Higgs talks health, affordability in pre-election state of the province speech
Premier announces new measures, makes only passing references to Policy 713 controversy
Premier Blaine Higgs returned to pocketbook issues Thursday in his final state of the province speech before this year's election, making new promises on health care, addiction services and the cost of living while mostly avoiding the Policy 713 controversy.
Higgs announced his government will dip into its budget surplus again to offer a new round of one-time payments for low–income families.
He also said that, on top of reforms already underway, a new MyHealthNB app will put more information in the hands of patients, from test results and vaccination records to emergency department wait times and diagnostic imaging.
And he promised a doubling of capacity for addiction treatment for adults, arguing addiction is one of the root causes of the growing housing and homelessness crisis in the province.
In
last year's speech, Higgs focused on core policy issues and the
province’s strong economic performance, record-breaking population
growth and balanced budgets before dancing off stage to Should I Stay or
Should I Go? by the Clash. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The speech, to a crowd of about 850 businesspeople, community leaders and others, made only passing reference to "parents' rights," Higgs's way of describing his changes to Policy 713 on sexual orientation and gender identity in provincial schools.
The annual event is a showcase for premiers, who treat it as a chance to speak directly to New Brunswickers via a local cable-access broadcast of the speech.
HIggs tried to rebut critics who say he's unwilling to spend tax dollars to address pressing needs, pointing out that the construction budget for new schools has increased by 64 per cent since 2021 as enrolments have swelled.
"For anyone who thinks we are not spending money, I beg to differ," he said.
Higgs said he hopes one-time payments of $300 to families with a net income of $70,000 or less — more than 250,000 families, he said — will start going out next month.
It's the second such announcement in three months.
In November, the province said low-income seniors who already receive a $400 benefit would get an additional $200, an increase that will be made permanent in this year's budget.
And people on social assistance and youth who receive a benefit because they can't live at home will receive an additional $200 per month starting in February.
The new payment will cost $79.5 million, an expense Higgs said was made possible by budget surpluses that have lowered interest payments on the province's accumulated debt.
One
of the several dozen members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees
who protested outside the speech venue Thursday night. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
The emphasis on health care, affordability and housing harkened back to the premier's 2023 state of the province speech, when he focused on core policy issues and the province's strong economic performance, record-breaking population growth and balanced budgets.
Policy 713 not big topic in Thursday speech
In the intervening 12 months, Higgs waded into a major controversy with his changes to Policy 713, which now requires school staff to get the consent of parents before letting LGBTQ students under age 16 use the names and pronouns they choose in classrooms.
It's been a centrepiece of his recent fundraising for the PC Party, but he avoided talking about it at length Thursday night.
He spoke of the importance of family connections while telling an anecdote about one of his daughters, and briefly mentioned "parents' rights" among several "tough issues" he said his government was tackling.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt said this year’s speech glossed over the difficulties facing the province. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
He also acknowledged having had "differences" within his Progressive Conservative caucus without specifying why.
The Policy 713 issue provoked a split in that caucus last June and the departure of four cabinet ministers from his government, two through resignations and two in a cabinet shuffle.
At least three of those former ministers, Dorothy Shephard, Trevor Holder and Jeff Carr, attended Thursday's speech.
Higgs told reporters he didn't discuss Policy 713 at length because "we've been clear on our position. That hasn't changed."
Another such tough issue, Higgs told the large crowd, was the recent legislation his government passed to force five public-sector employee groups into a shared-risk pension system.
Protest over shared-risk pension system
Several dozen members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees protested outside the speech venue Thursday night.
"We're letting the premier and his Conservative caucus know that we're far from done," said CUPE New Brunswick president Stephen Drost, adding a legal challenge to the legislation was coming "in the very near future."
The premier said the rising number of homeless people in cities and towns is tied in part to addiction and said the government will double the capacity of adult addiction treatment with a new four-to-six-month treatment program starting with 50 beds.
He said more details will be announced in the spring.
"Our goal is to help individuals re-establish ties with their families and provide social integration, skills and tools to help them cope with everyday life," he said.
Higgs argued that many of the challenges come from a positive development — the province's record population growth.
"While it can be exciting to see so much development and interest in our province, it's also been difficult managing that growth with the impact it is having on housing, health care, and schools," he said.
"We are investing more than ever, but the reality is that our growth has come very quickly, and we are introducing major shifts that take time."
The Opposition Liberals said this year's speech glossed over the difficulties facing the province.
"The premier is painting a rosy picture of New Brunswick when New Brunswickers aren't smelling the roses," said leader Susan Holt.
"New Brunswickers are struggling, and they want better health care, and better education, and we have a premier talking about an app instead of real solutions to the challenges we're facing."
Earlier this week, the Liberals released a "report card" on Higgs's performance that was based on a survey of Liberal Party members as well as input from community groups and stakeholders.
The non-scientific performance scores ranged from 31 per cent for the PC record on the cost of living and education to 22 per cent on housing.
Green Party Leader David Coon left the speech without speaking to reporters.
The next election is scheduled for Oct. 21, though Higgs has not ruled out calling it earlier.
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"In November, the province said low-income seniors who already receive a $400 benefit would get an additional $200, an increase that will be made permanent in this year's budget."
Yea right
Al Clark
Should have told the anecdote about his daughter the nurse that has to eat lunch alone in her car.......
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Do tell
Al Clark
Reply to David Amos
C'mon dave, you know already ;-)
Akimbo Alogo
Can you imagine, being Jacques Poitras, writing the same
article...every day...no thanks
Geordan Mann
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
It does not seem to be a problem for him. Plus he gets paid for it.
Al Clark
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
But yet....... Lost?
Al Clark
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
Outhouse soldiers
John Smith
Hey, Ho
That guy Higgs has got to go.
Akimbo Alogo
Reply to John Smith
Brilliant. You should get signs made up. Truly a scholar.
John Smith
Reply to Akimbo Alogo
Thanks for the support AA.
Ronald Miller
Reply to John Smith
Akimbo is smart like me.
John Smith
Reply to Ronald Miller
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
I concur
Wilbur Ross
This is what plutocracy looks like.
G. Timothy Walton
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Let's not blame the dog for our Mickey Mouse government.
David Amos
Reply to G. Timothy Walton
Well put
Don Corey
The Trudeau government is directly responsible for every Canada-wide crisis we're all attempting to deal with.....housing, homelessness, food bank usage, drugs, inflation, interest rates, healthcare,
affordability, record spending and deficits (and interest payments), uncontrolled immigration and the list goes on.
It's been good for NB to have a premier who doesn't believe in throwing money away on narrow agendas that put Canadians at the bottom of the priority list, and who actually practices fiscal restraint.
