New Brunswick.

• Author: McCleave, John-Patrick
• Position: Legislative Reports - Legislative addresses; legislative bills; legislative committees

Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas formally opened the Third Session of the 57th Legislature on November 27, when he delivered the third Speech from the Throne of the David Alward Progressive Conservative government. The theme of the speech was rebuilding New Brunswick, through economic development, health and senior care, education, community protection and development, and government streamlining. Highlights included:

* Creation of a new ministerial committee on jobs and the economy to monitor economic performance and recommend adjustments to government direction and policy.

* Release of a labour force and skills development strategy.

* Evaluation by NB Power of the options for securing compensation for the cost overruns in refurbishing the Point Lepreau Generating Station.

* Development of a cruise strategy for northern New Brunswick to identify ports and stakeholders to help grow the cruise industry.

* Development of an oil and natural gas blueprint to shape a vision for the province's natural resource sector.

* Support for research and development in the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

* Development of a made-in-New Brunswick drug insurance plan.

* Development of a seniors' charter to ensure seniors are treated with compassion and respect when receiving government services.

Reply to Throne Speech

On November 29, Official Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau gave his reply to the Speech from the Throne. Mr. Boudreau spoke on the Liberal Party's renewal process, and on the newly elected Liberal Party leader, Brian Gallant.

Mr. Boudreau raised concerns on the current economy, the unemployment rate, and the need for a trained New Brunswick workforce. The Opposition Leader spoke on multiple points pertaining to the provincial government's negotiations with their federal counterparts, notably the elimination of funding to community economic development agencies, and the compensation for cost overruns at the Point Lepreau Generating Station.

Capital Budget

On December 11, Finance Minister Blaine Higgs tabled the 2013-2014 capital budget, totalling $466 million. Funding for new projects was down to $3.5 million, from $24 million in 2012-13. Minister Higgs noted that the budget will focus on projects already underway, and on the maintenance of current assets. Highlights included:

* $120.8 million for infrastructure in public schools, $7 million for infrastructure in universities and community colleges.

* $53.2 million for...