New Brunswick has shown economic stability while also investing in major areas like health care, housing, education and affordability, according to Premier Blaine Higgs.
Higgs delivered his annual state of the province address Thursday night at the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
It also comes just months away from the province’s next election.
“Thanks to our focus on what matters to New Brunswickers, we are seeing positive results and continued growth,” said Higgs.
“These are opportunities we would not have thought possible even just a few years ago, and they speak to the significant progress our government has been able to make.”
Higgs said there have been improvements to New Brunswick’s economy, decreasing the debt by more than $2 billion. He also noted rapid population growth.
The premier also made several commitments to stabilizing health-care, building more affordable housing and keeping necessities affordable.
“But money alone will not solve the issues we are seeing,” said Higgs.
He noted Canada’s high inflation, and many people struggling to make ends meet, having the province’s finances in order is important.
“Ensuring New Brunswickers can live in comfort in our province is crucial to our overall growth and well-being,” said Higgs.
“That is why we are taking – and will continue to take – action to provide the supports and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Ahead of the premier’s speech, New Brunswick’s Liberal Party released a report card, suggesting Higgs fails to address what the party considers “key issues.”
It was compiled using data from community organizations, a survey of stakeholders and third-party research.
“We felt it was important to provide New Brunswickers’ perspectives on the current state of four key sectors in our province,” said party leader Susan Holt.
“The premier likes to paint a rosy picture, but the data tells a bleak story about the state of our province.”
