Talks among New Brunswick’s four major political parties to avoid a snap election are expected to continue Thursday.
Premier Blaine Higgs met with the Liberals, the Greens and the People’s Alliance on Wednesday to discuss his election proposal.
Higgs wants the opposition parties to sign an agreement not to trigger an election until the next fixed date in 2022 or until the pandemic is over.
Kris Austin, leader of the People’s Alliance of New Brunswick, said he thought the first meeting went well.
“I think this is unprecedented,” Austin told reporters after the meeting. “I think it should give all New Brunswickers some hope.”
“I think it was an opportunity to kind of lay some of the ground rules on how the meeting’s gonna go, the process by which we’re gonna be able to discuss and debate some of the items that are going to come forward.”
In exchange for a commitment to keeping the government in place through the pandemic, the opposition parties would have a say on government policy.
People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin spoke with reporters on Wednesday after all four party leaders met to discuss a path forward to avoid a provincial election. The meetings will continue Thursday and Friday.
Posted by People's Alliance Party of NB – L'Alliance des Gens du NB on Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Before the meeting, Austin said he is optimistic an agreement can be reached to avoid a general election during the pandemic.
He said his party will “not compromise” their fight for tax reform, language fairness and fiscal responsibility, describing the issues as “the benchmark for a better future for all New Brunswick.”
Liberal leader Kevin Vickers released a video statement on social media before the meeting, saying his party will take part in the discussions in good faith.
“But we are not prepared to give unlimited power to Blaine Higgs. We will not compromise our local values and principles. Issues such as language rights will not be on the table for discussion,” said Vickers.
“We have indicated that we do not believe that it is in the public interest to have a general election during the pandemic. The premier is the only one who has the power to call an election, and if an election is called, it will be his decision to do so.”
Green Party leader David Coon said he looks forward to a commitment from the premier to collaborate on provincial budgets and throne speeches “so they secure the confidence of the house in order to avoid triggering a disruptive election.”
Higgs has said what happens during this week’s meetings will be a major component of his election decision.
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