Former PC MLA coming out of retirement to run for N.B. Liberals in Sussex area
Sussex-riding-nb-election-bruce-northrup-party-switch
A former MLA who served four terms on the Progressive Conservative side of the New Brunswick Legislature, says he wants to run again in the electoral district encompassing Sussex — this time as a Liberal.
Bruce Northrup says he is coming out of retirement and will move back to Sussex from Nova Scotia to seek the nomination in Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins for the fall provincial election. The seat is now held by PC MLA Tammy Scott-Wallace.
"I have been following [Premier Blaine] Higgs closely over the last few years and I don't think he, or the current MLA, are serving the needs of the people of Sussex and area," Northrup said Tuesday at a news conference.
"While they are focused on distractions, the people of Sussex are deeply concerned about issues like flood adaptation and whether our hospital is adequately equipped to care for the people in the riding."
Northrup was first elected as a Progressive Conservative MLA in 2004 and was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
The riding was called Kings East when Northrup was first elected and was later renamed Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins. It was most recently redrawn and will be known as Sussex-Three Rivers in the coming election.
Protests
were held outside some of the affected hospitals, including the Sussex
Health Centre, in response to a proposal by Premier Blaine Higgs to
close emergency departments in smaller hospitals. (Graham Thompson/CBC)
Northrup was named minister of natural resources in former premier David Alward's government in 2010, then shuffled out of the job in 2013 and made minister of public safety.
He later said his shuffle was a result of a letter Jim Irving, then co-CEO of J.D. Irving Ltd., wrote to Alward complaining about Northrup's refusal to increase the amount of Crown land available to industry.
Northrup also rocked the party's boat in February 2020, when he openly opposed a controversial plan by Higgs to close emergency departments in several smaller, rural hospitals across the province.
Higgs ultimately backed down from that plan, and Northrup remained loyal to the party before announcing later that year he'd be retiring from politics to spend more time with family.
Northrup said Tuesday that he's been living in Nova Scotia to be close to his grandchildren but has already secured a place to live in Sussex and intends to live there from now until the election.
He said he hasn't been living in the Sussex area for the past three years, but he's been following issues in the riding and believes Scott-Wallace hasn't done enough to advocate for constituents on issues such as flood mitigation and hospital service levels.
Sussex-Fundy-St.
Martins MLA Tammy Scott-Wallace, the tourism minister, was first
elected in 2020 and will be running again for the Progressive
Conservatives in this fall's provincial election. (Jacques Poitras/CBC News )
Rather than addressing those issues, he said, the Higgs government has been focused on "distractions," such as reforms to a government policy regarding the use of pronouns and chosen names of students in schools, as well as Higgs's hinting about a snap election last year, which ultimately cost taxpayers $1.7 million.
Asked why not run again for the PCs, Northrup said he likely wouldn't be welcomed back, and he likes the direction from Liberal Leader Susan Holt.
"We talked a lot over the last few months or so, and I know that the Liberal Party is the best alternative for me at this time," he said.
CBC News has asked PC campaign manager Steve Outhouse for an interview with Scott-Wallace and is waiting for a response.
199 Comments
David Amos
Anyone recall what I said exactly 4 years ago???
David Amos
Methinks Mr Outhouse should know who I ran against in 2018 and why N'esy Pas?
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
C’est vrai.
David Amos
The plot thickens
Lou Bell
I believe Mr. Northrup was a former emplyee for Irving . If so , funny how it hasn't been mentioned
William Peters
Reply to Lou Bell
Now that they have ruined the PC brand the
CORvings are switching sides again to front run the exit? Is Higgs next?
Power at all cost, I guess. A rose by any other name will smell as
sweet.
Lou Bell
Realyy , are the liberals so in short supply of
candidates that they are now a " potpourri " of candidtaes from every
other party but their own ? And many were resoundingly defeated when
they ran in the past
Wilbur Ross
Higgs is not a Progressive Conservative or even
a Tory ... he's the very worst kind of GOP Republican. He's as devious
as Mitch McConnell and as despicable as Ted Cruz. Steve Bannon would
like him. Too bad Higgs doesn't head South to retire with his people in
Florida or wherever.
.
Lou Bell
Reply to Wilbur Ross
You don't seem to understand this is Canada ! Or do you also recognize "sleepy Joe " ??
BD Morgan
Reply to Lou Bell
That is the point, the Cdn right is the same as the GOP.
William Peters
Reply to BD Morgan
They've got a long way to go to get there, but
they are trying hard. They certainly can't come up with anything not
resembling a Republican talking point. It would seem they all assume we
are glued to American media all the time. That might be the demographic
they aim to trigger. Canada hasn't seen anything as far business Right
as there exists in NB. This is a bastion of neoliberalism and a poster
child for the extractive industries and tax avoiders.
Ralph Skavinsky
Now for some exciting stuff...hockey.. go Oilers go...bye
Bob Leeson
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Score is 4 - 3 now. They might not go bye yet.
I hope they end up tied in the series for a 7th game even if Edmonton
loses. It's more exciting that way ;)
Ralph Skavinsky
Northrup left in 2022 and id now back in Sussex..Did his grandchildren grow that much in 2 years?
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
4 years
David Amos
Reply to David Amos Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
2022 plus 2 is 2024 David...
Yup I've been elected.
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
2020 Read my comments in that article
Marc Bourque
If you cant find an honest job,become a politician.............
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Marc Bourque
Bet you couldn't get elected :D
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Could you?
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David AmosYup I've been elected.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Nope not with that name
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David AmosYou sure?
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Yup
MR Cain
Reply to Marc Bourque
Need to be a special kind of person...couldn't pay me enough.
Need to be a special kind of person...couldn't pay me enough.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David AmosWell you are wrong. I wasn't an MP or MLA, but I've been elected. I use my middle name on here. Its ok. I worked for Trevor Holder, Bev Harrison, Sam Moore and even for Dr. Moir's campaign years ago too, so I know a thing or two about Tories and Socialists. I've worked for both. I'm might have even met you but you don't know it. I'm not ideological, just a guy from Kingston who wants the best for NB ... and Higgs is not it.
Reply to David Amos
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Yea Right tell me another one
Wilbur Ross
You don't remember me? We met at the JF museum when Bev was glad handing with us peasants. It was before he got re-elected and topped up his pension ... before he became speaker.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
It wasn't me you met I do not even know what the JF Museum is
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Furthermore I never met Bevy Baby either
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
However everybody knows about the evening I met Higgy in person
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David Amos
John Fisher Memorial Museum. Pretty sure you were there.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Nope If you ever met me you would remember me
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David Amos
That's why I know who you are. You've been around longer than me ... but I know everyone from out our way. I worked for Gary and used to party with Jeremy back in the day. I'm not the lefty you think I am.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Who are Gary and Jeremy?
Who are Gary and Jeremy?
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
I doubt you have the first clue why I came home and got stuck here
Wilbur Ross
Reply to David AmosYou don't know? I think you do.
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Well then why did I come home?
Al Clark
Tammy will be a "catcher" at blaine and teena faye's healing at Qplex thursday. Come on out and show your support ;-)
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Al Clark
She couldn't catch a case of covid.
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Are you going?
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Yep, Clark will be taking up collection...
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
and keeping it no doubt
Don Corey
Reply to Al Clark
Are you selling tickets? Is there a bbq with beer and burgers for all?
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Is the game over already?
Al Clark
Reply to Don Corey
No, bibles and bs
Tammy will be a "catcher" at blaine and teena faye's healing at Qplex thursday. Come on out and show your support ;-)
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Al Clark
She couldn't catch a case of covid.
David Amos
Reply to Al Clark
Are you going?
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to David Amos
Yep, Clark will be taking up collection...
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
and keeping it no doubt
Don Corey
Reply to Al Clark
Are you selling tickets? Is there a bbq with beer and burgers for all?
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Is the game over already?
Al Clark
Reply to Don Corey
No, bibles and bs
Howard Higgs
Came out of retirement? That tells you his opinion of the likelihood of success.
David Amos
Reply to Howard Higgs
How so?
Came out of retirement? That tells you his opinion of the likelihood of success.
David Amos
Reply to Howard Higgs
How so?
ralph jacobs
I wouldn't vote for someone who wants to lower their standards like that.
MR Cain
Reply to ralph jacobs
Once a Con, always a Con. I wouldn't either.
ralph jacobs
Reply to MR Cain
I guess I shouldn't paint all Libs with the same brush but seeing what goes on in Ottawa I'd be afraid to vote Liberal again.
MR Cain
Reply to ralph jacobs
Don't be afraid; the feds are doing fine. Cons need a new leader.
Howard Higgs
Reply to MR Cain
Same bird.
Al Clark
Reply to ralph jacobs
luckily he's not running in ONTARIO.
David Amos
Reply to ralph jacobs
What standards???