The $300 payment to some 280,000 families in the province will be welcomed by most, and will benefit far more NB'ers than Trudeau throwing a crumbs at housing in the golden triangle.
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Don Corey
Not to forget the 400.00 plus 200..00 more on the way for low income folks.
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Its been years and I ain't got the first dime yet
John Smith
Reply to Don Corey
so you were pro CERB payment?
When will Nurses be cut loose? When will they fund their own retirement?
Murray Brown
Reply to Robert Losier
They do ‘fund’ their own retirement. All government workers do. Vestor gets its money from employee contributions.
Robert Losier
Reply to Murray Brown
Are the Nurses now with Vestcor?
Ronald Miller
Reply to Robert Losier
Vestcor manages most of the provinces' funds. With no competition.
That sounds fishy.
Robert Losier
Reply to Ronald Miller
Again - Are Nurses now with Vestcor?
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
I believe so
David Amos
Reply to Robert Losier
NBNU has three trustees that sit on the CBE pension plan to ensure that Vestcor makes decisions that will adhere to the plan text. Each year, the Board of Trustees reviews the actuarial valuation reports,
which are provided by an independent firm, to decide whether any or all of the ancillary benefits can be paid.
Robert Brannen
The present state of Conservative politics in Canada, at both the provincial and federal levels, is just the current end-point of the deterioration which began in the 1980s in major Conservative ruled countries. We can expect that deterioration to continue into the foreseeable future.
Don Corey
Reply to Robert Brannen
Every Canadian political poll puts the CPC well ahead of the socialists. The actual deterioration is occurring with the Trudeau government, and for way too many good reasons.
Joe Zilch
Reply to Don Corey
JT is un-electable.
Robert Brannen
Reply to Don Corey
In this age of the Information Highway, political polls have become non-representative of reality, as there is little chance of ensuring random sampling with internet based polls.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Brannen
Time will tell the tale
Al Clark
Reply to Robert Brannen
Nah, all their various "leaders" are "taking it back" - all the way to 1800 apparently. Bringing it home, so to speak ;-) . According to the slogan of the week anyway. NH and NR are still popular though.
Al Clark
Reply to Joe Zilch
but yet......
Kyle Woodman
Does Higgs even live in the same province as the rest of us peasants?
Le Wier
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Yes in his basement apartment
Ronald Miller
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Don't you have waterfront property along with all your other properties that traverse the province, doesn't sound very peasant like to me. That surveillance equipment you have can't be cheap either.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Kyle Woodman
I know Gallant had already moved to Ontario after the boot to run his business there while he was still the MLA for Shediac. Maybe Higgs can talk to his travel agent.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He sold his house in Quispamsis. His daughter and son inlaw now live there. The premier now spends his time between Fredericton and Canterbury.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Le Wier
Yes Le. His daughter and son in-law live upstairs. Him and Marcia spend about 150 nights at the Fredericton too.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Ronald Miller
I do have some properties in the province yes. I actually make a decent salary and have a good job, but Higgs is making life more and more unaffordable for even people with good incomes.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Kyle, should I prove to Ron that I am really His shadow? I'll switch accounts and respond as RW.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Bobby Richards
It's me Bobby/Ron. I can't believe that Ron still thinks that the other RM is Kyle.
I'm still enjoying the show though.
Don Corey
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Does Trudeau live in Canada? He sure doesn't practice what Canada's PM #1 priority should be, which is to put the best interests of Canada and Canadians ahead of everything else.
Don Corey
Reply to Kyle Woodman
You're right on life becoming more and more unaffordable, but the sole cause of such lies with our sorry excuse for a PM.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Kyle Woodman
How is he making it unaffordable? I know I can list multiple ways JT has done that, and then back it up with many articles saying so.
Mathieu Laperriere
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He does but his children do not.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Amen
Al Clark
Reply to Mathieu Laperriere
One is under direct rule by his minion margie in SJ
Ronald Miller
Higgs has been our premier for going on 6 years, he has been an MLA for a decade plus including Finance Minister, he was worked in big business. But I think going forward he should listen to his critics on these boards, after all, they have a vast experience on large issues such as healthcare, education, housing, etc. because they post on here. I mean, it only makes sense.
Alison Jackson
Reply to Ronald Miller
oh Ron...
Le Wier
Reply to Ronald Miller
Higgs really should. The posts provide valuable feedback in real time on what issues matter most to voters, and where the government is doing well according to voters and where they need to improve.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Alison Jackson.
Hey, here is one now, that did not take long. Tell us all how to fix all our problems, even if they countrywide. The country/province awaits.
Gabriel Boucher
Reply to Ronald Miller
Getting rid of Higgs would be a start. He did say that he wouldn't put a cap on rent because it's bad for business, and now he's blaming homelessness on drug addiction. He's the one creating these issues in
the first place.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
Higgs was a middle level manager. Irving is a "fire if if don't comply" mentality. The refinery had to give $1500 to everyone to work their shut down this fall. And now they are for sale.
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
If the problems are country wide then we should ignore them here in NB. That makes sense Ron
Bobby Richards
Reply to Ronald Miller
Anderson Mason won't run for Higgs in 2024 in Fundy Isles Saint John. She won the last 2 elections by a landslide but isn't running this year. It will go liberal again like it was for 40 years.
MR Cain
Reply to Le Wier
The vast majority of social media posts are negative, so the value would be a distortion of reality.
Le Wier
Reply to MR Cain
Social media is where people meet now to talk and share. the coffee shop so to speak. Why else would politicians be on social media?
Bobby Richards
Reply to MR Cain
And that's why good people will not run for govt
MR Cain
Reply to Le Wier
Is this not a comment section where people are posting? Hopefully the politicians are not making decisions based upon social media posts.
Le Wier
Reply to MR Cain
One would hope, but it seems like one of the few places nowadays to meet, communicate, and discuss. I am thinking more about Facebook, Twitter etc. Political parties and politicians have these social media
accounts to meet their voters without having to actually meet physically with their voters. It’s an easy way to reach a vast number of voters at one time and get feedback. It has proven especially effective with young voters. Long gone are the days of stopping to chat with your MLA downtown or their office. Most have an assistant that answers the phone for them a few hours a week, and it is the assistant that the voter/constituent communicates with. It is the MLAs assistant that decides if the constituent/voter concerns or issues are worthwhile to pass on to the MLA. It is a rarity if the MLA will speak to a constituent now.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Gabriel Boucher
We did have a cap, and we have rent controls in place. Drug addiction is part of the reason for homelessness, of course our PM is a big part of it also.
