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MacKay Report
Mr. S. Graham: My question this afternoon is for the Minister of Education. The MacKay report
set out 95 recommendations with 60 clear deadlines. On page 222, Mr. MacKay says:
Rural areas in both anglophone and francophone communities in particular have great difficulty
attracting to their communities and retaining professionals such as speech language pathologists,
audiologists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists . . . Wait
times to see some professionals are reported to be long: some report waiting periods of six months
to three years.
Mr. MacKay says that within one year of the release of the report—that is by March 15, 2007—the
ratio of speech language pathologists to students should be reduced from 1 pathologist for every
3 767 students to 1 pathologist for every 3 000 students. My question for you this afternoon, Mr.
Minister, is this: Can you give a commitment that this budget contains funding to meet that
deadline?
L’hon. M. Williams : Nous avons rendu publique l’étude MacKay le 15 mars. Nous avons mis un
montant de 5 millions dans le budget justement pour examiner les recommandations avec nos
partenaires. J’ai annoncé un processus étalé sur trois étapes. Une de ces initiatives consiste en un
forum qui aura lieu les 28 et 29 mai. Nous travaillerons avec nos partenaires pour traiter ces
questions.
Mr. S. Graham: While the minister talks about releasing the report publicly, he fails to mention that
his government has had the report for an extended period of time. Now, it is clear from his
nonanswer today that the deadline that Dr. MacKay outlined in his budget will not be met.
My second question is this: New Brunswick children who are waiting to see specialists cannot afford
for this government to stand still. As the minister himself acknowledged, if it is spin, it is spin, but
New Brunswick students need more than spin.
Recommendation 12 states that:
12(a) The Minister of Education in collaboration with her Cabinet colleagues should strike an
interdepartmental committee to identify the extent of shortages in the key outside professional
services that interact with the education of students.
Mr. MacKay says that this committee should be formed within six months—that is by September
15—and that the work should be completed by March 15, 2007, so that we can address the shortages
of psychologists, social workers, nurses, audiologists, and so forth.
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019 12:25
We need our province to become a leader in student achievement, and to do this, we need a
commitment from the minister and his Cabinet colleagues that they are going to meet the deadlines
in the MacKay report. Can you at least commit to that?
L’hon. M. Williams : En réponse au chef de l’opposition, le rapport MacKay a été commandé en
novembre 2004, et l’échéancier était en décembre 2005. L’échéancier et a été rencontré par
M. MacKay. Le 1er février, seulement un mois plus tard, le rapport avait été traduit dans les deux
langues. Mon prédécesseur a reçu le rapport le 1er février, et je l’ai rendu public le 15 mars.
Nous consultons les gens, il y a eu au-delà de 700 personnes qui ont participé à l’étude. Nous
voulons donner la chance aux différents intervenants de prendre connaissance du rapport, et c’est
ce qu’on a fait. J’ai annoncé une autre initiative le 15 mars avec le rapport, et c’est la formation d’un
comité interministériel pour examiner les programmes et services intégrés. Nous poursuivrons dans
la bonne voie.
Mr. S. Graham: It is becoming abundantly clear that this budget is more about photo opportunities
and investing in politics rather than investing in people. The question that we asked you today . . .
Over 700 people were involved in the writing of the MacKay report, and now you are saying that
you want to study the study. All we, on this side of the Chamber, are asking is this: Are you
prepared to honour the deadlines and time frames that were outlined in the MacKay report? Yes or
no?
L’hon. M. Williams : Pour aborder la question du chef de l’opposition, ce n’est pas une
consultation. S’il regarde bien le rapport, le professeur MacKay a recommandé que, en préparation
à l’application ou à la mise en oeuvre des recommandations, on implique les partenaires. Alors, le
forum qui est une des initiatives que j’ai annoncées est justement ce qu’on va faire les 28 et 29 mai.
On consulte les gens et on prend au sérieux ce que nous amènent les 700 personnes qui ont été
consultées et les 26 différents organismes qui ont aussi envoyé des mémoires. On prend très
sérieusement les recommandations du rapport MacKay. On a à coeur l’éducation ici, au Nouveau-
Brunswick.