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to MR Cain
Hhmm.. he actually was a Liberal before his PC time in the LEG...
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Yup
MR Cain
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
So was our premier; a Con is a Con
I wouldn't vote for someone who wants to lower their standards like that.
MR Cain
Reply to ralph jacobs
Once a Con, always a Con. I wouldn't either.
ralph jacobs
Reply to MR Cain
I guess I shouldn't paint all Libs with the same brush but seeing what goes on in Ottawa I'd be afraid to vote Liberal again.
MR Cain
Reply to ralph jacobs
Don't be afraid; the feds are doing fine. Cons need a new leader.
Howard Higgs
Reply to MR Cain
Same bird.
Al Clark
Reply to ralph jacobs
luckily he's not running in ONTARIO.
David Amos
Reply to ralph jacobs
What standards???
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to MR Cain
Hhmm.. he actually was a Liberal before his PC time in the LEG...
David Amos
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
Yup
MR Cain
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
So was our premier; a Con is a Con
Don Corey
Reply to MR Cain
Obviously you don’t follow the national polls. Your federal leader is very much “unwanted” by a huge majority of Canadians. The same applies to the party.
MR Cain
What we need is a self-professed award-winning future senator journalist extraordinaire to publish an unbiased accounting of the accomplishments and failures of the PCNB-COR government.
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to MR Cain
Unbiased journalism is certainly non-existent on this site.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Oh So True
Matt Steele
Politicians like to complain about all the work they have to do , but love returning to the taxpayer funded trough whenever they get the chance . Reminds me of Dominic Cardy and Kelly Lamrock who both jumped from political party to political party looking for a chance to feed at the taxpayer funded trough . Now Bruce Northrupt is doing the same . I wonder if the idea of getting a " real " job where they actually have to work has ever entered their minds ?
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Matt Steele
Bruce is comfortably retired. I don't he needs the money. He can probably pay for his own trip to Versailles.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He is like a moth to the flame
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Hmmm
Don Corey
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He’ll wish he’d gone to Versailles when the election is over.
Reply to MR Cain
Obviously you don’t follow the national polls. Your federal leader is very much “unwanted” by a huge majority of Canadians. The same applies to the party.
MR Cain
What we need is a self-professed award-winning future senator journalist extraordinaire to publish an unbiased accounting of the accomplishments and failures of the PCNB-COR government.
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to MR Cain
Unbiased journalism is certainly non-existent on this site.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Don Corey
Oh So True
Matt Steele
Politicians like to complain about all the work they have to do , but love returning to the taxpayer funded trough whenever they get the chance . Reminds me of Dominic Cardy and Kelly Lamrock who both jumped from political party to political party looking for a chance to feed at the taxpayer funded trough . Now Bruce Northrupt is doing the same . I wonder if the idea of getting a " real " job where they actually have to work has ever entered their minds ?
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Matt Steele
Bruce is comfortably retired. I don't he needs the money. He can probably pay for his own trip to Versailles.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He is like a moth to the flame
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Hmmm
Don Corey
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He’ll wish he’d gone to Versailles when the election is over.
Alison Jackson
All Susan Holt has to do is sit back and watch the
conservatives implode at a blinding rate. Higgs is so self centered its
laughable.
He locked down the province during covid so tight that NB enjoyed the lowest rate of transmission in Canada, then he caught covid, didn't get very sick and decided because HE was ok, to drop all the restrictions. Not even 6 months later NB had the highest rates in Canada.
Yessir leadership 101.
David Amos
Reply to Alison Jackson
The fat lady ain't sung yet
David Amos
Reply to Alison Jackson Hmmm
Don Corey
Reply to Alison Jackson
The pandemic is long gone. Nobody cares anymore.Kyle Woodman
Tammy wants to talk about the Carbon tax, but
no mention of the climate mitigation fund that she and Rob need funds
from to fix the flooding problems in Sussex. No substance in Tammy and
Rob.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman Everybody knows that
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Kyle Woodman
It appears you don't care for the PCs..have you
considered Green or NDP? Surely you cannot condone the Liberal spend
thrift ways.
Greg Miller
There's one thing that rings true -- most (if
not all) politicians love the limelight and the "scent" of power.
There's nothing new here -- no "knight in shinning armor" that going to
turn N.B. around -- simply "retreads" on old wheels!
David Amos
Reply to Greg Miller
The squeaky ones get the grease
James Risdon
Reply to Greg Miller
If appointed to the Senate, I promise to do everything I can to help improve things for New Brunswickers.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
Reply to James Risdon
Did you apply, or expect to be nominated?
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
Reply to MR Cain
I applied under the current rules and, if appointed, will gladly serve in the Canadian Senate.
David Amos
Reply to Greg Miller Hmmm
Jos Allaire
'He later said his shuffle was a result of a letter Jim
Irving, then co-CEO of J.D. Irving Ltd., wrote to Alward complaining
about Northrup's refusal to increase the amount of Crown land available
to industry.'
They don't complain, they command to both parties, or else...
What else is new❓
Dan Lee
Reply to Jos Allaire
if he is against big companies.........lets get him in.............................
David Amos
Reply to Jos Allaire He ran again anyway Correct?
Ed Wallis
Reply to Dan Lee
I wonder if Irving decided to pull up stakes
and shut down every industry they have in New Brunswick, if you would
have the same opinion. Ask the people of Cornwallis, Nova Scotia that
question....
Dan Lee
Reply to Ed Wallis
isnt that for every area......do you think we
have to be held hostage and give them everything they
want?...........the north has no big industries they still go on......do
you think Moncton is bending the knee for irvings right
now................... MR Cain
Reply to Ed Wallis
They are slowly transitioning away from their businesses in the province.
William Conway
No politician like an old politician...
David Amos
Reply to William Conway The young ones are the same
Daniel Franklin
Nobody wants to work for Higgs. You can't trust what he says.
James Risdon
Reply to Daniel Franklin
You can trust me. Ask to have James Risdon appointed to the Senate.
Jos Allaire
Reply to James Risdon
You can trust me too.
Ed Franks
Reply to James Risdon
We already have a 115 unelected senate members. Most of them dont show for work as it is.
David Amos
Reply to Ed Franks
Oh So True
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Proven over and over. Poisoned work environment for sure. Maybe even a poisoned Province. Time to give Higgs the boot.
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Daniel Franklin
But you should...
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Dream on Wilma.
Don Corey
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Name me one politician we can trust and believe.
Nobody wants to work for Higgs. You can't trust what he says.
James Risdon
Reply to Daniel Franklin
You can trust me. Ask to have James Risdon appointed to the Senate.
Jos Allaire
Reply to James Risdon
You can trust me too.
Ed Franks
Reply to James Risdon
We already have a 115 unelected senate members. Most of them dont show for work as it is.
David Amos
Reply to Ed Franks
Oh So True
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Proven over and over. Poisoned work environment for sure. Maybe even a poisoned Province. Time to give Higgs the boot.
Ralph Skavinsky
Reply to Daniel Franklin
But you should...
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Dream on Wilma.
Don Corey
Reply to Daniel Franklin
Name me one politician we can trust and believe.
V P
Tammy better get another European vacation in before the election.
David Amos
Reply to V P
I bet she is looking forward to all the steak and lobster she will be treating Maron's sheople with next month
David Amos
Reply to V P
Hmmm Louis Leblanc
1987 all over again. Bring it on.
David Amos
Reply to Louis Leblanc
Dream on
BRIAN SAUNDERS
Reply to Louis Leblanc
It is interesting you allude to Frank McKenna
and his sweep of 1987. Susan very much reminds me of Frank, both coming
from the world of business with a high level of hard work, smarts, and
grit. There will be no stone unturned for the Liberals as this election
approaches. If/when the Liberals win, it will be the result of their
focus, hustle, and determination since Susan became leader.
David Amos
Reply to BRIAN SAUNDERS
Surely you jest
Matt Steele
Reply to BRIAN SAUNDERS
Lol....you may want to check your facts before
posting . Frank McKenna was a small town lawyer working in the Miramichi
area before entering politics . He certainly wasn't considered a
business man by any stretch of the imagination . Susan Holt was working
for Brian Gallant as a political appointment , and had little
background in business . You may be confusing them with Premier Blain
Higgs who held high ranking senior management positions before retiring ,
and going into politics .
BRIAN SAUNDERS
Reply to David Amos
Nope, not really.
BRIAN SAUNDERS
Reply to Matt Steele
Point taken on Mr. McKenna's career prior to
his 10 years as Premier. Guess I confused his corporate activities
after his time in government with his career prior to government. On
Susan Holt, she has worked in several private sector jobs, some for
profit and others that were non-profit. My original/main point is that
neither Mr. McKenna or Ms. Holt were life long political careerists, and
both are very well known to be smart, focused, tough, competitive, and
very hard-working.
