FREDERICTON – New Brunswick’s progressive Conservative government on Tuesday pledged measures to improve health and education as the new House session opened.

In a speech from the throne delivered on behalf of the Blaine Higgs administration, Lieutenant Governor Brenda Murphy noted that New Brunswick is in a better position given the province’s debt, which has now fallen to $12.4 billion to continue spending “cautiously” in priority areas.

Following the recent resignation of Secretary of Education Dominic Cardy, Lieutenant Governor Murphy also recognized “the importance of New Brunswick as Canada’s only officially bilingual province.”

Mr Cardy decided to step down as minister almost two weeks ago. He accused Premier Higgs of wanting to “dangerously hasten” the end of French immersion programs in schools across the province.

The speech from the throne skimped on specific measures to protect French, but included a promise to “guarantee the existence of a program that would enable all our students to learn French so that they would have enough to have a conversation at the end of their studies.” .

The government has also committed to responding to the two commissioners’ recommendations on the official language law during the session.

“The review was comprehensive and the recommendations impact the daily lives of New Brunswick residents, whether at work, school or community life,” Ms. Murphy said.

New tax cuts

Ms Murphy said better fiscal positions will allow the progressive Conservative government to introduce further income tax and property tax cuts during the legislature.

In particular, the government plans to use its shale gas “responsibly” to supply a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility.

“As governments look to move away from coal, our natural gas could be a great, clean and reliable alternative. Your government is committed to working with indigenous peoples and other stakeholders to take action,” the lieutenant governor asked on behalf of the government.

On the healthcare front, the government has indicated it will work to give people without a GP better access to primary care through the Le Maillon scheme, which offers face-to-face appointments by phone and online while they wait for a permanent doctor.

And as the number of immigrants to the province increases, the government also wants to tackle waiting lists for newcomers to sign up for health insurance. The aim is to issue insurance cards within 60 days of receipt of the application by February.

The government is also committed to increasing access to surgeries through a new electronic platform connecting patients to the first available surgeon.

In education, the government is planning legislative changes to “clarify the language” on strike voting, strikes, lockouts and designated workers to ensure the continuity of school services.

Changes are also planned for the Education Act to modernize the administration of the English school system.

“Over the coming year, your government will consider possible changes in the Francophone sector,” Ms Murphy added.