New Brunswick.

AuthorJensen, Shannon

Third Session of the 59th Legislature and Throne Speech

Lieutenant-Governor Brenda Murphy opened the 3rd Session of the 59th Legislature on November 19, 2019, with the delivery of the Speech from the Throne. The speech focused on six priority areas of Premier Blaine Higgs' government: delivering dependable public health care; creating a world-class education system; energizing the private sector; creating vibrant and sustainable communities; ensuring affordable and responsive governance; and transforming the public service into a high-performing organization. Highlights included proposed amendments to the Essential Services in Nursing Homes Act to better protect residents, workers and taxpayers; the development of a physician resource strategy; exploration of new educational approaches to help more students learn both official languages; engagement with First Nations to renew the Enhanced First Nation Education Programs and Services Agreement; a goal to increase immigration, using the Population Growth Strategy and the New Brunswick Francophone Immigration

Action plan as guides; proposed amendments to the Climate Change Act to allow for the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; the development of a tax reform roadmap that will include a review of all major taxation programs; and a goal to ensure that succession plans are in place for critical positions within the public service.

Reply to the Throne Speech

On November 21, Official Opposition Leader Denis Landry gave his reply to the Speech from the Throne. He thanked former Premier and Member for Shediac Bay-Dieppe Brian Gallant for his service and wished him well in his next endeavours. He also congratulated Kevin Vickers, who is the new Leader of the provincial Liberal Party and will be running as a candidate if a by-election is called for the riding. Mr. Landry raised concerns about the economy, highlighting the need for job creation in all regions of the province and more investment in tourism. He also expressed a desire to celebrate the achievements of businesspeople and successful new businesses in all regions of the province. He expressed his hope that the government would act with more urgency and creativity to build a stronger economy. Mr. Landry also addressed concerns about health care, including nursing shortages, wait times for health care services, dispute resolution over nursing homes, more resources for mental health, and the better use of other medical health...

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