David Amos
Reply to BRIAN SAUNDERS
Then you should that I am not joking
Dacre Gushue
I am correct. This is the Liberals trying to force Higgs
into an election call.. At their peril. They know people don't pay
attention all summer..
***ordinarily resident in the Province for at least 40 days immediately preceding the date of the election; and
MR Cain
Reply to Dacre Gushue Why force anything? October is soon enough. After all, they have been in election mode for more than a year, and on our dime.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Dacre Gushue How are the Liberals trying to force an election? Weird take.
Graham McCormack
Reply to Dacre Gushue
Nobody is forcing anything at this point, there is no need.
David Amos
Reply to Graham McCormack If Higgy were gonna have the writ dropped early he would have done so already
Marc Leger
Reply to Dacre Gushue
There’s an election in 4 months.
Dacre Gushue
Reply to Kyle Woodman
It's not a weird take if you think about it,
which I know is hard. The Liberals think they're in a position now to
win while the schools are quiet during the summer. Policy 713 has the
backing of most parents in NB.
MR Cain
Reply to Dacre Gushue Actually, no, the majority of parents do not
support the government view of the policy. There was an article on that a
couple weeks ago. Try to keep up.
Dacre Gushue
Hard to take Bruce serious when he says good things like that about
Holt. I have the funniest feeling this is a stunt from the Liberals to
push us into a summer election call. Which I hope for...
I am correct. This is the Liberals trying to force Higgs into an election call.. At their peril. They know people don't pay attention all summer..
I am correct. This is the Liberals trying to force Higgs into an election call.. At their peril. They know people don't pay attention all summer..
Graham McCormack
Reply to Dacre Gushue What possible reason would they want to have a summer election? That makes zero sense.
David Amos
Reply to Graham McCormack
Not really
IMHO Higgy should have dropped the writ as soon as the session was history
Terry Bull
Northrup is out to split the vote for the Libs in that riding resulting in a PC victory.
Politicians gonna politick.
David Amos
Reply to Terry Bull
Yup
Ronald Miller
The Liberals list of candidates is becoming a long list of recycled politicians, no new blood or ideas. When your core mandate is tax, spend, and run scandals then the old guard will do I guess. A year or 2 of Higgs (until he steps down) is exponentially better than Holt taxing and spending for 4 years, she has already proven that is what she is all about. Do not let this happen NB, our future is worth it.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Ronald Miller
Oh so funny Ronald.
Clive Gibbons
Reply to Ronald Miller
Taking cues from religion to govern isn't a new idea, it's from the 1700s. Non merci.
David Amos
Reply to Clive Gibbons
In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote "Plus ca change plus c'est la même chose"
Northrup is out to split the vote for the Libs in that riding resulting in a PC victory.
Politicians gonna politick.
David Amos
Reply to Terry Bull
Yup
Ronald Miller
The Liberals list of candidates is becoming a long list of recycled politicians, no new blood or ideas. When your core mandate is tax, spend, and run scandals then the old guard will do I guess. A year or 2 of Higgs (until he steps down) is exponentially better than Holt taxing and spending for 4 years, she has already proven that is what she is all about. Do not let this happen NB, our future is worth it.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Ronald Miller
Oh so funny Ronald.
Clive Gibbons
Reply to Ronald Miller
Taking cues from religion to govern isn't a new idea, it's from the 1700s. Non merci.
David Amos
Reply to Clive Gibbons
In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote "Plus ca change plus c'est la même chose"
James Risdon
He betrays his party. Leaves. Then, he turns around and attempts to join the Liberals.
It will say a lot about them if they choose to accept him.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to James Risdon
Strong word to describe someone that does not hold the same position on many things that Higgs does.
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
He didn't betray his party, he stood up for his constituents. Something Higgs crew could learn about.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I mean he has been basically retired in another province. I'm pretty sure he's coming back to defeat the PC's, and specifically Higgs. If Higgs didn't take the party into the wilderness, I'm sure Northrup would just remain retired in NS close to his family. Hard to believe people enter politics for the good of the province these days with the cynicism that Higgs has produced, but i'm pretty sure that's what is happening in this story.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
What "wilderness"? Premier Blaine Higgs has gotten New Brunswick into a budget surplus situation and real estate here is going like gangbusters. People from all over Canada are moving to come here.
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
He DIDN'T betray his party? He's crossing the floor to join his former party's political enemies.
How in the world is that not a betrayal of his party loyalties?
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
He's not crossing the floor; that's what a sitting MLA does.
Myrna MacPherson
Reply to James Risdon
And people can't feed and house their families because of gas and grocery prices. We pay very high taxes just so Higgs can brag about his surplus. It's our money....not his! I thought this province should get with the times 10 years ago and we have gone back another 10 since Higgs came to power. I don't expect the Liberals to be any better. And as far as people coming here from all over Canada, we can't look after those who are already here. Where are we going to put them!
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
Fair enough. Still, a distinction without a difference.
James Risdon
Reply to James Risdon
People from all over Canada are coming here because it is such a great place to live. They will live in housing which will be built, creating construction jobs and generating taxes for those government services we all enjoy and further stimulating our economy and creating jobs.
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
No it's not. He's a retired politician that has been away and now he doesn't see his views represented in what Higgs has created. It's not the same party at all.
James Risdon
Reply to Myrna MacPherson
It sounds to me like what you want are more conservative policies to restrict the size of government and provide more opportunities for working folks to be able to earn a living without being taxed to death by the government.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
What of you and the KISS Party???
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
People come and go from political parties all the time and that happens in all parties.
If one were to say the Conservatives today are not the "same party" as the Conservatives few years ago, then that person would also have to say the Liberals, NDP, Greens, etc. are not the same parties they once were.
It's silliness.
James Risdon
Reply to Myrna MacPherson
There has been a lot of inflation. Much of that has been driven by policies put in place at the federal level, including record-high immigration levels for several years and the carbon tax and more red tape. The bureaucracy has grown extremely fast under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
That old party does not exist. Our premier settled that a couple years ago.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
A budget surplus on the backs of New Brunswickers. He cut health care and education when first elected. Cancelled road building projects, federal money for school upgrades unspent, etc. The list of fiscal failures is a long one.
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
What about me and the KISS Party?
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
Being careful with money is not a failure. It's good fiscal management.
It shows investors and entrepreneurs the province can manage its finances.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
Read the auditors reports; check public accounts. Anyone can save money if none is spent on the needs of the people.
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
It's called leadership. Anyone can spend the taxpayers' money in huge amounts on lavish programs to buy votes.
It takes a leader to look at the reality of the situation, make tough choices, and say, "No."
That's why our province is in better financial situation today than it has been in the past.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
You tell us
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
There's nothing to tell, David.
I ran as a KISS party provincial candidate. Although I got the most votes of any KISS candidate, I lost by a landslide. The party did not get enough votes to survive as a provincial political party and was dissolved.
I have not run as a provincial politician since. I do intended to do so.
I have applied for a seat in the Senate.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Why does that not surprise me?
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
It's not intended to surprise you. It's old news - and public news - at this point.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I find it funny that you can't see where Higgs is leading the PC party. Why did everyone quit. He's off on his own in the WILDERNESS. It doesn't take a lick of political acumen to figure that out.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Where do YOU think Premier Blaine Higgs is leading the Conservatives?
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
Into a landslide defeat that will take a generation to rebuild the PCNB.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
That may well be the case. It's often the case that a conservative government that gets the books in order and the government on a solid financial footing is then followed by a liberal government that spends lavishly on social and other programs and drives the debt back up.
We can probably expect debt levels to climb as a Liberal government buys itself support using taxpayer funds by addressing all of the perceived injustices in society as quickly as it can.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I can make up stories too you know
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Are you suggesting I am making something up? If so, what?
He betrays his party. Leaves. Then, he turns around and attempts to join the Liberals.
It will say a lot about them if they choose to accept him.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to James Risdon
Strong word to describe someone that does not hold the same position on many things that Higgs does.
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
He didn't betray his party, he stood up for his constituents. Something Higgs crew could learn about.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I mean he has been basically retired in another province. I'm pretty sure he's coming back to defeat the PC's, and specifically Higgs. If Higgs didn't take the party into the wilderness, I'm sure Northrup would just remain retired in NS close to his family. Hard to believe people enter politics for the good of the province these days with the cynicism that Higgs has produced, but i'm pretty sure that's what is happening in this story.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
What "wilderness"? Premier Blaine Higgs has gotten New Brunswick into a budget surplus situation and real estate here is going like gangbusters. People from all over Canada are moving to come here.
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
He DIDN'T betray his party? He's crossing the floor to join his former party's political enemies.
How in the world is that not a betrayal of his party loyalties?
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
He's not crossing the floor; that's what a sitting MLA does.