M. S. Graham : C’est inacceptable que le ministre de l’Éducation ne puisse pas répondre à la
question. Elle est pourtant claire. Le temps pour l’étude n’est pas de faire une autre étude. C’est
terminé, il est temps de prendre des actions et de faire des investissements propres à notre système
d’éducation. La question que j’ai posée à savoir si vous êtes prêt, en tant que ministre, à appuyer les
recommandations et la date butoir du rapport MacKay? La réponse est simple : Oui ou non.
Honorerez-vous la date?
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L’hon. M. Williams : Encore une fois, le rapport a été rendu public le 15 mars, et trois initiatives
ont été annoncées, soit la formation d’un comité interministériel pour regarder à l’intégration des
services et programmes au niveau des différents ministères et l’annonce d’un forum les 28 et 29 mai
prochains justement pour regarder avec nos partenaires et les différents intervenants les
recommandations du rapport MacKay. À partir de cela, on pourra établir un plan d’action et regarder
à la mise en oeuvre des recommandations. On va en discuter avec nos différents partenaires et
intervenants.
Mr. S. Graham: Dr. MacKay clearly outlines the need for accountability and progress updates. That
is highlighted in this report. Today, very clearly, the minister is refusing to honour the dates and
time lines established in the MacKay report. He says that he wants to have further study and further
consultation. If you cannot make a commitment on that, can you at least make this commitment
today? The commitment is very simple. As minister, are you prepared to appear before the Standing
Committee on Education to provide updates to this committee on the implementation of the report?
Will you do that in October 2006?
L’hon. M. Williams : Le rapport MacKay fait partie de notre plan d’apprentissage de qualité. C’est
une des initiatives. Nous avons reçu le rapport, et il a été rendu public. Présentement, les différents
partenaires, les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick, en prennent connaissance. Nous avons annoncé la
tenue d’un forum justement pour discuter du rapport MacKay et lui donner suite.
020 14:30
La semaine dernière, le ministre des Finances a annoncé dans son budget des initiatives qui abordent
certains éléments du rapport MacKay, entre autres, 240 enseignants additionnels. De plus, il y a une
augmentation de 37,5 millions au budget de l’éducation.
Les parlementaires du côté de l’opposition devraient peut-être relire le budget qui a été annoncé la
semaine dernière et il verrait qu’il y a beaucoup d’initiatives, comme la réduction du nombre
d’élèves par classe et les millions affectés dans la composition de la salle de classe. Alors, je pense
que j’ai indiqué toutes ces bonnes initiatives, mais il faut croire que les parlementaires du côté de
l’opposition n’écoutent pas, comme d’habitude.
Mr. S. Graham: I remember the minister’s response last week: If it is a spin, then call it a spin. You
have not broken off message once. The unfortunate reality is that it is the children of New
Brunswick who are suffering, because our investments in education are the investments for our
future. Are you prepared to appear before the Standing Committee on Education in October 2006
to update the House and to see if the deadlines are being met? That was the question. You refused
to answer. I am going to give you one more opportunity. Are you prepared at least to accept that
opportunity to appear before the Standing Committee on Education?
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L’hon. M. Williams : La semaine dernière, les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick ont entendu les bonnes
nouvelles concernant le domaine de l’éducation. En effet, un montant de 37,5 millions de dollars
est un investissement très important. De plus, il y aura 240 enseignants additionnels et une réduction
du nombre d’élèves par classe. Il y a aussi la composition de la classe et le programme spécial qu’on
a en place et qui est mis en action pour un montant de 2,5 millions. Voilà des actions concrètes.
Je vais encore dire au chef de l’opposition que nous avons annoncé une initiative, soit le forum pour
les 28 et 29 mai. Nous allons faire comme nous l’avons toujours fait : nous travaillons avec les gens
du Nouveau-Brunswick pour mettre des initiatives en place. Nous sommes à l’écoute des gens et
nous réagissons avec des actions positives. Un montant additionnel de 37,5 millions en éducation,
c’est un investissement important.
