Province Tables Capital Budget Focused On Infrastructure Improvements

It was a busy day at the New Brunswick legislature as the Higgs government announced the 2022-23 capital budget.

The government says the $746.8-million budget will address the province’s infrastructure while supporting sustainable economic recovery.

“A boost in infrastructure spending will support a sustainable economic recovery as temporary pandemic support measures are removed,” Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves said during the presentation.

“The level of capital investment being tabled today will support an estimated $550 million in GDP and approximately 6,500 jobs.”

The government plans to invest $338.8 million toward maintaining and improving highways, roads, and bridges around the province.

“This includes $11.7 million to continue rehabilitation work on the Centennial Bridge in Miramichi and a further $10 million to begin work in replacing the Salmon River Bridge in Chipman,” said Steeves.

In addition, $53.2 million will go toward the maintenance and improvements of buildings and other infrastructure.

As well, there will be $153.2 million going toward healthcare infrastructure.

“Of this total, $103.8 million will be for the continuation of renovations, additions, and other improvements around the province, and $49.4 million will be for capital improvements and equipment,” said Steeves.

$84.7 million will be going to public school infrastructure.

“Including $12.7 million for the new K-5 school on the northside of Fredericton and $10.8 million for the new francophone school complex in Moncton,” Steeves said.

Steeves added the Higgs government has consistently said that it would make decisions based on what New Brunswick could afford while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the province’s finances.

Official Opposition reacts to the budget

Interim Liberal leader Roger Melanson said the budget does identify some “key areas” where money needs to be invested.

“I do want to note that the amount that the minister just unveiled even though we don’t have a lot of details seems to be close to what we had brought in 2018,” said Melanson.

The Tories axed more than $200 million in infrastructure projects when they came into power later that year.

Melanson also pointed out that even though there is an increase from last year, the Higgs government missed an opportunity.

“We have a federal government that wants to partner with all provinces, but certainly with the New Brunswick government,” he said.

“I hope the government by unveiling these numbers here today will take advantage and benefit of federal dollars that can be invested in our province in some of the key areas that we all need.”