mine because they failed to refund the money I was forced to spend on my Health Care  
 
 
 
David Amos
Steeves projected a $40.3 million surplus in his budget in March.

He warned at the time that "oddities" had contributed to the big surpluses of the previous year, and "you can't count on things staying status quo" this year.

 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos 
Allain said Tuesday he won't vote against the PC budget next March, which if defeated would trigger an election.

"I'm actually proud of our budgets that we did. So I hope as a party we can move on. There's some reconciliation that needs to be done. We have to talk as a group," he said. 

 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos
 Former education minister Dominic Cardy, who resigned last October and was ejected from the PC caucus, said an election isn't necessary to remove Higgs from office.

He told reporters that if the premier visits Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy and asked her to dissolve the house, she should instead ask the PC caucus if another of its members could take over and lead a government with majority support in the legislature.

Cardy acknowledged that move, while possible in the parliamentary system, is rare but not out of the question.

"The lieutenant-governor's job is to ascertain whether there's anybody else who can command the majority of the house," he said.

"I'm saying there are very clearly people who could do that job. The premier has shown today he can't even command his own caucus, his own cabinet."

 
David Amos 

Reply to David Amos  
Higgs said in a statement on social media Friday.

"With the encouragement of many colleagues and people from across this province, I am confirming my intention to remain as leader and to reoffer in the next provincial election."

Higgs cited the province's economic and population growth during his time as premier and said it was important to "continue to build on this momentum."

The next election is scheduled for Oct. 21, 2024, though Higgs's statement didn't mention that date and did not rule out an earlier campaign.

He told reporters that a recent rebellion by six MLAs in his caucus "remains a big concern." Those members will be in a position to delay legislation when the legislature reconvenes in October.

 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to David Amos  
So this is why you are betting on Allain? Interesting angle. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Kyle Woodman 
Although I have no respect for Cardy whatsoever I never said he wasn't clever 
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to David Amos
Same
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Kyle Woodman
I saw he was behind the 719 nonsense out of the gate and said so but was blocked So I sat back and enjoyed the circus as Higgy and his minions took the bait  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos 
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said he was willing to call an election over changes to Policy 713, which was designed to protect LGBTQ students, as he faced a rebellion from several of his top cabinet ministers Thursday.

Six ministers and two backbench MLAs refused to attend the morning sitting of the legislature "as a way to express our extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency," they said in a statement. 

 

 

Don Corey 
The best course of action for this government, given their excellent ability to actually generate a huge surplus (when our federal government continues to spend and record deficits at an unprecedented rate), would be to invest at least half the surplus toward

- immediate and sustainable improvements in our healthcare system

- low income housing (another immediate priority)

- a 2-3% reduction in our provincial sales tax

and, perhaps Mr. Fitch could stop the political games and pay Mr. Amos the money he is owed (with interest and an apology).

 
David Amos 
Reply to Don Corey 
Thank You Kind Sir
 
 
 
 
Bob Smith 
I recently spent 14 hours waiting to be transferred from ambulance to hospital room for a serious infection. Hospital staff uniformly said 14 hours wasn't bad in the present days. I'll remember it when the next election happens and the Conservatives want my vote.
 
 
John Montgomery 
Reply to Bob Smith
They have said that they will lower hospital room response? 
 

Michael Cin
Reply to Bob Smith 
A serious issue might be walking in with your head under your arm.
 
 
John Montgomery 
Reply to Bob Smith 
Oh never mind. Read that wrong.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Bob Smith   
I was compelled to pay for my Health Care in 2019 because Higgy denied my right to have it. Once i threatened to sue Bruce Fitch I finally got a Health Care card rather quickly and was refunded some of my money immediately but I am still waiting for a great deal more Oh never mind. Read that wrong. 
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to Bob Smith 
Good luck in getting anything better from the Liberals, because you won't.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Don Corey
A Progressive Conservative MLA is warning the premier not to call an early election and says a campaign based on Policy 713 may not go as planned.

Daniel Allain says parties that try to make an election about a single issue rarely succeed because voters often decide for themselves that other subjects matter more to them.

"I lived an election in 2014 on one issue, one subject. It's hard to stay on that subject for 30 days," he said, referring to a PC re-election campaign urging voters to "Say Yes" to shale gas development.

"Voters want to know about more than one issue," said Allain, who was an adviser to then-premier David Alward in 2014.