Mme C. Robichaud : Mes questions sont pour le ministre de l’Éducation. Je mets en doute le sérieux
de ce gouvernement, alors que le comité concernant l’éducation ne s’est même pas réuni depuis
2003.
Ce gouvernement semble vouloir attendre avant de mettre en place les recommandations du rapport
MacKay. La recommandation 53 du rapport MacKay se lit comme suit : « Le ministre de l’éducation
doit exiger une vérification immédiate de toutes les écoles du Nouveau-Brunswick. »
M. MacKay énumère les critères qui doivent être examinés. Le vérificateur général a aussi indiqué
qu’il avait des inquiétudes tant qu’à la sécurité de nos élèves dans nos installations scolaires.
Étant donné ces deux rapports, est-ce que le ministre de l’Éducation a réagi aux recommandations
du rapport MacKay, en entamant une vérification immédiate? Sinon, pourquoi ne l’a-t-il pas fait?
L’hon. M. Williams : En réponse à la question de la députée de l’opposition, encore une fois, je
voudrais lui rappeler que, lorsque le rapport a été rendu public le 15 mars, on a annoncé trois
initiatives, entre autres, un comité interministériel. De plus, les 28 et 29 mai, il y aura un forum dans
lequel nous allons examiner les 95 principales recommandations et les sous-recommandations, pour
un total de 250.
Nous allons discuter avec nos différents partenaires, et, ensemble, nous allons travailler pour
améliorer notre système d’éducation au Nouveau-Brunswick. Je dois vous dire que nos partenaires
sont très enthousiasmés par l’approche que nous avons prise pour aborder les recommandations du
rapport MacKay.
Mme C. Robichaud : Bien sûr que tous les enseignants sont enthousiasmés du rapport mais non par
la vitesse de ce gouvernement. La recommandation 55 du rapport MacKay demande une vérification
immédiate de tous les véhicules de transport scolaire, afin d’assurer l’accessibilité du transport pour
les élèves ayant des besoins spéciaux. Le ministre de l’Éducation a-t-il entamé cette vérification?
Sinon, pourquoi?
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021 14:35
L’hon. M. Williams : J’ai entendu la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi parler des édifices et des
véhicules qui sont négligés. Je veux lui rappeler que, cette année, notre budget de capital est de 58
millions de dollars. C’est le plus gros investissement depuis les 20 dernières années. Je veux aussi
lui rappeler que, en 1998-1999, sous l’ancien gouvernement, le budget de capital était de 18
millions. Avec nos 58 millions, on prend les choses très au sérieux. Depuis 1999, on investit
davantage de fonds en éducation. Nous continuerons à le faire.
Mme C. Robichaud : Mon Dieu, si vous avez tout cet argent, comment se fait-il que les vérifications
n’ont pas été commencées? Reconnaissant que l’éducation d’un enfant n’existe pas dans un silo, on
a certainement besoin de prendre connaissance des besoins particuliers et du bien-être de l’enfant.
M. MacKay recommande la création d’un comité de direction pour la livraison des services intégrés.
Le ministre a annoncé la création d’un tel comité, mais avec un partenariat beaucoup plus restreint
que l’avait recommandé le rapport MacKay. Plus précisément, il omet la représentation des
ministères de la Justice, de la Sécurité publique, de l’Éducation postsecondaire et de la Formation
ainsi que des Affaires autochtones. Le ministre peut-il nous expliquer pourquoi il n’a pas suivi la
recommandation de le rapport MacKay avec tout l’argent que le ministère a en main? Pourquoi a-t-il
pris l’initiative d’exclure ces ministres du comité?
L’hon. M. Williams : Le 15 mars, lorsque j’ai annoncé la création d’un comité interministériel, les
deux ministères principaux inclus dans le partenariat étaient le ministère de la Santé et le ministère
des Services familiaux et communautaires. Le comité inclura aussi les ressources des différents
ministères qui travailleront au sein du comité pour valoriser davantage l’intégration des programmes
et services.
