New Brunswick.

• Author: Del Frate, Alicia R.
• Position: Legislative Reports

Official Languages Commissioner

The new Official Languages Commissioner for New Brunswick, Shirley MacLean, was sworn in on January 22, after being recommended by the Legislative Assembly and appointed by government in November. The swearing-in and reception were hosted by Speaker Daniel Guitard and held in the Legislative Council Chamber.

Standing Committees

The Standing Committee on Economic Policy, chaired by Gary Crossman, considered various government bills in January. In February, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Roger Melanson, reviewed Auditor General report sections and the annual reports of various government departments, Crown corporations, and other provincial entities.

Also, in February, the recently created Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship, chaired by Bruce Fitch, met with representatives from various government departments and NB Power regarding their use of pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate, in the province and to receive updates on their progress towards the implementation of New Brunswick's Climate Change Action Plan. The Committee was expected to hold public hearings in March on herbicide and pesticide use; however, based on the recommendation of New Brunswick's Chief Medical Officer of Health, aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus, the public hearings were postponed indefinitely.

Resignation and Changes to Cabinet

On February 14, following the announcement of a government initiative for the nightly closures of certain hospital emergency rooms, Robert Gauvin announced his resignation from Cabinet as Deputy Premier; Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture; and Minister responsible for La Francophonie. He also left the Progressive Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent Member. He was first elected to the Legislature in the 2018 provincial election to represent the riding of Shippagan-Lameque-Miscou.

On February 21, Premier Blaine Higgs announced two additions to Cabinet. Bruce Fitch became Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. He has held various Cabinet positions since he was first elected to the Legislature in the 2006 provincial election to represent the riding of Riverview. Glen Savoie became Minister responsible for La Francophonie in addition to his role as the Government House Leader. First elected in the 2010 provincial election, he now represents the riding of Saint John East. The new Cabinet members were sworn-in to the...