Content Deactivated
David Amos
Reply to Bobby Richards
I like the liberal lady running there
'Working' requirement shuts door on N.B.'s $300 affordability payment to thousands
Retirees, social assistance recipients and others finding out they don't qualify for help
A requirement unveiled by the New Brunswick government that households will have to show at least $3,000 in "working" income to receive a new $300 affordability benefit will disqualify tens of thousands of seniors and others from accessing the money.
That news is not sitting well with retirees who initially appeared to be included in the plan announced by Premier Blaine Higgs in January.
"It's absolutely annoying, very upsetting," said Riverview town councillor and seniors advocate Cecile Cassista about the requirement.
"Our seniors don't qualify now because seniors don't work."
Cecile
Cassista is the executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and
Nursing Home Residents’ Rights and is angry a $300 "affordability"
benefit announced in January excludes those without employment income,
like retirees. (CBC)
In a news release issued by the Department of Finance on Tuesday, the province announced that recipients "must" have "working income of $3,000 or more" in 2022 or 2023 to qualify for the $300. The rules allow for one payment per household, including single-person households.
In Campbellton Wednesday, Higgs said his government made it clear from the beginning the $300 benefit was only meant for people with jobs. He said retirees and others without employment income were never to be included.
"Any announcement, any press release, anything we put out clearly stated it's for the working families or the working class," said Higgs.
However, that's not entirely the case.
Last month at his annual state of the province address, Higgs announced what he called a new "affordability measure" to benefit 250,000 families.
Details were limited but the premier said it involved a "one-time payment of $300 for families with a net income of $70,000 or less."
In that speech, Higgs did say the program was aimed at "low-income working New Brunswickers" but it appeared it might include others as well, in part because in his social media posts the following day Higgs dropped the reference to "working New Brunswickers" entirely.
"I'm happy to announce a $79.5 million investment to help make life more affordable with a one-time $300 payment to families earning under $70,000," he wrote on the social media platform X the day after the speech. "This will aid about 265,000 families."
N.B. woman expected payment
That helped fuel expectations of people like Tammey Mclean that she could access the $300 payment.
However, she lives off her late husband's carpenter's pension and Canada Pension Plan payments and has been told it's not for her.
"You've got to have a $3,000 workable income. I don't have that," said Mclean.
Tammey
Mclean with her son Colby. Mclean said she lives on her late husband's
pensions and is disappointed to find that she does not qualify for the
new $300 affordability benefit. ( Submitted by Tammey Mclean)
Another sign from the province that more than just working people would be included in the program was the simple math of it not being possible to assist 250,000 or 265,000 New Brunswick households with incomes below $70,000 without including other groups.
According to Statistics Canada, just 168,860 New Brunswick households had pre-tax incomes of $70,000 or below in 2020, with 193,750 reporting after-tax incomes below $70,000.
Included in those numbers are at least 30,000 single-person households headed by retirees who reported no employment income at all. Also included are thousands of other non-working households comprised of retired couples, social assistance recipients and those surviving on disability payments.
With those groups excluded, there are not enough households left with incomes below $70,000 to help anywhere near the 250,000 government claims are included.
A
social media post by Blaine Higgs about the $300 affordability benefit
on Jan. 26 made no mention of it being only for those who work, even
though he now says every announcement made that clear. (Blaine Higgs/X)
Requests to the department of finance last week and this week to pinpoint where the estimate of 250,000 families earning less than $70,000 comes from has so far gone unanswered.
"Seniors are frustrated," said Cassista.
"It's very upsetting because what's been on their mind is that $300. Are we getting it? Because every penny counts."
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Surprise Surprise Surprise
Al Clark
Yet another positively brilliant idea; well planned, clearly communicated, smoothly executed. Higgs 2024!!!!
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Surely you jest
Over 50,000 N.B. families not expected to receive $300 'affordability' benefit before April
Province has offered conflicting estimates of how many families will be helped
More than 50,000 New Brunswick households will be waiting until April or later to receive a $300 "affordability" payment promised in January, according to New Brunswick government estimates.
Last week, New Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie Steeves delivered a third-quarter fiscal update for the province that included $58.8 million set aside for what is being called "a new affordability measure for lower-income New Brunswick workers" that Premier Blaine Higgs announced in his state of the province address Jan. 25.
The amount is below the $75 million the province estimates the program will cost to distribute $300 to 250,000 recipients.
The difference is because the Department of Finance does not expect the program can be organized quickly enough to distribute all of the promised money by March 31, the end of the current fiscal year.
"The benefit dollars are being spread out over two fiscal years," said a department spokesperson explaining the lower number in an email. "The $58.8 million would be for the current fiscal."
That equates to 196,000 payments of $300 by March 31. It leaves 54,000 families to be paid in April or later, assuming the estimate of who is eligible for help is accurate and 100 per cent of eligible recipients are eventually paid.
New
Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie Steeves last week provided estimates
showing the New Brunswick government expects 54,000 New Brunswick
families won't have a promised $300 'affordability' benefit announced by
the end of March. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
The province has already issued three different estimates of how many households will be eligible to receive money.
In an advance version of Higgs's state of the province speech, 200,000 families were said to be in line for assistance. Hours later in the speech itself, Higgs said it would be 250,000 and in his social media postings a day after the speech the figure was raised to 265,000, which would cost $79.5 million.
The Department of Finance says it considers 250,000 families to be the accurate estimate of the three, although it did not respond to questions last week asking about the source of that number.
In his social media posts, Higgs said the program is for "families earning under $70,000," although media releases have said it is for those with a "net annual income of $70,000 or less."
But those descriptions raise their own questions.
According to Statistics Canada, 168,860 New Brunswick households had pre-tax incomes of $70,000 or below in 2020. There are no specific numbers on "net income," but 193,750 had after-tax income below $70,000.
New Brunswick's population has grown eight per cent since 2020, but it has also experienced a rise in incomes, making it unlikely the number of households earning before-tax or after-tax incomes below $70,000 has reached 250,000.
Those wanting the $300 payment will have to apply for the money, a requirement that has a track record of cutting down on the number of people who receive benefits.
In June 2022, the province announced an "emergency" fuel and food benefit program that it said more than 75,000 people were eligible to receive.
It reported in December about 69,000 had received the assistance. However, most of that went to those who were sent the money automatically, including social assistance recipients, low income seniors and people receiving disability benefits.
Statistics
Canada reported that fewer than 170,000 New Brunswick households had
incomes below $70,000 in 2020. The New Brunswick government says 250,000
families will benefit from a $300 benefit aimed at those income levels. (Justin Tang/Canadian Press)
Last week, New Brunswick opposition leaders said they expect the same will happen with the $300 benefit if an application is required.