Revenons aux commentaires de la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi. Le budget de cette année pour le
ministère est d’une valeur de 893 millions de dollars. Il y a un montant de 70,2 millions pour les
investissements en besoins spéciaux. La députée ne se rappelle pas que, la semaine dernière, ce
budget a été augmenté considérablement comparativement à l’époque du gouvernement précédent.
C’est une augmentation de 68 millions à 70 millions. On investit dans l’éducation. On le fait depuis
1999. On continuera à le faire.
Disabled Persons
Mr. V. Boudreau: My question today is for the Minister of Human Resources. There are recent
newscasts about a disabled mother who is being clawed back on her provincial disability cheque
because of monies her children are receiving through the Disabled Contributor’s Children’s Benefit
under the Canada Pension Plan. This government has clearly refused to do the right thing. Other
federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the GST rebate are never clawed back
by the province. Without going into the specifics of this particular case, I would ask the minister to
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explain why the province is clawing back the Disabled Contributor’s Children’s Benefit under the
Canada Pension Plan when paying out pensions.
L’hon. M Dubé : Désolé, j’aurais me pu répondre: Allez-y.
On pourrait tout deux répondre à la question, mais j’y répondrai. Si j’ai bien compris la question du
député de Shediac—Cap-Pelé, elle porte sur les personnes qui vivent de l’aide sociale et qui
reçoivent aussi de l’argent du RPC. Est-ce cela? D’accord. Merci.
Mr. V. Boudreau: I did not get an answer to my first question. I guess I will repeat it. There are
recent newscasts about a disabled mother who is being clawed back on her provincial disability
cheque because of monies her children are receiving through the Disabled Contributor’s Children’s
Benefit under the Canada Pension Plan. This government has clearly refused to do the right thing.
022 14:40
Other federal benefits, such as the child tax benefit and the GST rebate, are not being clawed back
by the province. Why is the province clawing back the Disabled Contributors Children’s Benefit,
under the Canada Pension Plan?
L’hon. Mme Dubé : Je n’étais pas tout à fait certaine de quelle situation parlait le député d’en face.
Premièrement, le RPC est un programme fédéral. Il y a certainement des règlements. Le chèque pour
les enfants et ceux qui reçoivent l’aide au revenu, est basé sur les besoins et le revenu. Un calcul est
fait tenant compte de l’aide financière et du montant mensuel reçus. Bien entendu, les gens doivent
répondre au questionnaire pour connaître le montant mensuel qu’ils reçoivent et toutes les sommes
supplémentaires au niveau du RPC. Un calcul est fait et un équilibre s’établit entre le provincial et
le fédéral.
Mr. V. Boudreau: I do not know whether or not this counts toward my supplementary questions,
but they are not getting the question. The story of the person in question to whom I am referring has
been all over the news. This is a former employee of the province of New Brunswick, not a welfare
recipient. That is why I directed the question to the Minister of Human Resources, to explain to me
why the province of New Brunswick is clawing back a federal child disability benefit on the backs
of monies that the parents are getting from a provincial pension.
(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Mr. V. Boudreau: It has nothing to do with welfare.
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Hon. D. Graham: To answer the question asked by the honourable member from the opposition,
this case is before the courts. Because of confidential matters, I will not discuss it on the floor of the
Legislature.
(Interjection.)
Mr. V. Boudreau: I do not think it is four. He made me repeat the same question three times.
I am not asking for specifics about this particular case. The province of New Brunswick has
obviously adopted a policy according to which it chooses to claw back monies being paid from a
federal fund to children of disabled parents in New Brunswick. The government’s budget is entitled
New Investments for People. It is a shame to see that these so-called investments are being made
on the backs of children of disabled New Brunswickers who are former employees of the province
of New Brunswick. Would the minister please explain the province’s position in clawing back these
benefits? I do not want the specifics of this particular case.
Hon. D. Graham: I believe that policy was adopted in 1996.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Hon. D. Graham: As minister responsible, I can assure you that we are looking at that policy. When
we get a direction, we will be back to the House.
Medical Training
Mr. MacIntyre: I could have answered that question, but I did not want to do it on your behalf.