Myrna MacPherson
Reply to James Risdon
And people can't feed and house their families because of gas and grocery prices. We pay very high taxes just so Higgs can brag about his surplus. It's our money....not his! I thought this province should get with the times 10 years ago and we have gone back another 10 since Higgs came to power. I don't expect the Liberals to be any better. And as far as people coming here from all over Canada, we can't look after those who are already here. Where are we going to put them!
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
Fair enough. Still, a distinction without a difference.
James Risdon
Reply to James Risdon
People from all over Canada are coming here because it is such a great place to live. They will live in housing which will be built, creating construction jobs and generating taxes for those government services we all enjoy and further stimulating our economy and creating jobs.
Graham McCormack
Reply to James Risdon
No it's not. He's a retired politician that has been away and now he doesn't see his views represented in what Higgs has created. It's not the same party at all.
James Risdon
Reply to Myrna MacPherson
It sounds to me like what you want are more conservative policies to restrict the size of government and provide more opportunities for working folks to be able to earn a living without being taxed to death by the government.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
What of you and the KISS Party???
James Risdon
Reply to Graham McCormack
People come and go from political parties all the time and that happens in all parties.
If one were to say the Conservatives today are not the "same party" as the Conservatives few years ago, then that person would also have to say the Liberals, NDP, Greens, etc. are not the same parties they once were.
It's silliness.
James Risdon
Reply to Myrna MacPherson
There has been a lot of inflation. Much of that has been driven by policies put in place at the federal level, including record-high immigration levels for several years and the carbon tax and more red tape. The bureaucracy has grown extremely fast under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
That old party does not exist. Our premier settled that a couple years ago.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
A budget surplus on the backs of New Brunswickers. He cut health care and education when first elected. Cancelled road building projects, federal money for school upgrades unspent, etc. The list of fiscal failures is a long one.
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
What about me and the KISS Party?
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
Being careful with money is not a failure. It's good fiscal management.
It shows investors and entrepreneurs the province can manage its finances.
MR Cain
Reply to James Risdon
Read the auditors reports; check public accounts. Anyone can save money if none is spent on the needs of the people.
James Risdon
Reply to MR Cain
It's called leadership. Anyone can spend the taxpayers' money in huge amounts on lavish programs to buy votes.
It takes a leader to look at the reality of the situation, make tough choices, and say, "No."
That's why our province is in better financial situation today than it has been in the past.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
You tell us
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
There's nothing to tell, David.
I ran as a KISS party provincial candidate. Although I got the most votes of any KISS candidate, I lost by a landslide. The party did not get enough votes to survive as a provincial political party and was dissolved.
I have not run as a provincial politician since. I do intended to do so.
I have applied for a seat in the Senate.
David Amos
Reply to James Risdon
Why does that not surprise me?
James Risdon
Reply to David Amos
It's not intended to surprise you. It's old news - and public news - at this point.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I find it funny that you can't see where Higgs is leading the PC party. Why did everyone quit. He's off on his own in the WILDERNESS. It doesn't take a lick of political acumen to figure that out.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Where do YOU think Premier Blaine Higgs is leading the Conservatives?
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
Into a landslide defeat that will take a generation to rebuild the PCNB.
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
That may well be the case. It's often the case that a conservative government that gets the books in order and the government on a solid financial footing is then followed by a liberal government that spends lavishly on social and other programs and drives the debt back up.
We can probably expect debt levels to climb as a Liberal government buys itself support using taxpayer funds by addressing all of the perceived injustices in society as quickly as it can.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to James Risdon
I can make up stories too you know
James Risdon
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Are you suggesting I am making something up? If so, what?
Sylvester Pheelyne
Reply to James Risdon
You forgot to up vote yourself on that one.
Robert Brannen
An individual who understands the role of an MLA: To take the concerns of the greater portion of the constituents which he represents, and present those concerns in the Legislative Assembly. I wish there were more MLAs who understood that to be their role.
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Robert Brannen
Wrong.
The role of an MLA. is to do what's right
for ALL areas of the Province.
We have too many who
only concentrate on themselves
in order to pad their vote for the next Election.
MR Cain
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
That pretty much leave this government out of the picture.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Brannen
Me Too
Mack Leigh
What happened to change his mind - pension not large enough so needs to feed at the trough again only the PC's would not let him back in ?? So many questions as to why this guy would change colors.... other than the money.
Dan Lee
Reply to Mack Leigh
trough.......hahaha.......he gives outhouse 2 jobs in one and gets paid twice.......dont throw any rocks......................................................
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Dan Lee
I bet you are confused by this news
MR Cain
Reply to Mack Leigh
Explain our premier changing his spots 3 times.
David Amos
Reply to Mack Leigh
Hmmm
David Webb
Lot's of people get bored after they retire. One could work at Home Depot or Kent to occupy their time as many do, others prefer the trough. Come on Mr. Northrup, give the youngsters a chance to feed.
Le Wier
Reply to David Webb
Take a look at the PC candidates they are all seniors. They are all 55+. Mr. Northrup will fit right in at the Legislature.
David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
He always did
William Morton
Quality people are finally stepping up and saying Higgs and his populist movement must go. This is not a Liberal versus PC issue, it is a struggle to keep Higgs and the dark forces from ruling to restore true government.
David Amos
Reply to William Morton
Yea Right
Mack Leigh
Who in their right mind would vote for this turncoat. Why are people so gullible as to
think that the Liberals will do any better just look at their present and past actions both federally and provincially...
SarahRose Werner
Reply to Mack Leigh
Is he a "turncoat"? Or has he remained loyal to the progressive nature of the PC Party when Higgs has abandoned it?
Sam Wilson
Reply to SarahRose Werner
Of course he's a turncoat. It doesn't matter what the reason is.
Ed Armstrong
Reply to Mack Leigh
You know he ran for and lost the Liberal nomination in 1995 and came back 11 years later, ran and won the PC nomination. I guess he thought everyone forgot about his first try at provincial politics. This lifelong Tory didn't.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Ed Armstrong
Brucey told me all about it when we ran in 2006
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Mack Leigh
"Who in their right mind would vote for this turncoat. Why are people so gullible as to
think that the Liberals will do any better just look at their present and past actions both federally and provincially..."
Well, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill first ran for the Conservatives and lost. Following his reporting stint during the Boer War, he then ran for the Liberals and won. He also served in the Liberal governments of Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and Herbert H. Asquith the First before and for a time during First World War.
Following a period between 1922 and 1924 when Churchill was out of Parliament, his political leanings changed. He finally was returned to the House of Commons as a Conservative in 1924.
Sometimes a "turncoat" is well tuned into the changing politics of the general public, and more importantly, what constitutes "good government."
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Mack Leigh
Why would anyone vote for Higgs. He should still be running for COR. Same goes for Austin and Conroy, by your own logic.
Graham McCormack
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He is still running COR, just uses the PC party name. If you area of a certain age and still support the PCs, you probably supported the COR party.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Graham McCormack
True
David Amos
Reply to Ed Armstrong
Hmmm
An individual who understands the role of an MLA: To take the concerns of the greater portion of the constituents which he represents, and present those concerns in the Legislative Assembly. I wish there were more MLAs who understood that to be their role.
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Robert Brannen
Wrong.
The role of an MLA. is to do what's right
for ALL areas of the Province.
We have too many who
only concentrate on themselves
in order to pad their vote for the next Election.
MR Cain
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
That pretty much leave this government out of the picture.
David Amos
Reply to Robert Brannen
Me Too
Mack Leigh
What happened to change his mind - pension not large enough so needs to feed at the trough again only the PC's would not let him back in ?? So many questions as to why this guy would change colors.... other than the money.
Dan Lee
Reply to Mack Leigh
trough.......hahaha.......he gives outhouse 2 jobs in one and gets paid twice.......dont throw any rocks......................................................
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Dan Lee
I bet you are confused by this news
MR Cain
Reply to Mack Leigh
Explain our premier changing his spots 3 times.
David Amos
Reply to Mack Leigh
Hmmm
David Webb
Lot's of people get bored after they retire. One could work at Home Depot or Kent to occupy their time as many do, others prefer the trough. Come on Mr. Northrup, give the youngsters a chance to feed.
Le Wier
Reply to David Webb
Take a look at the PC candidates they are all seniors. They are all 55+. Mr. Northrup will fit right in at the Legislature.
David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
He always did
William Morton
Quality people are finally stepping up and saying Higgs and his populist movement must go. This is not a Liberal versus PC issue, it is a struggle to keep Higgs and the dark forces from ruling to restore true government.
David Amos
Reply to William Morton
Yea Right
Mack Leigh
Who in their right mind would vote for this turncoat. Why are people so gullible as to
think that the Liberals will do any better just look at their present and past actions both federally and provincially...
SarahRose Werner
Reply to Mack Leigh
Is he a "turncoat"? Or has he remained loyal to the progressive nature of the PC Party when Higgs has abandoned it?
Sam Wilson
Reply to SarahRose Werner
Of course he's a turncoat. It doesn't matter what the reason is.