"What are they trying to do? Save money and spend less on an affordability benefit?" said Liberal Leader Susan Holt.
Green Party Leader David Coon agreed.
"It will, I expect, reduce the numbers of people who will end up taking advantage of the $300 payment," said Coon.
The province promises to unveil the procedure people can use to apply for the money in "days."
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Families must apply for $300 affordability payment touted by premier
Higgs didn’t mention requirement when he announced benefit in January
A $300 affordability payment to working families in New Brunswick, announced with great fanfare by Premier Blaine Higgs last month, now has an asterisk attached.
The finance department says residents will have to apply for the money — something Higgs did not mention when he revealed the plan in his state of the province speech in January.
"We anticipate the application process to launch later this month," spokesperson Morgan Bell said.
"Cheques would follow in the weeks after that. Further details will be made public in the coming days."
Payments by end of March, premier said
Affordability was a key theme of Higgs's Jan. 25 speech, an annual address seen as a chance for premiers to speak to New Brunswickers directly — an especially important opportunity in an election year.
He told the audience affordability has been "a focus for our government since we took office. In fact, every single year we have expanded supports for New Brunswickers and our most vulnerable."
In comments to reporters after the speech, the premier made no mention of the need for applications to get the payments.
"They'll start, I would say, probably by the end of February and we'll get a good portion of them at the end of this quarter," he said, referring to the end of the last quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year on March 31.
The province says the payments will go to families with an annual net income of $70,000 or less to help make life more affordable.
Application questioned by opposition leaders
Opposition leaders say the application requirement could mean fewer New Brunswickers will get the benefit — if they are aware of it at all.
"What are they trying to do? Save money and spend less on an affordability benefit?" said Liberal Leader Susan Holt.
She said constituents have been calling Liberal MLA offices asking about the payment.
"To hear now that there is a barrier, a step in place, a hoop they have to jump through in order to get $300 of benefit — I really question why the government made that choice."
Green Leader David Coon questioned why, "in the age of computers," the government can't use tax data to determine who should get the money.
"There will be people who just aren't aware of it and won't pursue it," Coon said.
"It will, I expect, reduce the numbers of people who will end up taking advantage of the $300 payment."
Green
Party Leader David Coon said the application process will reduce the
number of people who know about the payments and apply for them. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Bell explained that because the program will be provincially administered, and not a partnership with the federal government through the Canada Revenue Agency, it can't use income tax data and will require an application.
Higgs said in the January speech that the payment "could benefit" around 250,000 families. The advance text of his speech said 200,000 families would get it, and a government news release put the number at 265,000.
He said the $79.5-million cost was made possible by several years of large budget surpluses that lowered the provincial debt, reducing the amount the government has to spend each year on interest payments on the debt.
The premier told reporters that most of the money would roll out by March 31, "but not necessarily all of it. But we will try if we can."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Rachel Cave
Wednesday 22 November 2023
Province unveils new affordability measures for low-income people
Province unveils new affordability measures for low-income people
Premier warns shrinking surplus may rule out broader assistance
But Premier Blaine Higgs warned that there may not be enough money for broader, more generous programs to help more people.
Social Development Minister Jill Green told the legislature that low-income seniors who already receive a $400 benefit will get an extra $200, an increase that will be made permanent in next year's budget.
People on social assistance and youth who receive a benefit because they can't live at home will receive an extra $200 per month, starting in February.
"We know New Brunswickers need help now … and that's why our government is not only talking or listening, but taking concrete action to deliver assistance now," Green said in the legislature.
Social Development Minister Jill Green announced the measures for
low-income New Brunswickers in the legislature Tuesday. (Radio-Canada)
The province will also reduce the cap on how much household income must go to nursing home or special care home payments, from 60 per cent to 40 per cent.
Opposition parties welcomed the new supplements but said the province should be doing more to help those not considered low income.
"There are New Brunswickers who are on the verge of falling into poverty, who can't pay their bills now but aren't on social assistance," said Liberal Leader Susan Holt.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt wants the Higgs government to remove the provincial tax from electricity bills. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
She again called for the province to take the provincial part of the harmonized sales tax off electricity bills and to repeal a law that passes the cost of federal clean fuel regulations — 3.87 cents per litre of gas this week — onto consumers at the pumps.
But Higgs told reporters that broader measures may not be in the cards now that the government has lowered its projection of a budget surplus this year.
The latest quarterly fiscal update projected a surplus of $35.3 million, down from the $199-million projection earlier in the year, and far lower than the $1-billion surplus recorded last year.
"Anything we do will be in the context of not needing to raise taxes and continuing to run a balanced budget," Higgs said.
"It's kind of an ongoing analysis of where we are and what the costs are."
He pointed out that the government's restrained spending had reduced the provincial debt, lowering interest payments on that debt by about $75 million — enough to cover the $65-million annual cost of the low-income supplements Green announced.
Green
MLA Kevin Arseneau says for the government to announce the supplements
will be available in three months is 'exacerbating the problem.' (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Higgs also suggested there may be a less urgent need for broader measures because, he said, inflation appears to have "levelled out right now."
Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau said the new supplements are "greatly needed," but questioned why the one for social assistance recipients will only begin in February.
"It's late, and to announce it's going to be available in three months is just exacerbating the problem," he said.
Higgs said it wasn't possible to do it any sooner and noted the increases would normally be announced in next March's provincial budget for implementation at the start of the next fiscal year on April 1.
But Green and Higgs said the government understand people needed the help sooner than that.
"We actually moved it ahead two months," he said.
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That's a heck of a lot more than we saw from the feds in their do nothing update yesterday. And for those critical of $1 billion or so of surplus was applied to our NB debt, we're now seeing even the feds (that's all of us in Canada!!) realizing that borrowing money (deficits) is not free. Lots of spending is great if we can afford it. It's clear that all that spending has caught up to Trudeau and company. Sad for all of us....
We DO have the money in the budget. Higgs is just giving it to the
wrong people. SENIORS NEED HELP NOW. WE WILL REMEMBER THIS IN THE NEXT
ELECTION, and there are enough of us to make a difference.
Jenn Gogan
Reply to Sandra CAFE
I hope everyone remembers the horrible things he has said and done and
that they exercise their right to vote him out!
David Amos
Reply to Sandra CAFE
Why not ask Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not surprised that
nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care records???
David Amos
Reply to Jenn Gogan
Me too
Benny Swim
He does not have the funds because he gave tax and fee cuts to
billionaires, and tax cuts to those making over $150,000 annually.