My question is for the Minister of Health. It pertains to the proposed New Brunswick satellite
undergraduate medical education program, which this government announced would be opening in
Saint John next year. All I really want this morning is for the minister to give us the current status
of the project, and perhaps bring us up to date.
Hon. Mr. Carr: I am very happy to answer this question on behalf of the government, for Post-
Secondary Education and Training. It is very clear. The Premier made a commitment to ensure that
there will be an Anglophone medical training program in Saint John. Our department and
government will fulfill that commitment. Thank you.
Mr. MacIntyre: I am pleased that it is the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Training who
is responsible for this file, because, until this point in time, he has done a good job. I do have a
couple more supplementary questions for him. He has only been there a short period of time. When
can we expect the announcement of an agreement between the province and the partnering
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universities? I know that there has been an issue. I am just wondering about the status of the
agreement.
023 13:45
Hon. Mr. Carr: I do appreciate the opportunity to respond to the member opposite. Again, it is very
clear that the Premier has made a very strong commitment to ensure that there is an Anglophone
medical education program. Government is currently working with our Anglophone communities,
in particular with the Saint John region. It is our philosophy, as a government, to work with
communities, and we will continue to do that. The groups are still finalizing the details. Very soon,
we expect to have more news and more progress. The main point is that we are committed to
fulfilling this commitment. Our commitment is clear. By 2007, we will have an Anglophone medical
training program in New Brunswick.
Mr. MacIntyre: I do believe that the commitment is there. I did before I stood up. This school does
have the support of four regional health authorities, which are all very enthusiastic about it. As a
matter of fact, through Crown corporations committee, I am well aware of the structure of the
committees that are working. There are some huge committees working in this area. There has been
one setback just recently with an announcement that one university may not get involved. It does
concern me. I know that the Premier did say that we would partner with any university in Canada.
I appreciate that, too, but that is not as easy as it sounds. I know that is a very difficult thing.
My final supplementary. Have you committed any dollars toward the development phase? This costs
money to develop. It is a huge initiative. Has the government committed in this budget, or last year,
any funds toward the development of this project?
Hon. Mr. Carr: Again, I repeat that we are committed to ensuring that there is an Anglophone
medical education program. The Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training, in
collaboration with the Department of Health, is providing support to the working group as it
develops its proposal. Again, if it is not the preferred universities, we will work with any university,
and we will make sure that we have a made-in-New Brunswick solution to ensure that we have more
access to medical doctors. I am proud of a government that has increased seats for medical schools,
for our doctors, and I am proud to have over 207 new family doctors and specialists in New
Brunswick. We will continue to work hard to ensure that we have access for our patients in New
Brunswick.
Youth
Mr. Foran: I was home in my riding last weekend after the budget came down, and I got the same
message that I have been getting for the last several months. Nothing has changed. There is no doubt
in my mind that the people want an election. The reason they want an election became clear to me.
It is because this budget is about politics, it is not about people. The government is not putting
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people first. For example, this government purports to be on the children’s side, yet everything it
does demonstrates the opposite. It says it wants a Child and Youth Advocate. It said in the throne
speech that a new strategy to deal with youth at risk will be developed, yet nothing has been done.
Actions speak louder than words, and this budget does nothing to help our youth at risk. Can the
Minister of Family and Community Services explain this new strategy and explain how this budget
will help youth at risk?
L’hon. M Dubé : Cela me fait plaisir de répondre me à cette question. Lorsque nous serons prêts,
nous serons en mesure de faire une annonce. Bien entendu, nous nous sommes engagés et, lorsque
nous serons prêts, nous nous ferons un plaisir de vous donner les détails.
Mr. Foran: I will try to get an answer to my second question. Youth at risk often fall through the
cracks and are constantly being ignored by this government. They have a hard time graduating, a
hard time getting employment, and risk costing more to society, but with a little help, they can
become great community leaders and great contributors to our society. Therefore, investments in
youth programs are essential to them and to our society. A youth at risk can become an adult in
trouble, and we need to change that. Why is this government not investing in youth at risk?
