In their reply to the budget, the Liberal Opposition focused on the Progressive Conservative government’s short-lived healthcare reforms which would have closed six emergency rooms overnight in rural communities like Sussex and Perth-Andover.
Dieppe MLA and finance critic Roger Melanson said the premier, health minister and entire cabinet can’t be trusted because of the botched decision.
He referred to a statement last year where Health Minister Ted Flemming said New Brunswickers could trust the government when it comes to healthcare.
In the legislature on Thursday, Melanson said that trust has been broken.
“We can’t support a budget from a government that has deliberately deceived this house on healthcare reform,” Melanson said.
The Dieppe MLA did speak about the provincial government’s efforts to balance to books.
Melanson said the Higgs government is benefiting from the previous Gallant government when it comes to balancing the books.
“I know the minister and this premier would like to take all the credit for balancing the books but, the truth is the books were pretty much balanced when you walked in that office Mr. Minister of Finance on November 9th, 2018,” Melanson said.
He said Finance Minister Ernie Steeves almost dislocated his shoulders trying to pat himself on the back for cutting taxes.
Melanson says the total amount in taxes for next year will increase by $135 million which he said come straight from the pockets of New Brunswickers.
Prior to his reply, Melanson referred to the COVID-19 situation addressing the legislative assembly saying the opposition share the concerns of New Brunswickers and encourage everyone to listen to the advice of public health officials.
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