David Amos
Reply to Benny Swim
Hmmm
Sherri Cormier
And once again there is zero help for low income seniors!!!
Jimmy Cochrane
What exactly is a low income senior?
Benny Swim
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
I'd start with ones living on just OAS and CPP, and then go to those
requiring prescriptions not covered by the NB drug plan.
You know you will be one one day unless you die early, right?
MR Cain
Reply to Benny Swim
Don't think those living on CPP and OAS are actually low income
seniors; they would be more like below poverty seniors.
David Amos
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
I am one
David Amos
Reply to MR Cain
Bingo
Raymond Leger
Give that a boot in the Rs.
David Amos
Reply to Raymond Leger
Amen
Catherine Brown
Well done Mr. Higgs, while our gov't continues to put in measures to help low income people our federal gov't continues their spending spree that has driven up inflation and interest rates making it harder on everyone, especially low income earners.
Jim Lake
Reply to Catherine Brown
Hardly well done … he could have done so much more so much sooner (and even said so himself) but instead bragged he was going to wait in order to use it as an election platform … that’s playing with peoples’ lives and nobody should be praising him for that.
MR Cain
Reply to Catherine Brown
He is applauded for not doing anything? Be a big party when he leaves.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Jim Lake
Yes, very much well done. He never bragged about anything, can you not post anything without just making things up? No gov't can pass legislation if an election is happening which was a possibility during the throne speech debate, especially when you had an opposition leader trying to pull out the stops to create one by enticing members of the gov't to vote with her party against the speech. Everything passed and now our gov't has continued to help NBers as it said it would, watch and learn.
Benny Swim
Reply to Ronald Miller
Blah, blah, blah; Higgs is great.
Benny Swim
Reply to Catherine Brown
Partisan drivel.
David Amos
Reply to Benny Swim
Yup
Trevis Kingston
So, people have to wait until early 2024 to get the $200 promised for 2023?
MR Cain
Reply to Trevis Kingston
That is just talk.
David Amos
Reply to Trevis Kingston
Imagine
Don Corey
Well, it's more than the Trudeau government (which is responsible for the mess we're in) is doing to help out these folks.
Deborah Reddon
Reply to Don Corey
Oh that's so fun, blame everything on the Federal Gov't where the real culprit is in NB. Higgs won't spend a dime on items that cost actual tax payers money. Instead he continues to bolster his friends who are multi-millionaires.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
IMHO Higgy is responsible for the mess
From: "Stewart, Jake - M.P." <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 19:28:49 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not
surprised that nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care
records???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Hello,
Thank you for your correspondence. This is to acknowledge that our
office has received your email and we are working on your request.
If you are a constituent and require immediate assistance, please call
our office at 506-778-8448 and a member of our staff will be happy to
assist you.
Thank you and have a great day,
Office of MP Jake Stewart
Shadow Minister for National Revenue
Miramichi-Grand Lake
------------------------------
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre message. Ceci est pour vous aviser que nous avons
reçu votre courriel et que nous travaillons sur votre demande.
Si vous êtes un électeur de notre circonscription et que vous avez
besoin d'assistance immédiate, s'il-vous-plaît veuillez téléphoner
notre bureau au 506-778-8448 et un membre de notre équipe se fera
plaisir de vous servir.
Merci et bonne journée,
Jake Stewart, député
Ministre fantôme du Revenu National
Miramichi-Grand Lake
---------- Original message -----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 16:28:42 -0300
Subject: Hey Ernie Steeves Why is it that I am not surprised that
nobody will discuss my Old Age Pension and Health Care records???
To: Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca, wwwfin@gnb.ca, .Yves.Léger@gnb.ca,
Kimberley.Barker@gnb.ca, Mark.McKelvie@gnb.ca, Melanie.Madore2@gnb.ca,
dr.andrew.salmon@gnb.ca, Paige.Paulsen@gnb.ca,
Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca, Jason.Sully@gnb.ca, heidi.liston@gnb.ca,
Valerie.Kilfoil@gnb.ca, dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca,
dominic.cardy@gnb.ca, "jake.stewart" <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>,
oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, "andrea.anderson-mason"
< andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>
"kris.austin" <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Mark.Blakely"
< Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "Mike.Comeau" <Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca>,
"Mitton, Megan (LEG)" <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "michelle.conroy"
< michelle.conroy@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>,
andrewjdouglas <andrewjdouglas@gmail.com>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)"
< kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, "robert.mckee" <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>,
"Richard.Bragdon" <Richard.Bragdon@parl.gc.ca>, "Robert. Jones"
< Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "Roger.L.Melanson" <roger.l.melanson@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
https://legnb.ca/en/members/
Hon. Ernie Steeves
Minister of Finance and Treasury Board
Progressive Conservative Party
Moncton Northwest
(506) 453-2451 Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Related
Members Expense Reports
Public Disclosures
Ernie Steeves was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick on February 12th,
1961. His family moved to the Moncton area in 1965 where he has lived
most of his life and is now raising his son Aidan.
Minister Steeves was first elected in September 2014 as the
Progressive Conservative MLA representing Moncton Northwest. He served
as critic for Social Development, Seniors and Long Term Care. He was
also a Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the
Standing Committee on Estimates and Fiscal Policy and the Standing
Committee on Social Policy.
Since 2018 Minister Steeves has served as the Minister of Finance and
Treasury Board. He has also served as Minister responsible for NB
Liquor, Cannabis NB, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Financial and
Consumer Services Commission, and the government of New Brunswick’s
Human Resources.
Minister Steeves was a 32 year veteran of radio broadcasting and
business owner in Moncton.
He is very community minded and has served in a variety of roles,
including honorary chair for the Ride for Dad for prostate cancer. He
has volunteered at the Karing Kitchen, Moncton Headstart, the Friends
of the Moncton Hospital, and, as a cancer survivor, the Canadian
Cancer Society. He sat on the Board of Directors for the Greater
Moncton Football Association and the Board of Directors for Football
New Brunswick.
Constituency Office
Mainline Phone (506) 383-2164
General Email Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca
Address 1966 Mountain Road
Moncton
E1G 1A9
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
New inflation relief program targets 'most vulnerable' in New Brunswick
Money will go to people already receiving low-income or housing benefits
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 01, 2022 8:00 AM AT
A $20 million program aimed at helping New Brunswickers cope with
increasing fuel and food prices was announced Wednesday. (Robert
Jones/CBC)
The Higgs government says it will distribute a one-time payment to
low-income New Brunswickers to help them deal with soaring gasoline
and grocery bills.
The Emergency Fuel and Food Benefit will see low-income individuals
receive $225 and low-income families, including seniors, receive $450.
