During a Saturday event, David Coon, head of the Green Party, revealed his dedication to reviving rural services that were diminished by earlier Liberal and Conservative governments.
Alongside St. Croix Green candidate Mark Groleau, Coon pledged to restore court services to Charlotte County and the Acadian Peninsula.
This initiative aims to provide rural residents with prompt access to justice in their communities, eliminating the need to keep local police officers occupied for days while they travel to Saint John and Bathurst.
“Local mayors have told me about the serious impact this has on local policing and on the families involved,” said Coon.
“The cuts of the Gallant Liberals and Higgs Conservatives to court services in rural communities like St. Stephen and Tracadie not only have local impacts, but are straining the justice system in our cities. A Green government will reverse these damaging cuts.”
The six island communities of New Brunswick each have distinct requirements regarding local services and infrastructure that link them to the mainland.
Coon has consistently pushed for a year-round ferry service to connect Campobello Island with the mainland via the Deer Island ferry landing at L’Etete, as well as a safe, modern bridge to unite Lameque and Miscou Islands with Shippagan on the mainland.
Notably, Campobello is the only island in New Brunswick without a year-round connection to the mainland.
“Part of improving services for rural residents is ensuring those living on our islands have good and reliable connections to the mainland,” added Coon.
“That is why I am committed to year-round ferry service for Campobello Island and a suitable bridge to connect the island of Lamèque to Shippagan.”