"After two weeks people were agreeing with us. However, the last two weeks, we couldn't pivot onto something else."

The Liberals went on to win that election.

Premier Higgs waded into a crowd about 250 people on the front lawn of the legislature last week, shaking hands with people carrying signs denouncing sex education and LGBTQ rights. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Allain noted the Manitoba PC government is now campaigning for re-election after promising a Policy 713-like initiative, "and I don't think the PCs are doing that good."

Premier Blaine Higgs has hinted he may call an election before the scheduled October 2024 date because of dissent in his caucus triggered by his government's changes to Policy 713

 
Bob Smith 
Reply to Don Corey
True, but I'll be darned if I vote for a party sitting on a surplus while ordinary folks like myself deal with a health care system they let crumble under the stewardship of an unqualified cabinet minister. 

 
David Webb
Reply to Bob Smith
Unfortunately, governments for decades have ignored the tsunami of baby boomers steamrolling toward retirement across the country. Governments and many voters cannot thing long term. So here we are.

 

Don Corey 
Reply to David Amos
I totally agree with Allain. 

 

 

 
Bruce Normand
Ernie couldn’t even get the top 40 right. No surprise that he mismanages sums in the hundreds of millions. Celebrity doesn’t guarantee competence, but NBers are learning this the hard way.
 
 
Jos Allaire  
Reply to Bruce Normand
A celebrity no more. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Jos Allaire 
Surely you jest. 

 
Michael Cin
Reply to Bruce Normand 
Nonsense. Ernie has someone else add the numbers. 




 
Ronald Millr
Matt Tungsten was right when he said Higgs is not a good premier.
 
 
 
 
 
Matt Tungsten

So who is the real Matt Steele? 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Tungsten 
Neither.  
 
 
Michael Cin
Reply to Ronald Millar   
Who might you be? 
 
 
 
 
Matt Tungsten
Higgs will be voted out soon enough and NB will begin to prosper again
 
 
Matt Steele
Reply to Matt Tungsten  
You said it buddy!
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Tungsten 
Higgy has painted himself into a corner over 719 nonsense but if he does nothing at all He will remain Premier until at least November 2024 
 
 
Jonathan Richard  
Reply to Matt Tungsten
 ? So by prosper you mean go into debt by borrowing money they don’t have and can’t pay back?
 
 
Matt Tungsten
Reply to Jonathan Richard
Yes, the government is borrowing money. It's not my money, I have lots of money. They should go into debt to pay for roads and hospitals and schools for people not as fortunate as me. Government debt means nothing to me.  
 
 
David Webb 
Reply to Ronald Millar    
Wow
 
 
 

Matt Steele 
  
Seems to be a lot of new fake accounts on here today , and most all coming from one person . Must be an election near , and the opposition are getting desperate . 
 

David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele  
Thats an understatement However who is who in this zoo/circus? 
 
 
Marc Martin 
Reply to Matt Steele 
Awww  
 
 
Matt Tungsten
  
Reply to Matt Steele 
I'm the real Ronald Miller I've just rebranded. And we all know who the real Matt Steele is. The other guy.





Kyle Woodman   
Taxation without representation is theft.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Amen The Yankee revolted over it many moons ago 
  
 
Ronald Miller
Reply to Kyle Woodman 
Attacking JT and his massive taxes is not fair is it? 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ronald Miller  
Perhaps you should check my work? 
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to Ronald Miller  
Where's the billion dollars going Ronald?  
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman  
Steeves told reporters he has no idea if that will happen, but pointed out the $1 billion surplus was not crafted for political gain.

Well you can say what you want about Ernie, but he still has the jokes.

 
David Amos 
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Ernie is another one of my not so funny cousins The last time I talked to him we were both running in the election in 2018 

 

 

Ronald Miller
Most Nbers are just getting over the news of Marysville Place have a GNB fleet only EV station, now we are forced to deal with an even higher surplus. What comes tomorrow, more tax breaks for everyone, how much more can we endure. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller   
Another election?
 
 
Mathieu Laperriere 
Reply to Ronald Miller   
More tax breaks for everyone? When did this happen? Oh right, I have to make above 100k to get one. 
 