More than 75,000 people are eligible, and the money will go to people
already receiving low-income or housing benefits from the Department
of Social Development, the province said in a news release.
"We wanted to get it to a targeted group, a group we could roll it out
quickly to, and they could feel the benefit right now, over this time
period," Premier Blaine Higgs told reporters.
Premier Blaine Higgs said the program will be targeted 'to the most
vulnerable people.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The total cost of the program will be $20 million, and the money will
go out this month, the premier said.
The release doesn't say when the money will be distributed, but Higgs
said Tuesday that the program would get money out "quickly," sometime
this month.
That represents a reversal for Higgs.
Earlier this spring, he suggested that he'd have to wait until the
third quarter of the fiscal year to see sales tax revenues and decide
if a rebate or some other form of relief was affordable, or if people
were cutting back enough on gas to deprive the province of a tax
windfall.
But Wednesday, the premier said it appears gas consumption is
remaining steady, "and that gave us some confidence that we'd have
some money that we could put into the system."
Opposition says not enough
The benefit was immediately denounced as not enough to address the
high cost of living, particularly for New Brunswickers not on social
assistance but who are still struggling because of soaring costs.
"They're still at a threshold where it's very difficult," said
Opposition Liberal Leader Roger Melanson, who repeated his call for a
cut to the provincial gas tax.
Green Party Leader David Coon questioned why the Higgs government
keeps implementing one-off, short-term assistance programs like the
cap on rent increases, which applies for this year only.
"What is it with this one-time-only government?" he said.
The Greens have proposed a higher harmonized sales tax rebate for
people who earn minimum wage or who are considered the working poor.
They also wants Higgs to move up a minimum wage increase scheduled for
this fall.
Janelle LeBlanc, the provincial co-ordinator for the Common Front for
Social Justice, said the government must implement longer-term
solutions to poverty, including a higher minimum wage, higher social
assistance benefits and free public transit.
"The measures announced today are important and necessary for existing
clients of Social Development. However, it does exclude many people
living in poverty, and low-income workers. We would have liked to see
more permanent solutions."
Province to reconsider in fall
Higgs said that while the program is a one-time payment, his
government would look at more assistance if high inflation persists
into the fall.
He also wouldn't rule out broadening the program beyond social
assistance recipients if that becomes necessary.
"I don't rule out some sort of program in that case," he said.
But he added that the province itself is facing $100 million in higher
costs because of inflation, and N.B. Power could take a similar hit.
N.B. takes biggest jump in personal insolvencies in March
Business insolvencies start to creep up as pandemic relief programs end
Higgs said that means it's too early to say if the province will be
able to run a budget surplus as projected this year.
"We didn't plan on this when we put a budget together," he said. "Our
goal is not to amass a surplus. Our goal is ensure that if we can put
money into the pockets of people who need it in these times of
uncertainty, we can do it sustainably and prudently."
The government is also giving food banks in the province an additional
$1 million on top of an earlier $1 million grant this spring.
The government is facing two byelections in the Miramichi area on June 20.
Last week, a new poll by Narrative Research said 52 per cent of
respondents were dissatisfied with the government's performance
compared to 40 per cent who were satisfied.
The current maximum price per litre of regular gasoline is $2.08 in
New Brunswick, up from $1.44 at the start of the year.
The province's news release points out that it has raised social
assistance rates and the minimum wage, has cut income taxes, has
rent-cap legislation before the legislature and is lowering child care
costs effective this month as part of a federal-provincial agreement.
The release does not mention people on disability benefits being
eligible for the program.
"I would say so," Higgs told reporters when asked if they were
included, though he later said that "it would be my intent that would
apply as well."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacques Poitras
Provincial Affairs reporter
Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New
Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC
political podcast Spin Reduxit.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/
2022 New Brunswick Low-Income Seniors' Benefit
To assist low-income seniors in New Brunswick, the government offers
an annual benefit to qualifying applicants. Applications for the 2022
Low-income Seniors' Benefit will be available on April 1.
IMPORTANT: As a result of COVID-19, and to support physical distancing
measures, eligible New Brunswickers are strongly encouraged to apply
online, or print the application, complete it and mail it to Finance
and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, PO Box 1900,
Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5G4.
APPLICATION FORM
Application forms are also available at Service New Brunswick centres.
The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2022.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the $400 benefit, a person must have been a
resident of New Brunswick on Dec. 31, 2021, and have received one of
the following federal benefits under the Old Age Security Act:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (65 years or older)
Allowance for Survivor Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Allowance Program (between 60 and 64 years old)
Please note: Persons in receipt of a Federal allowance who are under
the age of 60 do not qualify for this benefit.
Where both spouses receive the GIS and reside in the same household,
only one $400.00 benefit will be granted. However, where spouses live
separately (for example, one residing in a nursing home), both will be
eligible for the benefit.
INQUIRIES
More information about the program, and on how to apply, is available
from Finance and Treasury Board, Revenue Administration Division, at
1-800-669-7070.
INQUIRIES RELATING TO FEDERAL BENEFITS
If you do not currently receive the GIS or one of the other federal
benefits and would like more information, please contact the federal
Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at:
1-800-277-9914 for service in English, or 1-800-277-9915 for service in French.
Application/Declaration for
Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit
2022
Application deadline date: December 31, 2022
The personal information on this form is being collected under the
authority of the New Brunswick Income Tax Act and will be used for the
purposes of determining eligibility under the Low-Income Seniors’
Benefit, and for necessary administration of this Program. If you have
any questions regarding the collection and use of this information,
please contact the Manager Tax Accounting, Finance and Treasury Board,
P. O. Box 1900, Fredericton, NB E3B 5G4. Phone: 1-800-669-7070 or
e‐mail wwwfin@gnb.ca.
Income Tax Return Preparation - Through the Community Volunteer Income
Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax preparation
clinics and arrange for volunteers to prepare income tax and benefit
returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple
tax situation. To determine whether you are eligible and to view a tax
preparation clinic in your area, please go to the following website:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 1-800-669-7070
https://www.cbc.ca/news/
Province's top doctor returns 'recharged,' addresses rumours
Dr. Jennifer Russell says she was on vacation and in a car accident
that required physiotherapy
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon · CBC News · Posted: Jun 07, 2022 7:06 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's chief medical officer of health,
says she feels 'recharged' and 're-energized' after her time off.
(Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick's top doctor says she has heard the rumours about her
recent absence from work and seen the speculative posts on social
media, and most of them are untrue.
Dr. Jennifer Russell, the chief medical officer of health, hasn't left
her position over stress of managing COVID-19 in the province. She
says she's back on the job after a much-needed vacation.
