Liberals Respond To Throne Speech

New Brunswick’s Official Opposition has delivered its response to the throne speech released Tuesday.

Liberal leader Roger Melanson touched on several topics during his hour-long address in the legislature Thursday morning.

But much of his speech focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the province and New Brunswickers.

Melanson said this year’s throne speech is “critically important” because the government’s action will have an impact not only on the coming months but also on years ahead.

“The clock is ticking and never has the burden of responsibility been so heavy,” said Melanson. “There is no time for hesitation and no time for errors. More than ever action is needed, and more than ever government will be held accountable.”

Melanson said the Higgs government needs to do more to help businesses get through COVID-19.

He noted that New Brunswick is ranked last in the country in its financial response to the pandemic.

“The current government takes a short-term accounting approach and seems to be betting that businesses will overcome this crisis on their own,” said Melanson.

“Let’s be realistic. At this rate, several of them will go out of business or have already gone out of business. CFIB is projecting that it could be up to 15 per cent.”

Melanson said we will need appropriate levels of revenue to operate our hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care homes and schools after the pandemic.

But we will not have that, he said, without a strong economy and profitable businesses.

“It’s easier to support an existing business than supporting a starting business,” said Melanson. “Government must step up before it’s too late.”

Melanson said we also need action — not promises — to address affordable housing issues in the province.

He urged the Higgs government to make investments in partnership with the federal and municipal governments.

Melanson also reiterated his party’s promise to bring forward rent control legislation in the coming weeks.

“We hope that all members of this house will unanimously support this bill,” he said to applause from members of his party. “This is not about party politics. This is about New Brunswickers. This is about people in need.”

Melanson applauded the government for extending Ottawa’s early learning and child care agreement for another year.

He encouraged the government to stay the course beyond the next 12 months.

The Liberals also accused the Higgs government, once again, of having a secret agenda when it comes to health reform.

Melanson said community consultations the Progressive Conservatives have promised are “fake”.

“Following the last provincial election, the premier was not given a mandate to initiate turbulence,” he said. “The current crisis must not be used as a pretext for the disengagement of government.”

Melanson said it is great that the Higgs government plans to establish nurse practitioner clinics, but noted it has been mentioned in throne speeches since 2018.

He said the Tories have also been promising to reduce wait times for knee and hip replacements since 2018.

On the topic of Clinic 554, Melanson said his party “strongly believes” the government should repeal legislation which prevents payment for abortion services outside of hospitals.

The Liberal leader also addressed calls for an inquiry into systemic racism in the province. He said when most of the population is calling for an inquiry, the premier has a duty to listen.

“What matters here, Mr. Speaker, is not the premier’s personal opinion,” said Melanson. “What matters are the demands of First Nation leaders.”

Green Party leader David Coon is expected to deliver his reply to the throne speech Friday.