Ed Armstrong
Reply to Mack Leigh
You know he ran for and lost the Liberal nomination in 1995 and came back 11 years later, ran and won the PC nomination. I guess he thought everyone forgot about his first try at provincial politics. This lifelong Tory didn't.
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Ed Armstrong
Brucey told me all about it when we ran in 2006
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Mack Leigh
"Who in their right mind would vote for this turncoat. Why are people so gullible as to
think that the Liberals will do any better just look at their present and past actions both federally and provincially..."
Well, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill first ran for the Conservatives and lost. Following his reporting stint during the Boer War, he then ran for the Liberals and won. He also served in the Liberal governments of Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and Herbert H. Asquith the First before and for a time during First World War.
Following a period between 1922 and 1924 when Churchill was out of Parliament, his political leanings changed. He finally was returned to the House of Commons as a Conservative in 1924.
Sometimes a "turncoat" is well tuned into the changing politics of the general public, and more importantly, what constitutes "good government."
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Mack Leigh
Why would anyone vote for Higgs. He should still be running for COR. Same goes for Austin and Conroy, by your own logic.
Graham McCormack
Reply to Kyle Woodman
He is still running COR, just uses the PC party name. If you area of a certain age and still support the PCs, you probably supported the COR party.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Graham McCormack
True
David Amos
Reply to Ed Armstrong
Hmmm
Duncan Matheson
That last line kind of jumped out at me. Is the relationship between the
PCs and the media to the point now where the campaign director is the
gatekeeper to the point where the CBC has to go through him to interview
the elected represenative?
David Amos
Reply to Duncan Matheson
Now there is a name I remember
JOhn D Bond
Once upon a time there was a Progressive Conservative party in New Brunswick.
Today we have a Higgs Conservative party, that embraces ideology farther to the right, embraces one religious tenant in a secular society.
Who leaves the province to fundraise for the upcoming election.
No surprise folks don't want to run under his banner.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to JOhn D Bond
À few years back, when ON's Bill Davis passed away I caught an interview with one of his biographers where he said Davis refused to be referred to as a Conservative and insisted he be referred to as a Progressive Conservative.
I found that quite telling.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Absolutely.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Sad to see the demise of the Progressive Conservative party, nationally in particular.
David Amos
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Why not that that up with my family's law firm?
Al Clark
Reply to JOhn D Bond
You forgot using a gov't website to campaign as reported yesterday.
Al Clark
Reply to JOhn D Bond
and put his campaign manager on our payroll as deputy minister of misinformation.
Once upon a time there was a Progressive Conservative party in New Brunswick.
Today we have a Higgs Conservative party, that embraces ideology farther to the right, embraces one religious tenant in a secular society.
Who leaves the province to fundraise for the upcoming election.
No surprise folks don't want to run under his banner.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to JOhn D Bond
À few years back, when ON's Bill Davis passed away I caught an interview with one of his biographers where he said Davis refused to be referred to as a Conservative and insisted he be referred to as a Progressive Conservative.
I found that quite telling.
JOhn D Bond
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Absolutely.
Walter Vrbetic
Reply to JOhn D Bond
Sad to see the demise of the Progressive Conservative party, nationally in particular.
David Amos
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Why not that that up with my family's law firm?
Al Clark
Reply to JOhn D Bond
You forgot using a gov't website to campaign as reported yesterday.
Al Clark
Reply to JOhn D Bond
and put his campaign manager on our payroll as deputy minister of misinformation.
Kyle Woodman
Tammy and Rob Moore have done nothing for Sussex.
Tammy and Rob Moore have done nothing for Sussex.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Welcome back to the circus
Dacre Gushue
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Alaina did?
David Amos
Reply to Dacre Gushue
Surprise Surprise Surprise
Trust that I expected Alaina to run not Brucey
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Dacre Gushue
Rob Moore did nothing to mitigate flooding in Sussex during the entire Harper era.
Wilbur Ross
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Name one thing Rob Moore has done since being elected.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle WoodmanHmmm
David Amos
Reply to Wilbur Ross
Built up quite a pension for himself
Albalita Rose.
I'm guessing he tried first to slink back to the PC's....
I'm guessing he tried first to slink back to the PC's....
Eddy Geek
Reply to Albalita Rose
Then you're obv not familiar with those involved.
there is no PC's any longer in NB
Then you're obv not familiar with those involved.
there is no PC's any longer in NB
Graham McCormack
Reply to Albalita Rose
You would be guessing wrong.
Reply to Albalita Rose
You would be guessing wrong.
David Amos
Reply to Eddy Geek
So you say
So you say
David Amos
Reply to Albalita Rose
Hmmm
Graham McCormack
Another former PC who sees what Higgs has done to the party. No room for people with a moderate point of view.
David Amos
Reply to Graham McCormack
Remember when and why I ran against Brucey Baby?
Remember when and why I ran against Brucey Baby?
David Amos
Reply to Graham McCormackHmmm
claude bourgeois
Good for him. Anything that can help us get rid of Higgs is a good thing.
Good for him. Anything that can help us get rid of Higgs is a good thing.
David Amos
Reply to claude bourgeois
Say hey to him for me will ya?
Jos Allaire
Reply to claude bourgeois
You bet❗
David Amos
Reply to claude bourgeoisHmmm
Ronald Miller
You have to question any person's integrity who changes party colours, it means you can't trust their true political identity. You know this stems from the gov't looking at closing ERs for smaller areas during overnight hours when they was little to no use for those areas, saving taxpayers money to be used better in areas that need it. One should be ashamed of themselves to put themselves ahead of our future generations who will bear the brunt of poor fiscal management that Liberal parties are known for.
You have to question any person's integrity who changes party colours, it means you can't trust their true political identity. You know this stems from the gov't looking at closing ERs for smaller areas during overnight hours when they was little to no use for those areas, saving taxpayers money to be used better in areas that need it. One should be ashamed of themselves to put themselves ahead of our future generations who will bear the brunt of poor fiscal management that Liberal parties are known for.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Ronald Miller
Maybe it's the party that has changed, not the individuals. This should be abundantly clear at this point Ronald. Not sure why you act surprised.
Reply to Ronald Miller
Maybe it's the party that has changed, not the individuals. This should be abundantly clear at this point Ronald. Not sure why you act surprised.
Frederick Graham
Reply to Ronald Miller
The integrity of smug ignorance is bliss. If you've voted for the same party your entire life... you haven't been paying attention.
Reply to Ronald Miller
The integrity of smug ignorance is bliss. If you've voted for the same party your entire life... you haven't been paying attention.
Graham McCormack
Reply to Ronald Miller
Isn't there a Higgs Cabinet Minister that did the same thing?
Reply to Ronald Miller
Isn't there a Higgs Cabinet Minister that did the same thing?
MR Cain
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Ask any former PC MLA; this is not the same PC party at all. A one man show now.
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Ask any former PC MLA; this is not the same PC party at all. A one man show now.
Ronald Miller
Reply to Frederick Graham
I have voted for 4 different parties in my lifetime, many of the left on here can't say the same thing.
David Amos
Reply to Ronald Miller
I only voted once and that was when I allowed to vote for myself
Graham McCormack
Reply to Ronald Miller
You would be surprised.
Kyle Woodman
Higgs is gonna get smoked.
David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
I doubt it
Dianne MacPherson
Reply to Kyle Woodman
REALLY ??
From a list of has-been Politicians .Horsman, Northrup ETC.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
Yes really.
Le Wier
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
The PCs aren’t offering anything different.
David Amos
Reply to Le Wier
Define PC
Le Wier
Reply to David AmosI didn’t want to say the Higgs team, so I said PC.
Al Clark
Reply to Dianne MacPherson
From the ones who remained true to PC party, unlike higgs.
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks everybody knows this announcement has a lot to do with Northrup and Cardy sending me butter tarts before the last election which caused me to run against him N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/06/longtime-pc-mla-stepping-down-this-fall.html
#nbpoli #cdnpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/pc-mla-retirement-bruce-northrup-1.5618416
Longtime PC MLA stepping down this fall
Byelection to fill Bruce Northrup's soon-to-be vacated seat set for October, MLA says
· CBC News · Posted: Jun 18, 2020 8:27 PM AT
PC MLA Bruce Northrup says he will retire from politics in October. (Graham Thompson/CBC)
One of the longest-serving Progressive Conservative MLAs in the New Brunswick legislature says he'll bow out of provincial politics this fall.
Bruce Northrup, who was first elected in 2006 and was minister of natural resources and later of public safety in the David Alward government, plans to resign as MLA for Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins before this fall.
Northrup spoke out publicly in February against a plan by the Higgs government, later cancelled, to close the emergency departments at night in six small hospitals, including the one in Sussex.
But Northrup told CBC News his decision was entirely about wanting more family time, including with two grandchildren — one born three weeks ago — he has not been able to see because of COVID-19 restrictions.
