New Brunswick is now the poorest province in Canada, at least according to the federal transfer payment formula.
New numbers show the province’s equalization payments will increase by $219 million next year to $2.2 billion.
That works out to $2,826 per person — the highest per-capita amount of any province.
The news prompted reaction from the People’s Alliance and the Liberals during question period in the legislature Wednesday.
People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin asked the premier if this windfall from Ottawa will be spent on helping New Brunswickers and more private sector investment.
Austin said the rest of Canada is now subsidizing New Brunswickers to the tune of $4,321 per person when you include health and social transfer payments.
“That increase is a jump of 9.2 per cent year-over-year with a minimum of $219 million in additional funds, which further illustrates the need to re-invigorate the private sector,” said Austin.
Moncton South Liberal MLA Cathy Rogers also took a swipe at the government for this distinction.
“They keep saying that they want New Brunswick to be a have, not a have-not province. Well, Mr. Speaker, to do so this government must have a plan that goes beyond cuts to food banks and housing, cancellations to legal contracts and construction projects and closures,” she said.
