New Brunswick’s Liberal party has rejected the premier’s proposal to keep the Progressive Conservatives in power for two more years, possibly paving the way for a snap election.
But Premier Blaine Higgs says he has no plans to ask the lieutenant-governor to dissolve the legislature — at least not in the next couple of days.
The province’s four major political parties were trying to reach an agreement which would prevent before the next fixed date in 2022 or until the pandemic is over.
In exchange for a commitment to keeping the government in place through the pandemic, the opposition parties would have a say on government policy.
But Liberal leader Kevin Vickers told reporters Friday afternoon the talks were an “attempted power grab” by the premier, describing it as negotiations with “a gun to your head.”
“The Opposition parties were expected not only to agree not to bring the government down, but to give the Premier more power. The Premier’s proposal would be to give the Premier absolute power and remove the ability of the Opposition to hold the government to account,” said Vickers in a statement.
Vickers said it would be “totally unacceptable” to have a minority government stay in power for two years without official opposition.
“We had valid questions that needed to be addressed but we were not given the answers. Questions on transparency, accountability, and distribution of power. We were not prepared to compromise our principles or values, particularly the protection and respect of linguistic rights,” he said.
The Liberal leader said the party was “threatened” that if an agreement was not completed by end-of-day Friday, an election would be called.
But Vickers said he is sticking to his commitment not to bring down the government before March 31 and any decision to call an election rests with the premier.
“I wish to make it clear that in 7 months from now, if we are still in the midst of a pandemic with a clear risk to the health and safety of New Brunswick, we will not cause an election,” he said.
“The Premier told Elections NB to prepare for an election. The Premier is the person with the power to call an election. If there is a general election, Premier Higgs has to shoulder the responsibility for causing it.”
Meanwhile, the People’s Alliance says after three days of negotiations, it’s clear New Brunswickers will be forced to go to the polls.
“Despite Liberal leader Kevin Vickers statements that he and the party was willing to try to make this work, Mr. Austin said he was skeptical of their sincerity from the first day of these talks,” said the party in a statement.
The People’s Alliance said it put forward four proposals: making language requirements for jobs more fair, eliminating the so-called “double tax” over four years, having the option of a three-year motor vehicle registration, and ensuring all New Brunswickers have access to high-speed internet.
“Mr. Austin thanks Premier Higgs for extending this opportunity to try and reach an all-party agreement, however, reminds him that despite the breakdown in talks, the ultimate decision rests with him on whether there will be an election during a pandemic,” said the party.
The premier has said what happens during this week’s meetings will be a major component of his decision whether to call an election. But several media reports quote Higgs as saying he does not plan on calling an election this weekend.