Liberals seek ‘common ground’

Throne speech may not be enough to survive confidence vote

New Brunswick’s minority Liberal government has presented a throne speech with a bit of something for everyone, but it may not be enough to survive a confidence vote in the coming days.

The speech, delivered by Lt.Gov Jocelyne Roy Vienneau, outlines what the government is calling a framework for collaboration.

“By embracing the minority government situation, members of the legislative assembly have an opportunity to find common ground while bringing more perspectives to the legislature,” Roy Vienneau said Tuesday.

The Liberals are trying to cling to power after winning just 21 seats in last month’s election — one less than the Tories — while the Greens and People’s Alliance each won three seats.

“By giving four parties a voice in the legislature, many New Brunswickers have sent a clear message that all parties play an important role in moving New Brunswick forward,” she said.

Roy Vienneau said collaboration must be the mission for the members of the assembly.

“If we do not, we risk dividing our province more than ever,” she said.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs has stated repeatedly that he and his entire caucus would vote against the throne speech, no matter what it contained. He said the vote had to be seen as a vote on the confidence in the Liberal government over the last four years.

The speech incorporates many of the campaign promises of the other parties, including a return to balanced budgets by 20202021.

The speech proposes a new budget process that would be open to the public, including public debate on how to prioritize departmental spending.

The government says it would establish an all-party committee to develop solutions to a number of issues including recommendations to address paramedic shortages by Dec. 15.

The throne speech says the government would also work with the other parties and outside groups to address issues such as raising the minimum wage and extending pay equity legislation to the private sector.

CP PHOTO New Brunswick Liberal MLA Daniel Guitard speaks to members of the media after being sworn in as the Speaker of the house on Tuesday in Fredericton.