 
 
 
 
Errol Willis
Well this should be an interesting comment board to read :)  
 
 
David Amos
 
Reply to Errol Willis  
Too bad so sad we cannot read it all  
 
 

 
Matt Steele 6626 comments
Wow , what a difference a competent Premier and five years makes . When Premier Higgs took over five years ago , the province was mired with crippling debt , and its credit rating was in the process of being downgraded due to excessive spending , and poor management . Now just five years later , the province is growing , massive amounts of debt has been paid down ; and a new N.B. Museum , Correctional Institution , Fredericton Courthouse , and Schools are being built ; and the province still manages to post surpluses . Thank you Premier Higgs for a job well done , most N.B.ers appreciate your efforts and hard work .  
 
 
Matt Steele 31 comments
 
Reply to Matt Steele 
Matt you're delusional  
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele 6626 comments

Wow , what a difference a competent Premier and five years makes . When Premier Higgs took over five years ago , the province was mired with crippling debt , and its credit rating was in the process of being downgraded due to excessive spending , and poor management . Now just five years later , the province is growing , massive amounts of debt has been paid down ; and a new N.B. Museum , Correctional Institution , Fredericton Courthouse , and Schools are being built ; and the province still manages to post surpluses . Thank you Premier Higgs for a job well done , most N.B.ers appreciate your efforts and hard work . 
 
 
Matt Tungsten 
Reply to Matt Steele 6626 comments
Money is meant to be spent not held to win elections and keep the status quo. 
 
 
Matt Steele 31 comments

Reply to Matt Tungsten 
You're right Matt. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele 31 comments
Too Too Funny
 
 
 
 
Matt Tungsten 
Oooh. Money that could be spend on services ans infrastructure but is instead hoarded to woo gullible voters. Ya don't say?  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Tungsten 
I say we get the governments we deserve when greed and apathy rule the day eh?  
 
 
Matt Steele
Reply to David Amos
The imposter Matt Steele would disagree but he's just a paid staffer. I'm the real deal and I'm on team David Amos! We need government for the people, not the corporations. Down with Higgs! 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele
If what you claim is remotely true why not grow up and use your real name?  
 
 
 
 
 

N.B. education minister defends not greeting counter-protesters

Bill Hogan also says sexual education curriculum in schools will be reviewed

Hogan met protesters on the lawn of the New Brunswick legislature, but he and Premier Blaine Higgs did not cross the street to where counter-protesters had gathered in support of LGBTQ rights and inclusive education policies.

Higgs, in particular, has been criticized for shaking hands with protesters while not talking to nearby counter-protesters, many concerned about Hogan's changes to Policy 713, about gender identity.

The changes require teachers to get parents' consent before using the chosen pronoun or name of a student under 16. 

Protesters expressed support for the changes, citing what they called "parental rights." But critics and researchers say the term "parental rights" is a misnomer because it doesn't address the concerns of LGBTQ parents or parents of LGBTQ children.

WATCH | 'There's been a lot of hoopla over that': 
 

Education minister makes comments on sex-ed curriculum, and why he didn’t cross the street at last week’s protests


Duration 1:13
Bill Hogan spoke to the news media at an announcement of a new school coming to the Crescent Valley area of Saint John.

On Wednesday in Saint John, after announcing a new school for the city's north end, Hogan was asked about the safety of LGBTQ students in schools after the changes and the summer of debate about them.

Hogan told reporters he believes students are safe, but some "pretty ugly things" have happened that he "doesn't support personally."

When asked what he meant by this, he said he was on the lawn of the legislature during the protest and was advised by security not to cross the street to see counter-protesters because it seemed the "temperature was pretty hot."

A man talking to a womanHogan greeted protesters last week at a rally in Fredericton where people carried signs denouncing sex education and LGBTQ policies. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

"It's not my security so much that I worry about it, it's the people that are being paid to make sure that I'm safe. So we didn't go across the street. There's been a lot of hoopla over that."

"It wasn't meant to be a slam or not supporting the LGBTQ community — it was the advice that we were given by security." 

Sex ed curriculum review

Hogan also said he will be reviewing the sex education curriculum. 

At the protest last week, Hogan said he thinks parents should have the choice of what their children participate in terms of sex education.

A crowd of people holding signs and flags Around 250 people gathered last week in in front of the legislature, many carrying signs denouncing sex education and LGBTQ rights. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

And on Wednesday, Hogan said his department does plan on providing parents the choice as to whether they'd like their children to participate in the personal wellness part of the curriculum.