024 14:50
L’hon. Mme Dubé : Cela me fait plaisir de répondre à la question. Le gouvernement en a fait
beaucoup pour les gens, du point de vue social. On peut se rappeler que, à l’époque de l’ancien
gouvernement, le point de vue social a certainement été négligé. Les enfants ont aussi été négligés,
et le député de Miramichi-Centre se dit un défenseur de notre belle jeunesse. Dans notre budget, il
y a encore plein d’initiatives qui s’adressent à notre jeunesse. Je rappelle au député de Miramichi-
Centre qu’il y a eu des initiatives dans sa propre circonscription. Le gouvernement continuera à
investir dans nos enfants de tous les âges. On veut s’assurer qu’ils ont les services adéquats et le
soutien, autant dans la collectivité et dans leur famille qu’au niveau des services gouvernementaux.
Mr. Foran: After two questions, it has become very clear that I did not get an answer to either. That
is why the people want an election. That is why this budget is about politics, not about people.
I am going to ask the minister a very, very clear question. This is one that she can answer very
easily, not having to skate around it or blame it on the opposition. My question to the Minister of
Family and Community Services is this, as I have advocated, as well as the member for Miramichi-
Bay du Vin . . . How much money does the Department of Family and Community Services have
for this budget year to go toward the Miramichi Youth House so that it does not have to keep
coming back to beg year after year?
L’hon. Mme Dubé : Je veux rappeler au député de l’opposition que beaucoup de choses ont été
faites, même dans sa circonscription. Il y a déjà eu des investissements. Du côté du gouvernement,
nous travaillons pour les enfants et les adolescents à risque. Il y a plusieurs initiatives dans la
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province, dans différents programmes, de différentes façons et avec divers partenaires. Nous
continuerons à travailler avec les gens des collectivités. La collectivité de Miramichi est un
partenaire. Nous continuerons à livrer un bon service pour s’assurer que nos enfants peuvent se
développer en ayant accès à tous les services dont ils ont besoin pour aller sur le marché de travail
et se sentir bien dans leur milieu. C’est aussi vrai partout dans la province, même dans la région de
Miramichi.
Mr. Speaker: Question period is now over.
Hon. Mr. Green: Mr. Speaker, I have a response to a question from a previous day.
Prescription Drug Program
Yesterday, at the conclusion of question period, I was asked by the member for Nepisiguit about
complaints he was receiving from seniors pertaining to prescription drug costs increasing from $2
to $9. I indicated in my response that I certainly was not aware of any such increase. I am happy to
confirm that to the House. The seniors in this province under the Prescription Drug Program who
are receiving the guaranteed income supplement pay $9.05 per prescription, but they have been
paying that amount since 1996, when it was increased by the previous government from $7.05. Also,
as I indicated yesterday, there is a cap on how much seniors pay under the Prescription Drug
Program: $250 a year for those receiving the guaranteed income supplement. Again, that has not
changed since 1996, when the previous government increased that cap from $120 to $250.
Mr. Branch: Many seniors were complaining to me that, especially when they have several
prescriptions . . . This lady who complained to me said that she could not afford her heart pills. She
was spacing them out way beyond what the doctor suggested, because she could not afford them.
I would like the minister to look into this to see if it can be regulated.
Hon. Mr. Green: If, off the floor of the House, the honourable member wishes to provide me with
information on this particular case, I will be happy to look into it. However, I think it is important
to be clear that the suggestion made yesterday that the cost of prescription drugs for seniors had
increased from $2 to $9 is simply not accurate. This government has not increased the cost to seniors
under the Prescription Drug Program for those seniors receiving the guaranteed income supplement
for the past 10 years. That is in spite of the fact the costs to us, as a government, under the
Prescription Drug Program have more than doubled.
025 14:55
Tourism
Hon. Mrs. M Alpine-Stiles: I want to respond to ac some questions that were raised in the House
yesterday with regard to the Department of Tourism and Parks. The member for Campbellton, I
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believe, was playing antics with semantics. While there is a summer slide called the alpine slide, the
winter insert refers to the word “alpine” as a synonym of the word “downhill”. The material in the
insert suggests that alpine sledding is, indeed, a family activity, and I can assure the member that
it is, indeed, available at Sugarloaf Provincial Park.