"The time just feels right. It's hard to explain anything beyond that," he said.
"What I've done the last 14 years is put politics first and family second. I want to change that around and put family first and politics down at the bottom of the agenda."
PC MLA Bruce Northrup says byelections will be held in October to fill his seat and the other two vacancies. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
He said not being able to see his grandchildren "kind of added to things."
On Thursday, Northrup voted against proposed legislation to eliminate religious and philosophical exemptions from the policy on mandatory vaccinations for school children. Last summer, he called the issue "probably the biggest struggle I've had, personally" as an MLA.
Northrup's departure would make it even harder for the Higgs government to pass legislation in the house.
Byelections
The Progressive Conservatives have 20 MLAs, the Liberals have 19 and the People's Alliance and Greens each have three. There is one independent MLA and two vacancies.But Northrup said he will try to time his departure so that a byelection can be held in Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins at the same time two other byelections are expected this fall.
He plans to sit on legislative committees this summer.
A bill passed in March postponed two required byelections in the Saint Croix and Shediac Bay-Dieppe ridings. The bill said they must be held at the latest 30 days before the start of a new session of the legislature this fall.
Northrup said the plan now within the government is to hold them in mid-October, and he hopes his replacement can be elected then too, but planning for that is "at the early stages."
Northrup was first elected in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
He became natural resources minister in the Alward government in 2010
.
While he supported shale gas development, in 2011 he alleged Windsor Energy broke the law by conducting seismic testing in Sussex without the town's consent, an allegation that prompted the company to sue him for defamation.
The New Brunswick Court of Appeal eventually ruled that Northrup's comments were factual, so he could not be sued for what he said.
Northrup was later shuffled out of the natural resources portfolio. In 2018, he told CBC News he was moved after J.D. Irving Ltd. pressured then-premier Alward over Northrup's reluctance to increase the amount of Crown wood logged by industry, something Alward's advisers said was not the case.
66 Comments
David Amos
Go Figure
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/bruce-northrup-sussex-tammy-scott-wallace-1.7238105
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Who would have known in 2020 that Northrup
would tire of spending all that time with grandchildren, then put on the
old red jacket that he wore all those years ago before switching to the
PC's? Interesting, to say the least.
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Reply to Don Corey
Methinks he is gonna make it a long hot summer for all his old buddies N'esy Pas?
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Reply to David Amos
I have no doubt that you'll be proven to be very much correct on that one.
David Amos
Oh My MY Brucey Baby is coming back as a liberal Too Too Funny Indeed
David Amos
Methinks
whereas I ran in the last election against Northrup I have every right
to welcome folks to the circus and hope that they enjoy the desperate PC
spin doctor's nonsense as much as I do N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I know that is a fact with Northrup. He was very wimpy when we debated. I beleive that he just wants everyone to think well of him as he remains in his hometown. What took the cake between he and I was when the Green Meanies had me barred from a big debate about private woodlots. Everybody noticed our exchange before the debate and when he said nothing after I was denied the right to debate his goose was cooked in front of many common friends of ours.
Rob Mason
Reply to @David Amos: you certainly showed him!!
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @David Amos:
No surprise. What is the story about rats and sinking ships? One might expect more Conservative MLA's, who have secured their pensions by service, might just follow. (think federal NDP just after the leadership convention)
The idea of advancement within the party was trashed with Mr Cardy, so why stick around, once you have your pension?
No surprise. What is the story about rats and sinking ships? One might expect more Conservative MLA's, who have secured their pensions by service, might just follow. (think federal NDP just after the leadership convention)
The idea of advancement within the party was trashed with Mr Cardy, so why stick around, once you have your pension?
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I know that is a fact with Northrup. He was very wimpy when we debated. I beleive that he just wants everyone to think well of him as he remains in his hometown. What took the cake between he and I was when the Green Meanies had me barred from a big debate about private woodlots. Everybody noticed our exchange before the debate and when he said nothing after I was denied the right to debate his goose was cooked in front of many common friends of ours.
David Amos
Methinks Higgy et al
know that this announcement has a lot to do with the Bructer and Cardy
sending me butter tarts in the mail before the last election which
caused me to run against him N'esy Pas?Rob Mason
Reply to @David Amos: you certainly showed him!!
David Amos
Reply to @Rob Mason: I'm still standing
David Amos
Methinks everyone is waiting with bated breath the hear little Lou's spin on this revelation N'esy Pas?
Tony Mcalbey
Reply
to @David Amos: (Basically he seconded my comment but everything went
"Poof"before I could save it because Lou Bell was obviously respodig at
the same point in time)
Lou Bell
A loner who went to the beat of his own drum !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Hmmm
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Little Lou appears as expected and her buddy Tony and I go "Poof" Go Figure
Lou Bell
A loner who represented the 9 % minority that followed the Fake News social media's uneducated " experts " and turned his back on the 91 % who solely wanted their kids protected ! ! More suited for the " Me Party " .
David Amos
Brent Harris Blizzard
Wish they all would resign. With our population NB only needs 10 MLA,s anyway.
A loner who represented the 9 % minority that followed the Fake News social media's uneducated " experts " and turned his back on the 91 % who solely wanted their kids protected ! ! More suited for the " Me Party " .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Once again Who is the "Me Party" ?
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Reply to David Amos
Good question. I've never heard of it.
Brent Harris Blizzard
Wish they all would resign. With our population NB only needs 10 MLA,s anyway.
David Amos
Reply to @Brent
Harris Blizzard: I agree that they all should resign but methinks many
folks would agree that we need about 25 MLAs or so to run a proper
circus N'esy Pas?
janice small
All the best,, with lips sealed and good by..
David Amos
Reply to @janice small: Why be nice?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Is that in the policy statement of the " Me Party " ?? What page ?? Will it be discussed with Tony , Joe , Jim , and Ms. Harris at this weekends Leadership Convention at Timmies ??
David Amos
All the best,, with lips sealed and good by..
David Amos
Reply to @janice small: Why be nice?
Fred
Brewer
So
he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren. Well Mr. Northrup I
hope for your sake they don't fall ill due to lack of vaccinations at
their school.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: Methinks old Freddy should take a nap and try to get over
Cardy's loss before he has a stroke on one of the hottest days of the
year for Higgy et al in more ways than one N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Is that in the policy statement of the " Me Party " ?? What page ?? Will it be discussed with Tony , Joe , Jim , and Ms. Harris at this weekends Leadership Convention at Timmies ??
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: What is this "Me Party" that are you going on and on and on about?
Mack Leigh
Tell me exactly when did " Bow Out " and being " Forced Out " come to have the same meaning ?? Sad to see one politician go that actually had the gonads to stand up for his constituents rather than fall in line with a party..
David Amos
Tell me exactly when did " Bow Out " and being " Forced Out " come to have the same meaning ?? Sad to see one politician go that actually had the gonads to stand up for his constituents rather than fall in line with a party..
David Amos
Reply to @Mack Leigh:
Methinks everybody knew the Irving Clan had had enough of Northrup long
ago but Higgy needed his seat Thats why little Lou attacks me so much
about running against him last time and ignores all my runs in Fundy
Royal for the federal seat N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Runs ? More like tripping over the start line and never getting up !
Reply to @David Amos: Runs ? More like tripping over the start line and never getting up !
Jack Straw
My religion is against seatbelts....can I get an exemption too? The anti vaxxers are loons and the vote yesterday shows how backwards NB really is.
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Sussex is Northrups territory ! He runs the show there , as badly as he does ! Pay attention .
David Amos
Chris Merriam
Good riddance....he and a good portion of NB politicians of ALL PARTIES failed us all in their vote yesterday. NB voters will remember.
David Amos
My religion is against seatbelts....can I get an exemption too? The anti vaxxers are loons and the vote yesterday shows how backwards NB really is.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Jack Straw:
Probably would be easier to get a doctor's note.
Probably would be easier to get a doctor's note.
David Amos
Reply to @Jack Straw:
You seem bitter Perhaps you should get a double double next time you
are in Sussex then see if the RCMP let you drink it in the parking lot Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Sussex is Northrups territory ! He runs the show there , as badly as he does ! Pay attention .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks I must ask again who ran against Northrup in the last election
after he and his buddy Cardy sent me Butter Tarts in th email with a
signed note that you no doubt read N'esy Pas???
Chris Merriam
Good riddance....he and a good portion of NB politicians of ALL PARTIES failed us all in their vote yesterday. NB voters will remember.
David Amos
Reply to @Chris Merriam: Don't bet on it Many of us don't even bother to vote for obvious reasons
Terry Tibbs
What's not to like?
Got the big pension, and "the party" has made it more than clear there will be no advancement within the party for the party faithful, time to move on, Happy Trails.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: BINGO
Lou Bell
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Party Faithful ? He was a loner in it for himself ! How could a loner ever represent ALL in N.B. , as he showed his true colours in yesterdays vote , as did Coon solely because he couldn't get his amendment added by the ALL PARTY COMMITTEE !