According to the online curriculum framework, personal wellness is a subject included in both elementary and middle school learning. In elementary, it includes topics like personal health habits, good work habits, emotional responses, puberty, personal hygiene and appreciation for diversity.

In middle school, the topics include mental health, career pathways, boundaries, justice and injustice, anti-discrimination, healthy sexuality and self-image, reproduction for Grade 6 and sexual health for Grades 7 and 8. 

Hogan said the current plan is not to revise the curriculum, but there will be a department meeting about it.

"I've asked that we review the curriculum and make sure that what's being introduced at each age level is appropriate for that developmental age level," said Hogan.

A crowd of people with rainbow flags and signs. A big orange sign says "keep hate out of schools." About 100 people supporting LGBTQ rights and inclusive school policies to protect them held a counter-protest across the street from the legislature. Hogan says he was advised by security not to cross the street and greet counter protesters. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

"I'm pretty sure that it's right on track, but we want to make double sure about that.

"It's the other stuff that gets added in that creates the greatest angst with parents. So we're going to try and keep people using the curriculum and the supporting resources that have been identified for the curriculum." 

School location announced

Hogan was in Saint John to announce that a new K-5 school will be built on the former Crescent Valley School property on MacLaren Boulevard. It will replace Hazen White-St. Francis and Centennial schools.

Hogan said the school will cost $6 million to $7 million, and the government will provide $3 million this year to support planning, design and site preparation.

He said construction will begin in the spring. The school is expected to open in September 2026.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hannah Rudderham is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick. She grew up in Cape Breton, N.S., and moved to Fredericton in 2018. You can send story tips to hannah.rudderham@cbc.ca.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

11 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos
I nearly died laughing as I listened to Hogan on the radio earlier Now I get to listen to a bit of it again 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos
"It's not my security so much that I worry about it, it's the people that are being paid to make sure that I'm safe. So we didn't go across the street. There's been a lot of hoopla over that." 
 
 
 
 
 

PC MLA warns Higgs that early election call could backfire

Daniel Allain says single-issue 2014 campaign on shale gas led to PC defeat

Daniel Allain says parties that try to make an election about a single issue rarely succeed because voters often decide for themselves that other subjects matter more to them.

"I lived an election in 2014 on one issue, one subject. It's hard to stay on that subject for 30 days," he said, referring to a PC re-election campaign urging voters to "Say Yes" to shale gas development.

"Voters want to know about more than one issue," said Allain, who was an adviser to then-premier David Alward in 2014.

"After two weeks people were agreeing with us. However, the last two weeks, we couldn't pivot onto something else."

The Liberals went on to win that election.

Man shaking hands with woman holding Canada flag over shoulder Premier Higgs waded into a crowd about 250 people on the front lawn of the legislature last week, shaking hands with people carrying signs denouncing sex education and LGBTQ rights. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Allain noted the Manitoba PC government is now campaigning for re-election after promising a Policy 713-like initiative, "and I don't think the PCs are doing that good."

Premier Blaine Higgs has hinted he may call an election before the scheduled October 2024 date because of dissent in his caucus triggered by his government's changes to Policy 713. 

Those changes include a requirement that teachers get parental consent before allowing children under 16 to use a new name or pronoun of their choice in classrooms.

The changes are now subject to a court challenge, and Allain says that process should be allowed to go forward.

"Right now New Brunswickers want to talk about inflation, housing and health care." 

Man standing outside, white building in background Marc Savoie, former president of the PC riding association in Moncton East, said he resigned because he can't support both his transgender son and Blaine Higgs. (Gilles Landry/Radio-Canada)

Higgs attended a march last week of New Brunswickers opposed to LGBTQ school policies, which prompted the acting president of the PC riding association in Allain's Moncton East constituency to resign.

Marc Savoie, the father of a transgender son, said he made the decision after Higgs went to the march and chose not to greet counter-protestors supporting LGBTQ rights.

"He never had any intentions of listening to what the other side has to say. His mind is made up," Savoie said. 

"I can't support my son and support Blaine Higgs. I don't see those two aligning." 

Allain wouldn't comment on Savoie's resignation but said he had been a good volunteer for the party. 

Another PC riding association president, Noémie David Gauvin, also recently quit her position over Higgs's stance on Policy 713.