The member opposite also took opposite with the photograph that was captioned “near the city of
Campbellton”. I want the House to know that our marketing staff work very closely with the cities
of our province, and the decision to profile Campbellton in association with the Northern Odyssey
was made in consultation with the city of Campbellton.
Also, a concern was raised about Winterfest, and I would like to correct the member opposite; in
Campbellton, it is not Winterfest, but Snowfest. The member stated that it was overlooked in our
promotion. I can assure the member that the development branch of the Department of Tourism and
Parks works closely to follow up and to contact the communities, to ensure that festival listings are
market-ready. However, there is always a deadline. The deadline for this publication was November
14, and it was up to the community involved to make sure the department received the information
when it had been requested. That did not happen, but the Campbellton Snowfest was certainly listed
on the department’s consumer Web site.
This publication went out on December 6, and if it was of great concern to the member opposite, I
do not understand why he did not raise that concern. If he received calls from his constituents, as
he stated on the radio this morning, why did he not contact the department? Neither the department
nor the office in Campbellton was contacted, and that was four months ago.
I know that the Department of Tourism and Parks does an excellent job. I am proud of the marketing
department and of the work it does, and I will stand by it. I believe the department does an excellent
job for the people of New Brunswick.
Mr. R. Boudreau: First, I want to indicate that I never questioned the staff; I find they are a fine,
excellent staff. The only thing I did was to point out several mistakes that were made. All we wanted
the minister to do was to acknowledge that a mistake had been made and that it would be corrected.
Simple. That’s it.
Energy Conservation
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: This is further to comments made by my colleague, the Minister of the
Environment, yesterday in response to a question from the member for Fredericton North, with
regard to the One-Tonne Challenge. I want to share some more information on the topic today.
There are a number of programs that are being reviewed by the new federal government in Ottawa,
which is a completely natural procedure, as I am sure you can appreciate, when a new government
takes office.
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A few weeks ago, we requested a meeting with the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, to discuss
issues of importance to New Brunswick, and I will also be in contact with the Minister of the
Environment, Minister Ambrose, to outline our strong support of the EnerGuide program in
particular, which is linked to our program, Efficiency New Brunswick. Efficiency New Brunswick
taps into the EnerGuide program.
Our staff, in conversation with federal officials, have pointed out that the EnerGuide program is very
separate from the One-Tonne Challenge, as mentioned by the member for Fredericton North.
Mr. Burke: I cannot stress enough hoe important the One-Tonne Challenge is to provinces across
Canada. Certainly, we hope that this government, which claims to have a great working relationship
with the federal government . . . I would point out that it is somewhat ironic that with this great
relationship they have with the federal government, the funding cuts were made on Friday and had
to be taken under advisement on Tuesday in order to undertake to provide us with an answer today.
So much for the great working relationship with the federal government.
However, I do not doubt the sincerity of this minister, who believes that both the environment and
energy are certainly very important and are pressing issues for our country, let alone for our
province. We encourage her and this government to implore the federal government to ensure that
funding for these groups that participate in the One-Tonne Challenge does not cease.
026 15:00
Hon. Ms. Fowlie: We all recognize that the One-Tonne Challenge is a very high-profile program,
which has been advertised everywhere. What I am trying to emphasize to the member for
Fredericton North, since he wants to put a political spin on these things, is that there have not been
any funding cuts. Apparently I was not clear when I said that programs are being looked at. The new
federal government is looking at all of its programs to ensure that the money is spent in the most
efficient manner. There have been no funding cuts.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
QUESTION PERIOD AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE! < Jeudi >
A TRUE MOMENT IN HISTORY FOR THE ACADIAN POPULATION IN THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!!!!
I didn’t write no long winded blog yesterday because I was busy.
Yes, even for a so call educated bum like myself? I can have a busy day.
It all began in the morning when I received this package at my door.
At first, I had to listen very closely.
You know - if I heard tick ..tick…tick….lol….
Once opened, it was a nice $500 camera and what a beauty it is!