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Kinda "funny" that loner is the longest sitting CONServative MLA in NB.
But don't let any facts get in the way of your misrepresentations and stories.
Kinda "funny" that loner is the longest sitting CONServative MLA in NB.
But don't let any facts get in the way of your misrepresentations and stories.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks Bruce Fitch and Trevor Holder have been riding the Gravy Train longer N'esy Pas?
Jonas Smith
He'll always be known as the the MLA who caved to anti-vaxers. Good riddance
David Amos
Maybe another try at the reading and comprehension?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Sure go ahead Terry ! Although it hasn't worked for you in the past !!!!
David Amos
Janice Belliveau
Oh here we go again, the family and friends goodbye and excit,, must be some kind of excited scripted politicaians have in their email drafts after they qualify for their sweet pension .. Very very selfish , if Higgs ever needed his party with him it's now.. You could of stepped down after the inevitable election on the horizon .. very selfish, you can make it right by reconsidering..
He'll always be known as the the MLA who caved to anti-vaxers. Good riddance
David Amos
Reply to @Jonas Smith: So you say
Tim Morton
Thank you Mr. Northrup for standing against that horrible vaccine bill 11.
Measles hasnt killed anyone in North America for a long time, but people have died from vaccines. Sure, 1 in 1000000 statistics, but Canada needs to step up and have a vaccine compensation program for those who are vaccine injured. At least now if we play vaccine russian roulette, it's our choice. Thank you for protecting our human rights.
Bob Smith
Thank you Mr. Northrup for standing against that horrible vaccine bill 11.
Measles hasnt killed anyone in North America for a long time,
That is because of mass vaccination, why does it not compute??
Thank you Mr. Northrup for standing against that horrible vaccine bill 11.
Measles hasnt killed anyone in North America for a long time, but people have died from vaccines. Sure, 1 in 1000000 statistics, but Canada needs to step up and have a vaccine compensation program for those who are vaccine injured. At least now if we play vaccine russian roulette, it's our choice. Thank you for protecting our human rights.
Bob Smith
Reply to @Tim Morton:
Vaccine injured? Really? Folks like you are the reason Covid may linger
for years after a vaccine is available.
Rob Mason
Reply to @Tim Morton: Tim Morton
55 minutes ago
Thank you Mr. Northrup for standing against that horrible vaccine bill 11.
Measles hasnt killed anyone in North America for a long time,
That is because of mass vaccination, why does it not compute??
David Amos
Reply to @Rob Mason: I see that you are abandoning your old buddy Bruce when he could use a friend
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Bob Smith:
You know Bob, I certainly don't know, but what happens if "the cure" is worse than the disease? Like cancer?
You know Bob, I certainly don't know, but what happens if "the cure" is worse than the disease? Like cancer?
Gil Murray
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: What is in a vaccine that will cause cancer? Use a flu vaccine,
for instance. What ingredient has proven to cause cancer?
Gil Murray
Reply to @Tim Morton:
Russian roulette? So you believe there is a 1 in 6 chance that a common
vaccine will kill you? Which ingredient is going to do it?
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Gil Murray: Maybe another try at the reading and comprehension?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Sure go ahead Terry ! Although it hasn't worked for you in the past !!!!
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you acting as a their number one spin doctor are as much of an
embarrassment to the PC Party as Cardy is N'esy Pas?
Janice Belliveau
Oh here we go again, the family and friends goodbye and excit,, must be some kind of excited scripted politicaians have in their email drafts after they qualify for their sweet pension .. Very very selfish , if Higgs ever needed his party with him it's now.. You could of stepped down after the inevitable election on the horizon .. very selfish, you can make it right by reconsidering..
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Janice small:
It has been made more than clear that there will be no advancement, in the party, for the party faithful.
If you had it "made in the shade" you would likely be moving on too.
It has been made more than clear that there will be no advancement, in the party, for the party faithful.
If you had it "made in the shade" you would likely be moving on too.
David Amos
Reply to @Janice
small: Methinks many folks who do not partake of Cardy's butter tarts
would agree that Northrup's retirement at his point in time was Higgy's
idea N'esy Pas?
Pierre LaRoches
no great loss for this anti-science, pro sick kids flunkie to move on.
David Amos
no great loss for this anti-science, pro sick kids flunkie to move on.
David Amos
Reply to @Pierre LaRoches: Methinks he was one of your heroes not long ago N'esy Pas?
SarahRose
Werner
It will be interesting to see how the by-elections in October are conducted, as these will be the first elections held in NB in the "new normal" of COVID-19. Maybe if Elections NB can get the details worked out for the by-elections, we can then go ahead and hold the municipal elections that were postponed from May.
It will be interesting to see how the by-elections in October are conducted, as these will be the first elections held in NB in the "new normal" of COVID-19. Maybe if Elections NB can get the details worked out for the by-elections, we can then go ahead and hold the municipal elections that were postponed from May.
Douglas
James
Reply to @SarahRose
Werner: I'm not expecting municipal elections until next spring.
Elections NB needs a full four months to gear up and unless they do it
now it will be too late for this year.
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas
James: Methinks you should think about what you posted then consider the
possibility of a General Election just like the one you and I ran in
not long ago N'esy Pas?
Pete Spence
Should have absented himself from vaccination vote.
But politicians seldom, if ever have scruples.
Terry Tibbs
Should have absented himself from vaccination vote.
But politicians seldom, if ever have scruples.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Pete Spence:
Why would you say that? Is he not still a MLA? At least until the door hits him on the way out?
Maybe he is making a statement? Are you prepared to listen?
Why would you say that? Is he not still a MLA? At least until the door hits him on the way out?
Maybe he is making a statement? Are you prepared to listen?
Mack Leigh
Reply to @Pete Spence:
This man has scruples in spades...he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes and what his constituents tell him that they want...... He did not " tow the line " just to be in Higgs and the party whip's good books.... He actually stands for what he believes and is willing to put that belief into actions...
This man has scruples in spades...he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes and what his constituents tell him that they want...... He did not " tow the line " just to be in Higgs and the party whip's good books.... He actually stands for what he believes and is willing to put that belief into actions...
David Amos
Reply to @Mack Leigh: Dream on
Bob Smith
Family time? Hard eye roll...he was going to be joining Gauvin in the independent ranks soon enough and probably defeat come next election. He wants that sweet pension money.
Buddy Best
No offence to Bruce but how many former MLAs do we now have feeding at the trough? 740K?
David Amos
Family time? Hard eye roll...he was going to be joining Gauvin in the independent ranks soon enough and probably defeat come next election. He wants that sweet pension money.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Bob Smith:
There are other factors involved.
There are other factors involved.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Top of the list are Cardy's butter tarts
Buddy Best
No offence to Bruce but how many former MLAs do we now have feeding at the trough? 740K?