"I find it sad to take a step backwards after we took a few steps forward" with the original policy, she told Radio-Canada.

Seeing Higgs attend last week's march "confirmed I made the right decision by resigning," said Gauvin, who has a transgender brother.

A woman with long light hair and glasses sits in an office. Noémie David-Gauvin, former president of the Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou riding association, said she could no longer support the party following the premier's position on Policy 713 and the rights of transgender people. (Radio-Canada)

The former local government reform minister was one of six PC MLAs who voted with the opposition Liberals in June on their motion calling for more consultation on Policy 713.

That led Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock to draft a report that concluded the Higgs changes violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the New Brunswick Human Rights Act and the Education Act.

Four of the rebellious PC MLAs were cabinet ministers. Two later resigned and the premier shuffled the other two to the backbench.

Higgs suggested earlier this month that those six defiant MLAs remain "a big concern" who could jeopardize his ability to pass legislation, a scenario that might affect his thinking on an early election.

Elections N.B. accelerates preparations

In a statement Tuesday, Higgs pointed out the legislature is scheduled to open a new session Oct. 17.

"The question we face is will the focus be on delivering results for New Brunswickers, or will it be 12 months of political drama causing instability and stagnation in government?" he said.

"My focus and responsibility is to the citizens of this province ensuring we continue on our path of demonstrated continuous improvement."

Elections New Brunswick said in a statement Tuesday that based on speculation in media reports, it was accelerating its preparations for the next campaign.

That includes moving the training of new returning officers, originally scheduled for March 2024, to next week.

A crowd of people with rainbow flags and signs. A big orange sign says "keep hate out of schools." About 100 people supporting LGBTQ rights and inclusive school policies to protect them held a counter-protest across the street from the march last week. Premier Higgs did not walk over to speak with them. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

Allain said Tuesday he won't vote against the PC budget next March, which if defeated would trigger an election. 

"I'm actually proud of our budgets that we did. So I hope as a party we can move on. There's some reconciliation that needs to be done. We have to talk as a group," he said.

"I hope we take that opportunity to do it, because I think New Brunswickers want to see a four-year mandate. Nobody wants an election today. It costs too much." 

Whether he would vote against other PC bills would depend on what kind of consultation happens within the entire party caucus. 

"There's only one person that can definitely bring the team together," he said, but added that Higgs has not spoken to him since the cabinet shuffle three months ago.

Savoie and Gauvin said they remain PC party members but would not work for the party in a campaign with Higgs as leader.

"I'm not saying I'll never come back but for the moment I can't," Gauvin said. "It would be against my values. I can't support a party whose leader takes that position [on LGBTQ issues]."

Savoie said he's still hopeful the party will return to the moderate political centre after the premier leaves. 

"I truly believe it'll happen. In my heart I still believe the vast majority of party members don't see things the way Blaine Higgs does and that keeps me invested in the party," he said. 

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
 
 
 
112 Comments 
 
 
 
 
Dianne MacPherson 
 Daniel Allain should KNOW that Premier Higgs

doesn't need Policy 713 to get re-elected.

In fact if I were he or anyone of his MLAs

I wouldn't even 'go there'.

Premier Higgs has shown NBers. how important

Fiscal Management is for the well being of

a Province and getting good return on Investment

displays a caring how taxpayers' dollars are spent.

 
Jos Allaire 
Reply to Dianne MacPherson  
Yet he did.  
 
 
Ronald Millar
Reply to Dianne MacPherson 
Life isn't all about dollars and cents  
 
 
Michael Cain 
Reply to Dianne MacPherson 
He did? He does? geez, must have missed that guy.  
 
 
Stephen Robertson
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
If I may be so bold, you sound like a business person. If your accountant consistently provided you with wrong financial information upon which you made business decisions, how long would you want to keep that accountant?  
 
 
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Ronald Millar   
That's the truth but neither is dislike

of a person because of Political Stripe.

 
Ronald Millar
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
Also the truth. For instance I don't like Higgs and what he stands for as a human being. Couldn't care less what party he belongs to, I disagree with 85 percent of what he says and does. 
 
 
 
 
 
Ronald Millar  
Higgs knows his base well and decided to pull some wool over their eyes for votes. Distract is the name of the game. Tap into that hate. Knows exactly what he is doing.  


Don Corey 
Reply to Ronald Millar
Too funny lol.  
 
