People's Alliance leader Kris Austin (right) along with MLAs Rick DeSaulniers and Michelle Conroy. (Photo: People's Alliance of New Brunswick/Twitter)
The leader of the People’s Alliance of New Brunswick is optimistic heading into 2020.
In a year-end interview, Kris Austin says a look back at 2019 shows his party did some good things for New Brunswickers.
Austin says the reclassification of paramedics, which was announced this month, was a huge win for everyone.
He said his party also halted any implementation of the Official Languages Commissioner’s report on bilingualism in nursing homes.
“We made it very clear that if the government proceeded with that that we would withdraw our support, so the government chose not to proceed with the language commissioner’s report and I think that was a positive thing,” said Austin.
Austin: This is a time to be with those you love. As you celebrate the festive season, it is our sincere hope that everyone experiences peace and prosperity now and as we look forward to 2020.#nbpoli https://t.co/ljv5dc4zR1 pic.twitter.com/cFKamrkGwT
— People's Alliance (@PANB_AGNB) December 23, 2019
Austin said he knows New Brunswickers are tired of having election after election, which is why he will continue to support the Higgs minority government for now.
“[The people] want government to work together to make things happen and to see some change. I have respected that. Although it has been frustrating at times where I feel like government is somewhat tinkering with some of the big issues, we have been very patient,” he said.
Austin was also asked if he would ever be willing to support any Green Party bills on things like renewable energy sources.
“The Greens often have “pie in the sky” ideas that, in reality, and in practical terms, just simply wouldn’t work. For us, it’s more practical items like greater subsidies for home energy refits,” he said.