"The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. … And
definitely our team has worked really hard throughout the pandemic,"
she said in an interview Tuesday.
"So after two very busy years, when the province lifted its
restrictions, I decided it was a good time for me to take some time
off."
Russell acknowledged there are "lots of rumours about what led to that
decision and what exactly [she] was doing while [she] was off."
"Basically I did need a vacation, there's no question," she said.
It was good to "disconnect and decompress."
But then she was in a car accident. She hit a deer and totalled her car.
"I'm still in physio, but I'm doing much better," she said.
"It's been good to have that time to be able to look after my health, for sure."
Sold house
It's true Russell sold her house in Fredericton while she was off, but
she says she simply decided to "downsize a bit early."
"My oldest has already gone off to university and my youngest is about
to. So it was a good time with the market being what it was for me to
do that."
She did not work on the new album released last Friday by the
blues/funk band for which she plays the saxophone, The Tortoise, The
Hare & The Millionaire, she said.
"No, I leave that to the real professionals who do it for a living."
N.B. reports decrease in COVID-19 deaths, increase in hospitalizations
Asked about the criticisms of her decision to step away from her post
as she did, Russell maintains it was the right move.
"I definitely feel like my job to look after people in New Brunswick
was so important that I did need to step away so I could look after
myself, so I can look after other people."
She is doing "very, very well" now, she said.
"I feel definitely recharged. I hit the reset button and re-energized
and back at the helm."
Russell thanked acting deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Yves
Léger and the rest of the Public Health team for their hard work and
dedication to New Brunswickers.
"I definitely felt very comfortable leaving the Office of the Chief
Medical Officer of Health in such good hands."
Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said it's good to have Russell back.
"Well, sure. I mean, you know, we're a team and we all work together," she said.
"I've always maintained that Dr. Russell is our chief medical officer
of health, but she works with the team and when she's not available,
she has a team who backs her up."
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2022 15:11:19 -0300
Subject: Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old
Age Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
To: "Gould, Karina - M.P." <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca>,
EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca, "Diane.Lebouthillier"
< Diane.Lebouthillier@cra-arc.
< Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca>, "rob.moore" <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>,
"John.Williamson" <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>,
"fin.minfinance-financemin.
< fin.minfinance-financemin.
< pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Katie.Telford" <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>,
"Candice.Bergen" <Candice.Bergen@parl.gc.ca>, "pierre.poilievre"
< pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, "blaine.higgs" <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>
https://davidraymondamos3.
Thursday, 9 June 2022
Attn Minister Karina Gould I just called about my missing Old Age
Pension records and nobody cared Correct??
https://pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-
December 16, 2021
Office of the Prime Minister
Dear Minister Gould:
Thank you for agreeing to serve Canadians as Minister of Families,
Children and Social Development.
From the beginning of this pandemic, Canadians have faced a
once-in-a-century challenge. And through it all, from coast to coast
to coast, people have met the moment. When it mattered most, Canadians
adapted, helped one another, and stayed true to our values of
compassion, courage and determination. That is what has defined our
path through this pandemic so far. And that is what will pave our way
forward.
During a difficult time, Canadians made a democratic choice. They
entrusted us to finish the fight against COVID-19 and support the
recovery of a strong middle class. At the same time, they also gave us
clear direction: to take bold, concrete action to build a healthier,
more resilient future. That is what Canadians have asked us to do and
it is exactly what our Government is ready to deliver. We will work to
build that brighter future through continued collaboration,
engagement, and the use of science and evidence-based decision-making.
With an unwavering focus on delivering results, we will work
constructively with Parliamentarians and maintain our strong
partnerships with provincial, territorial and municipal governments
and Indigenous partners. This decade has had an incredibly difficult
start, but this is the moment to rebuild a more resilient, inclusive
and stronger country for everyone.
The science is clear. Canadians have been clear. We must not only
continue taking real climate action, we must also move faster and go
further. As Canadians are increasingly experiencing across the
country, climate change is an existential threat. Building a cleaner,
greener future will require a sustained and collaborative effort from
all of us. As Minister, I expect you to seek opportunities within your
portfolio to support our whole-of-government effort to reduce
emissions, create clean jobs and address the climate-related
challenges communities are already facing.
This year, Canadians were horrified by the discovery of unmarked
graves and burial sites near former residential schools. These
discoveries underscore that we must move faster on the path of
reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. We know
that reconciliation cannot come without truth and our Government will
continue to invest in that truth. As Ministers, each of us has a duty
to further this work, both collectively and as individuals.
Consequently, I am directing every Minister to implement the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to work in
partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights.
We must continue to address the profound systemic inequities and
disparities that remain present in the core fabric of our society,
including our core institutions. To this effect, it is essential that
Canadians in every region of the country see themselves reflected in
our Government’s priorities and our work. As Minister, I expect you to
include and collaborate with various communities, and actively seek
out and incorporate in your work, the diverse views of Canadians. This
includes women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized Canadians,
newcomers, faith-based communities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2
Canadians, and, in both official languages.
Across our work, we remain committed to ensuring that public policies
are informed and developed through an intersectional lens, including
applying frameworks such as Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) and
the quality of life indicators in decision-making.
Canadians continue to rely on journalists and journalism for accurate
and timely news. I expect you to maintain professional and respectful
relationships with journalists to ensure that Canadians are well
informed and have the information they need to keep themselves and
their families safe.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Canadians and their governments
have adapted to new realities. Governments must draw on lessons
learned from the pandemic to further adapt and develop more agile and
effective ways to serve Canadians. To this end, I expect all Ministers
to evaluate ways we can update our practices to ensure our Government
continues to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The success of this Parliament will require Parliamentarians, both in
the House of Commons and the Senate, to work together across all
parties to get big things done for Canadians. I expect you to maintain
constructive relationships with your Opposition Critics and coordinate
any legislation with the Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons. As Minister, you are accountable to Parliament both
individually, for your style of leadership and the performance of your
responsibilities, and collectively, in support of our Ministry and
decisions taken by Cabinet. Open and Accountable Government sets out
these core principles and the standards of conduct expected of you and
your office. I expect you to familiarize yourself with this document,
which outlines my expectations for each member of the Ministry.
Our platform lays out an ambitious agenda. While finishing the fight
against the pandemic must remain our central focus, we must continue
building a strong middle class and work toward a better future where
everyone has a real and fair chance at success and no one is left
behind.
As Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, your
immediate priority is to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child
Care system that reduces parent fees, creates more high-quality
spaces, recruits and retains skilled educators, and ensures all kids
get off to the best possible start. At the same time, you will work
with Indigenous partners to implement a culturally appropriate
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care system. You will also focus
on implementing the Community Services Recovery Fund to help charities
and non-profits adapt and modernize as well as ensure Service Canada
provides reliable and accessible services to Canadians, regardless of
where they live.
To realize these objectives, I ask that you achieve results for
Canadians by delivering the following commitments.
Supported by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth,
continue advancing the creation and sustainability of a Canada-wide
Early Learning and Child Care system, including:
Concluding negotiations with remaining provinces and
territories and implementing agreements:
Reducing fees for regulated child care by 50 per cent on
average by the end of 2022 everywhere outside of Quebec,
Reducing regulated child care fees to $10 a day on average
by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026 everywhere outside of Quebec, and
Building 250,000 new high-quality child care spaces and
hiring 40,000 more early childhood educators by the end of fiscal year
2025-2026;
Introducing federal child care legislation to strengthen and
protect a high-quality Canada-wide child care system;
Establishing a National Advisory Council on Early Learning and
Child Care;
Continuing to advance work with provinces and territories to
reduce fees for families for before and after school care; and
Ensuring the Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child
Care is fully resourced and operational by early 2023.
Work with Indigenous partners to ensure that Indigenous children
have access to a culturally appropriate Indigenous Early Learning and
Child Care system that meets the needs of Indigenous families wherever
they live, including ensuring more Indigenous families have access to
high-quality programming, creating 3,300 new child care spaces, and
continuing to support before and after school care for First Nations
children on reserve.
Advance the implementation of the Community Services Recovery Fund
to help charities and non-profits adapt and modernize as they recover
from the pandemic.
Continue advancing the Social Innovation and Social Finance
strategy, including fully implementing the Social Finance Fund and
launching the Social Innovation Advisory Council.
Through the delivery of Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and
other measures, continue leading implementation of the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations.
Work with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and with
provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and
stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and to work
toward a national school nutritious meal program.
Work with the Minister of Seniors to provide seniors with a single
point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits.
As the Minister responsible for Service Canada, lead the
development and implementation of modern, resilient, secure and
reliable services and benefit delivery systems for Canadians and
ensure those services and benefits reach all Canadians regardless of
where they live.
Work with the Minister of National Revenue toward the
implementation of a real-time e-payroll system, and ensure that
businesses of all sizes benefit from this work.
Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Black-led and
Black-serving organizations through the continued implementation of
the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. You will be
supported in this work by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth to
ensure the voices and needs of children are represented in our
Government’s agenda, as we work to make Canada the best place to grow
up.
Work with the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and
the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to ensure mental health
supports are accessible to children and youth as they recover from the
impact of the pandemic.
As Minister, you are also responsible for actively engaging with your
Cabinet and Caucus colleagues. As we deliver on our platform
commitments, it will be important that members of the Ministry
continue to collaborate and work constructively to support rigorous
and productive Cabinet decision-making. I expect you to support your
colleagues in delivering their commitments, leveraging the expertise
of your department and your own lived experiences.
To best achieve results for Canadians, Ministers must be rigorous and
coordinated in our approach to implementation. I would therefore ask
that you return to me with a proposed approach for the delivery of
your mandate commitments, including priorities for early
implementation. Furthermore, to ensure we are accountable for our
work, I will be asking you to publicly report to me, and all
Canadians, on your progress toward these commitments on a regular
basis.
As we have been reminded throughout the pandemic, adapting to change
is not only something government should do, it is something government
must do. As you work to fulfil our commitments, I expect you to
actively consider new ideas and issues as they emerge, whether through
public engagement, your work with Parliamentarians or advice from the
public service. I also expect you to work with your Deputy Minister to
assess priorities on a continual basis as we build a better future for
all Canadians. In addition to achieving results, you are responsible
for overseeing the work of your department and ensuring the effective
operation of your portfolio.
As you staff your office and implement outreach and recruitment
strategies for federally appointed leadership positions and boards, I
ask that you uphold the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
This helps ensure that federal workplaces are dynamic and reflective
of the Canadians we serve. You will also ensure your Minister’s office
and portfolio are reflective of our commitment to healthy and safe
workplaces.
Canadians expect us to work hard, speak truthfully and be committed to
advancing their interests and aspirations. When we make mistakes – as
we all will – Canadians expect us to acknowledge them, and most
importantly, to learn from them.
I know I can count on you to fulfill the important responsibilities
entrusted in you, and to turn to me, and the Deputy Prime Minister,
early and often to support you in your role as Minister.
Sincerely,
Prime Minister of Canada signature
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
On 2/20/22, Gould, Karina - M.P. <Karina.Gould@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
>
>
> Thank you for reaching out to the office of the Honourable Karina Gould
> Member of Parliament for Burlington.
>
> Please rest assured that your message will be brought to the attention of MP
> Gould and we will make every effort to respond promptly. Correspondence
> received from residents of Burlington are reviewed and actioned as soon as
> possible. If you have not already included your address and postal code,
> please respond to this email with that information.
>
> Please note this is a community office, due to the high volume of
> correspondence we receive our priority is to respond to inquiries from
> Burlington Residents.
>
> If you are not a local resident, please contact your MP’s office for
> assistance. You can enter your postal code here
> https://www.ourcommons.ca/
> representative is.
>
> For matters related to the Ministry of Families Children and Social
> Development and Service Canada, or to discuss issues relevant to MP Gould’s
> role as the Minister of Families Children and Social Development, please
> contact
> EDSC.MIN.FEDS-FCSD.MIN.ESDC@
>
> Our constituency office is taking every precautionary measure to prevent the
> spread of COVID-19 and ask constituents to follow the most up to date
> information from public health.
>
>
>
> To ensure the safety of our community and protect our most vulnerable
> constituents, our office will be closed to walk-in visits until further
> notice.
>
>
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> Our office will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30
> pm. by phone, email, and on a by-appointment basis for urgent cases.
>
>
>
> Please reach out to us at 905-639-5757 or by email at
> karina.gould@parl.gc.ca<
>
>
>
> In case of an emergency or urgent situations you can also contact the
> following services:
>
>
>
> For Emergencies - 911
>
> Halton Region - 311
>
> Service Canada - 1 800 622 6232
>
> CPP / OAS - 1 800 277-9914
>
> Employment Insurance - 1 800 206 7218
>
> CRA - 1-800 959 8281
>
> Immigration - 1 888 242 2100
>
> Passport Canada - 1 800 567 6868
>
> Halton Regional Police - 905-825-4777
>
>
>
> Please note all incoming messages are treated confidentially.
>
>
>
> We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation
> and patience.
>
>
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