Courtesy Facebook
When it comes to the provincial budget the Liberal Party stated a lot more concern for the items that were not included rather than those that were.
Rob McKee, the Opposition Critic of the Finance and Treasury Board, went into Tuesday with the hope that the release of the budget would provide an outline on the provinces economic rebound, it was not long before he was sorely disappointed.
“We were looking for an economic recovery plan…we looked through it, and there’s nothing there,” said McKee.
As we work through our second year of the pandemic, McKee believes that more funding should be provided for industries barely staying afloat.
The MLA for Moncton Centre called for targeted investments in small and medium-sized businesses, the arts and culture industry as well as the tourism sector.
Instead, the only financial commitment towards COVID-19 recovery was the renewal of the New Brunswick travel incentive program.
McKee was still skeptical about the minimal effects that the investment will have, stating this summer could be “dire straights” for the travel and tourism industry for the second straight year.
The Opposition Critic was very hesitant to comment on the budget projecting a deficit, with the belief that the Higgs Government will do what it takes to break even.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a balanced budget by the end of the day…he may turn this into a surplus by the end of the year,” he said.
McKee thinks the budget will provide a false sense of hope to New Brunswickers and in the end, cuts will be made to lessen the costs.
