New Brunswick.

• Author: McCleave, John-Patrick
• Position: Legislative Reports

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

On March 27 Finance Minister Blaine Higgs tabled the 2012-2013 budget, totalling $8.196 billion. Mr. Higgs announced a $226 million reduction in spending for 2012-2013, and believed that further efficiencies would be found through the on-going government renewal process. The government announced a three-year plan to return to balanced budgets; with a projected $99 million deficit in 2013-14 and a $6 million surplus in 2014-15.

The government will invest $105 million to implement legislative and government commitments, including:

* $10.3 million for affordable housing;

* $10 million for Invest NB to foster economic growth;

* $9.8 million for nursing home renovation and replacements;

* $6.4 million for pay equity;

* $5 million in primary healthcare investments;

* $3.6 million for early learning and childcare;

* $3 million for special care homes;

* $2.5 million for inclusive education;

* $2.5 million for immigrant funding;

* $2.5 million for elementary literacy;

* $2 million to foster innovation;

* $1.2 million for 231 new community college seats;

* $1 million for the development of downtown and business parks;

* $1 million for the Digital Media Development Program;

* $808,000 for the enhancement of the province's wellness strategy;

* $668,000 for the New Brunswick sports plan.

On March 29 Donald Arseneault, finance critic for the official opposition, gave his reply to the budget speech. Mr. Arseneault spoke on a number of alleged broken campaign promises, and expressed his concern on such issues as the northern economy, the lack of implementation of the poverty reduction plan, delayed nursing home constructions, and the poor results from the government implemented Invest NB.

Legislation

During the spring session, the government introduced 42 bills. Legislation of note included:

* Bill 45, An Act to Amend the Education Act, introduced by Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Cart, promotes positive learning and working environment in schools;

* Bill 58, An Act to Amend the Oil and Natural Gas Act, introduced by Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup, regulates the exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas;

* Bill 61, Regional Service Delivery Act, introduced by Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch, creates regional service commissions to provide communities with the opportunity to find efficiencies by delivering common services;

* Bill 63, An Act to Amend the Pension Benefits...