David Amos
Reply to @Buddy Best: I talked to one yesterday who wanted rid of some ferries years ago Guess who that was
---------- Original message ---------
From: Waugh, Andrew <awaugh@postmedia.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: RE AN ANALYSIS OF What a failing Liberal brand means for Susan Holt etc et c etc
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>, Cheryl.Hansen <Cheryl.Hansen@gnb.ca>, Brigitte.Sonier-Ferguson@vitalitenb.ca <Brigitte.Sonier-Ferguson@vitalitenb.ca>, Dorothy.Shephard <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, John.Dornan@nbliberal.ca <John.Dornan@nbliberal.ca>, prontoman1 <prontoman1@protonmail.com>, service@lobergector.com <service@lobergector.com>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, DerekRants9595@gmail.com <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, Dana-lee Melfi <Dana_lee_ca@hotmail.com>, waynenarvey <waynenarvey@hotmail.com>, sirt@gov.ns.ca <sirt@gov.ns.ca>, martin.gaudet <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Michelle.Boutin <Michelle.Boutin@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>, Dominic.Cardy <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, Dr.France.Desrosiers <Dr.France.Desrosiers@vitalitenb.ca>, Soucy, Tom (VitaliteNB) <Tom.Soucy@vitalitenb.ca>, bruce.fitch <Bruce.Fitch@gnb.ca>, ethics, ethique (VitaliteNB) <ethique.ethics@vitalitenb.ca>, blaine.higgs <Blaine.Higgs@gnb.ca>, pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, Susan.Holt <Susan.Holt@gnb.ca>, David.Coon <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, hugh.flemming <hugh.flemming@gnb.ca>, Arseneau, Kevin (LEG) <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, Mitton, Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, robert.gauvin <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, Jacques.Poitras <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, jake.stewart <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, Katie.Telford <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca <david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca>, jacques.j.leblanc <jacques.j.leblanc@gnb.ca>, doughart.jackson@brunswicknews.com <doughart.jackson@brunswicknews.com>, FBaylis@baylismedtech.com <FBaylis@baylismedtech.com>, Wayne.Long <Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>, wayne.eyre <wayne.eyre@forces.gc.ca>, jdoughart@gmail.com <jdoughart@gmail.com>, Richard.Losier@gnb.ca <Richard.Losier@gnb.ca>, jp.lewis <jp.lewis@unb.ca>, Chilibeck, John <jChilibeck@postmedia.com>, drea.humphrey <drea.humphrey@rebelnews.com>
Cc: Huras, Adam <ahuras@postmedia.com>, silas.brown <silas.brown@globalnews.ca>
From: Waugh, Andrew <awaugh@postmedia.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Subject: Re: RE AN ANALYSIS OF What a failing Liberal brand means for Susan Holt etc et c etc
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>, Cheryl.Hansen <Cheryl.Hansen@gnb.ca>, Brigitte.Sonier-Ferguson@vitalitenb.ca <Brigitte.Sonier-Ferguson@vitalitenb.ca>, Dorothy.Shephard <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, John.Dornan@nbliberal.ca <John.Dornan@nbliberal.ca>, prontoman1 <prontoman1@protonmail.com>, service@lobergector.com <service@lobergector.com>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, DerekRants9595@gmail.com <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, Dana-lee Melfi <Dana_lee_ca@hotmail.com>, waynenarvey <waynenarvey@hotmail.com>, sirt@gov.ns.ca <sirt@gov.ns.ca>, martin.gaudet <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, kris.austin <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Michelle.Boutin <Michelle.Boutin@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>, Dominic.Cardy <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, Dr.France.Desrosiers <Dr.France.Desrosiers@vitalitenb.ca>, Soucy, Tom (VitaliteNB) <Tom.Soucy@vitalitenb.ca>, bruce.fitch <Bruce.Fitch@gnb.ca>, ethics, ethique (VitaliteNB) <ethique.ethics@vitalitenb.ca>, blaine.higgs <Blaine.Higgs@gnb.ca>, pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, Susan.Holt <Susan.Holt@gnb.ca>, David.Coon <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, hugh.flemming <hugh.flemming@gnb.ca>, Arseneau, Kevin (LEG) <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, Mitton, Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, robert.gauvin <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, Jacques.Poitras <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, Robert. Jones <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, jake.stewart <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, Katie.Telford <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca <david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca>, jacques.j.leblanc <jacques.j.leblanc@gnb.ca>, doughart.jackson@brunswicknews.com <doughart.jackson@brunswicknews.com>, FBaylis@baylismedtech.com <FBaylis@baylismedtech.com>, Wayne.Long <Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>, wayne.eyre <wayne.eyre@forces.gc.ca>, jdoughart@gmail.com <jdoughart@gmail.com>, Richard.Losier@gnb.ca <Richard.Losier@gnb.ca>, jp.lewis <jp.lewis@unb.ca>, Chilibeck, John <jChilibeck@postmedia.com>, drea.humphrey <drea.humphrey@rebelnews.com>
Cc: Huras, Adam <ahuras@postmedia.com>, silas.brown <silas.brown@globalnews.ca>
Hi David,
I didn’t write the story you’re referencing.
Thanks,
Andrew
Andrew
https://tj.news/new-brunswick/ex-tory-minister-bruce-northrup-wants-to-run-for-liberals-source
Ex-Tory minister Northrup wants to run for Liberals
Popular MLA quit in 2020, opposed government's plan to close six rural ERs overnight
Author of the article:
Published Jun 17, 2024
Former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister Bruce Northrup has made a dramatic return to provincial politics, announcing he’s seeking the Liberal nomination in the newly created riding of Sussex-Three Rivers.
If he secures the party’s nomination – and the path for him to do so looks clear – this will pit him against his hand-picked successor, Tammy Scott-Wallace, in this year’s election.
Northrup was the MLA for Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins for 14 years but quit in 2020, a few months after a public spat with Premier Blaine Higgs over the government’s eventually-shelved plan to close six rural hospital emergency rooms overnight, including Sussex’s.
Northrup spoke to Brunswick News on Tuesday morning.
Asked why he’s returning to provincial politics after retiring to Nova Scotia in 2022 to be closer to his family, Northrup cited a yearning to come home, and “leadership” failures from Premier Blaine Higgs and Scott-Wallace.
“Why am I doing it? I’m just not satisfied with the leadership of the premier … right now, and I’m not satisfied with the leadership of the MLA who replaced me, especially over the last little while,” he said.
Higgs didn’t respond to a request for comment; Scott-Wallace sent a statement.
“Bruce Northrup left our province, but is motivated to come back to support the policies of Susan Holt and Justin Trudeau,” she said.
“Bruce is asking voters to support the carbon tax, and make life more expensive for families in Sussex. Bruce used to be a voice for natural gas development, but now he wants to run for a party that is completely opposed to this.
“It’s not just him switching political parties – he seems to be changing all of his views for the chance of another government paycheque. I’ll leave it to him to explain all of this to the good people of Sussex–Three Rivers.”
Higgs, Northrup said, has repeatedly broken a promise not to centralize power in the premier’s office, and “seems to think he’s an expert on everything, and doesn’t let the professionals do their jobs.”
“The premier has two sets of rules for his caucus. He has one set for the people that he likes, and another set for the people that he doesn’t like, and I think that’s been obvious over the last seven or eight months,” Northrup said.
That’s a reference to a wave of departures from sitting PC MLAs over the last year. Northrup said they were punished because “they stood up to the premier” over issues like Policy 713.
Asked for other reasons why he’s jumping back into the political fray, Northrup said the ongoing flooding problems in Sussex – which caused millions of dollars’ damage this year, and which needs about $38 million in funding to permanently fix – is on his mind.
“From what I understand, the federal government is at the table with millions of dollars, and the municipal government has been there for quite a few months now, and the province is not at the table,” he said.
Northrup said he’s also worried about the future of the Sussex Hospital’s ER. Pressed to explain exactly what he’s worried about, Northrup said Scott-Wallace hasn’t been keeping constituents up to date about how it’s running, and what, if any, plans exist for its future.
Roads are his final priority, and Northrup said there’s a lot in Sussex-Three Rivers that need work.
Northrup’s first attempted foray into provincial politics saw him unsuccessfully try to run as a Liberal. In 2006, he first successfully ran for the PCs, and held the public safety and natural resources portfolios during his time in office.
Northrup said he doesn’t think Higgs ever got over his opposition to the overnight hospital ER closure plan, and “I know I would not be welcomed in the PC party – just like many of what I’d call the old guard.”
“And I don’t mean in age. I mean the old guard that put Mr. Higgs in office, the ones that volunteer at election time, that put the signs in the ground, raise money, and different other things for candidates,” he said, predicting that many won’t help this time around.
Scott-Wallace, his PC opponent, has only fought one provincial election, and she won it in a landslide.
In 2020, about six months after COVID-19 swept the world, Scott-Wallace rode a wave of Higgs popularity, collecting 56 per cent of the vote in Sussex-Fundy-St. Martins. The People’s Alliance finished second with almost 17 per cent of the vote, and the Liberals finished third with just over 12 per cent.
But Scott-Wallace, a former journalist, has faced a wave of criticism over a trip to Europe last year she took with departmental staff, which cost taxpayers about $42,000.
Scott-Wallace was joined by Deputy Tourism Minister Yennah Hurley and two other staff members on the trip to the United Kingdom and France. The group met with several tour operators and publicity firms who do business with the province, but they also visited the British Museum, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Versailles to gather “best practices” for the province’s own heritage sites.
“My conscience is clear when it comes to my expenses around these trips, and I hope that no tourism minister going forward is ever discouraged from doing their job and inviting visitors and attracting visitors to this incredible province,” Scott-Wallace said in April.
Higgs, however, said that even if such out-of-country trips like that one have taken place in the past, that “doesn’t mean that’s right and it doesn’t mean that I condone it.” He’s since said the government is reviewing the rules around travel.
While Northrup slammed Scott-Wallace’s use of taxpayer dollars on the trip, he said “there’s a lot more to it than that,” including her signing advertising contracts with European companies who published incorrect and out-of-date tourism information about the province, including that its capital is Saint John, and that the Cherry Brook Zoo is still open.
“There’s just a lot of taxpayers’ money wasted on that trip,” Northrup said.
He later added that he “understands” that when Hurley filed expense claims for her move from Quispamsis to Fredericton, Scott-Wallace approved them – something the government has never confirmed.
Hurley expensed $19,321.17 worth of moving costs, realtor fees and legal bills under the province’s relocation policy, according to 2023 expense reports filed with the province.
“That’s just not right – using taxpayers’ money to pay for lawyers’ expenses, moving expenses, all the expenses to move her deputy,” Northrup said.
– With files from Barbara Simpson
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