New Brunswick.

• Date: 22 March 2021
• Author: McCleave, John-Patrick

First Session of the 60th Legislature and Throne Speech

Lieutenant-Governor Brenda Murphy opened the First Session of the 60th Legislature on November 17, 2020, with the delivery of the Speech from the Throne. The speech focused on Premier Blaine Higgs' government's plan to build upon the progress made in six priority areas: energizing the private sector; creating vibrant and sustainable communities; delivering dependable public health care; creating a world-class education system; ensuring government is affordable, responsive and high-performing; and protecting the environment.

Initiatives outlined in the throne speech included: increase private sector investment; diversify and grow exports from the current three per cent of companies in New Brunswick to closer to the national average of five per cent; increase immigration and repatriation to grow the population base by attracting 10,000 people per year by 2027; work with local governments on areas identified as priorities for municipal reform; work with the national housing strategy to ensure affordable housing solutions; reduce wait times for hip and knee replacement surgeries; build a five-year action plan on mental health and addictions; develop a strategy to combat youth vaping; ensure every child has the opportunity to learn both official languages; expand the availability and quality of Indigenous courses within provincial schools; move government services online where applicable to reduce costs and increase flexibility; assist New Brunswick businesses to do more...