 
 
 
JOhn D Bond  
He would be foolish to call and election now. I guess one can always hope. 
 
 
Ronald Millar
Reply to JOhn D Bond 
Well no according to Matt Higgs is brilliant and will easily win. He is the gold standard of NB politics you know 
 
 
JOhn D Bond 
Reply to Ronald Millar  
Just another opinion. We will have to see who is right and only time will tell  
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele 
Premier Higgs is easily the most competent Premier and Manager that N.B. has had in the last 100 years . If he goes for a 2023 fall election , he would win on the Policy 713 issue alone . Thank You Premier Higgs , N.B.ers appreciate all of your hard work .
 

Jonathan Martin 
Reply to Matt Steele  
hear hear, the best premiere in a very long time indeed. 
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to Matt Steele
He has certainly done a great job when it comes to effectively managing the finances of the province, and significantly reducing our huge deficit; no doubt about it.

"Side issues" such as Policy 713 only serve (intentional or otherwise) to divide NB'ers. I see very little in the way of efforts to recognize that NB actually has citizens/voters north of Woodstock and Miramichi.

The "special deals" to Irving continue to be blatantly obvious (as they would also be under the Liberals) and should be eliminated.

Then we have NB Power (the NB albatross), pretty much controlled by Higgs (not good).

The time has come for a new PC leader, asap.

Daniel Allain would be a bring this party back to where it should be.

 
SW Home 
 Reply to Jonathan Martin  
you must not have very high standards 
 
 
Ronald Millar 
Reply to Don Corey
 I'd probably vote Con with a new "progressive conservative" leader at the helm. You're not wrong with that post  
 
 
 
 
Dacre Gushue  
These people recently took these positions to be able to give JP a story down the line. How could someone take over as President of a PC Riding in JUNE 2023 when they have a trans child? Why would you do that? Unless it was to be able to make a news story in the future.

The NB Liberals still have a 1% chance at a majority and 6% chance at a minority government.

This article is smoke and mirrors.

 
 
 
David Webb  
Jacques/see bee cee is at it again. When is the article coming on those who support the premier on this one issue? What would the reactions be if the schools/teachers were to secretly baptise your child after reading to them from the KJV bible. I seems to me that the author is fanning the flames continually to support his political ideology. How about interviewing Ms Holt and some liberal MLA's at random across the province on their point of view? 
 

Ronald Millar
Reply to David Webb  
A better article would be why is this even an issue given the sad state of NB? Why is this somehow Higgs priority? I know the answer but nobody wants to talk about his ideology. 
 
 
David Webb  
Reply to Ronald Millar
What "sad state", that isn't driven by the fed's actions/inactions or world issues? 




Ronald Millar   
Higgs will win. He'll turn the hate into votes.  
 
 
Jos Allaire 
Reply to Ronald Millar
... and the water into wine.  
 
 
Ronald Millar
Reply to Jos Allaire  
I'd actually vote Conservative if that was true 
 
 
 
 
 
Shawn Tabor   
Lets all get wealthy from the government. More games, more elections more and more. Lets all get wealthy. Anyone interested. Lets do it, come on  
 
 
Shawn Tabor  
Go ahead, call an election, maybe 2 or 3 of them. We need lots and lots of elections. Conjure up a whole bunch of them. One every month on every issue. Have elections for the Redcoats, Bluecoats and all the Unions. We needs lot of elections. Do not let one party decide. Lots and lots of elections. Would that not be a good game to play folks. After all it is nothing but a big ole game. The taxpayers can surly have their taxes increased so the game can be played. Welcome to NB the place to be, where folks have got wealthy on the backs of taxpayers. Lots of elections and lot and lots of taxes. More is better. LOL 
 
 
 
Raymond Leger  
The weather is turning and so are the coats!
 
 
 
valmond landry  
higies 's former friend is coming back at the through .
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman  
"My focus and responsibility is to the citizens of this province ensuring we continue on our path of demonstrated continuous improvement."

Your actions say otherwise Mr. Higgs.

 
 
 
Micheal Wilson  
What is sad is Higgs would probably win if an election was called.

He wouldn't get my vote but the opinions from the left regarding the policy are unfortunately a minority. I wish it wasn't but it is.

Hopefully with an election called it will be just a Conservative minority which a minority is best case with any forming government and hopefully with added Green seats.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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