New Brunswick.

AuthorCampbell, Rose
PositionLegislative Reports

During the first five weeks of the spring sitting of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, the government brought down the 2013-2014 Budget, a number of bills were introduced, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner filed a report, a former Premier resigned his seat, the House welcomed a new Member and the Legislative Assembly showcased an exhibit of paintings commemorating the War of 1812.

Budget

The third session of the 57th legislature adjourned on December 21, 2012 and resumed on March 26, 2013, when Finance Minister Blaine Higgs delivered his third budget address, stating "while we need to take action on our declining revenues, we will also continue to manage taxpayers' dollars smarter and strengthen the economy today so that we can have a brighter future." The budget focuses on strengthening the economy while addressing the provincial deficit with spending efficiencies and revenue initiatives.

The budget includes more than $230 million in spending reduction initiatives across departments that are designed to offset inflationary pressures, allow for new investments and control departmental spending. Excluding the one-time pension cost, total expenses in 2013-14 are increasing by one per cent over the 2012-13 third-quarter mainly due to new investments, compared to the 4.4 per cent average annual expense growth over the previous nine years.

Reviews are underway in the departments of Health, Education and Early Childhood Development, Social Development, and Transportation and Infrastructure to identify efficiencies in service delivery. The budget includes further tax measures introduced to balance revenues and spending. Personal income and corporate income tax rates were increased.

The government sought the input and assistance of the public in the creation of the 2013-2014 Budget. The provincial government received ideas through a revamped "Tax-payers First" website on how to raise revenues and deliver public services more efficiently and effectively.

In his response to the budget address during the second of six days allotted for debate on the budget, Finance Critic Hedard Albert stated as follows:

The budget shows more than $230 million in spending reduction initiatives. The government is reducing, but there is still a deficit. I will repeat this, because it is important to say it. Despite the reductions already made by Conservatives, there will still be a deficit of $479 million. Will the government target its reductions, or will we...

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