This individual does not wish to be name and he told me that he wish to help my battle.
It’s beautiful gestures like this that keeps me going and going.
Of course, it’s going to take time to learn all the details of the camera.
Someone send me this site to give me a helping hand.
You can see the camera at ..click here...
target="_blank">Charles
Blog
Off I went on the streets with my proud little camera. Words spread like wildfire that I had a new little toy.
Once at the Legislature, I walked through the Quebec security staff and when downstairs in the cafeteria.
I was approached by a friendly Commissionaire telling me that I forgot to give my camera to the Quebec security staff at the door.
Maybe it was because I was still excited like a little child with a new toy?
But this confrontation was very friendly.
I never met this commissionaire before and I recognized that he had the same French accent as mine.
I said - Excuse me? Where are you from? He told me that he was an Acadian from Moncton.
His name was Yvon LeBlanc!!!
I quickly shook his hand and said- MY GOD???? AN ACADIAN COMMISSIONAIRE IN THE PEOPLE’S HOUSE????
In the four years of being around the Legislature I have never came face to face with a Acadian commissionaire.
This is truly history in the making for the Acadian population.
He told me that he’s here because he’s bilingual.
Yes, he can speak English and French better than those Quebecers at the front door who has a very difficult time speaking English!
I was so excited that this morning, I phoned the talk show in Saint John.
I told them the wonderful news that we have an Acadian Commissionaire in the People’s House. 
I felt like my bigot buddy Jimmy Webb!!!!...lol
These Quebecers are very ignorant with the public.
Of course we have a nice polite black guy working in there and he’s very poilite with the public.
Different cultures from New Brunswick should be allowed to work in the people’s House and this includes Acadians.
Many MLA’S are telling me that they don’t like it and don’t say a word.
Many asked me if I’m running for political office and the answer is always a BIG NO!!!
But if I ran and won?
My first statement in the House would be asking why do we have Quebecers in charge of the People’s House? 
They are so ignorant that they zoomed their cameras in me all the time.
How do I know this?
It takes me minutes to reach the door and Andre the Commissionaire from Quebec has already my name on the guest list.
These Quebecers are telling me that my signatures is not good enough. 
They enjoy to degrade me in front of the Fredericton Police Force but that’s ok!
Every actions is in one of my five ADHD minds and I blog the action afterwards.
They wish to play games? I love games!!!...lol
Yes, it is indeed a moment in history for the Acadian Population to have a polite Acadian in the House.
Ok…yesterday, I felt I was protesting all over again in front of the Legislature.
I called the evicted single mom and she told me that she didn’t have any food for the kids. I might add this woman was really good to me during my protest. In fact? Once the Quebec security staff stoled my tent? She came forward with a new one.
We all know who your true friends are when you're down in the dumps and a friend I am!!!
This woman don’t asked anyone for handouts and I know this so I asked a guy for a ride to the top of the hill to my church and once there?
I would bring them some food.
My God? It wasn’t a simple task! I waited for two hours to find a ride.
Usually, I just in there and quickly disappear.
But the interesting part was a man with a grey beard walked in the House and asked me –If the Government was inside?
Once through the doors, I noticed that the Quebec security staff had him surrounded.
Afterwards, he told me that he was born in Germany and his beef was with the private woodlot owners. I don’t know much about the issue but he seems upset.
He look like a individual who just wanted to chat with someone from the Government. < I wish him the very best of luck with that one? >
At 5:00pm, I finally located a drive < a P.C. worker > and I got lots of food for the evicted mom.
Thank God for Father Brien on this one.
So? I’m still trying to figure out all the details of the camera so stay tune for more pictures. There’s no longer excuses to say that the pictures never took and a BIG MERCI BEAUCOUP to the individual who bought me the camera and lets not forget to thank the guy from Saint John who showed up last November and gave me the other camera.
That little camera took around 4,000 pictures and it did his jon very well! A big thank you to that guy in Saint John also.
When you people give me a helping hand like this? It gives me the courage to continue the battle to educate the public of what’s going on in the Capital! Stay tune for more pictures.
UPTOWN SAINT JOHN WANTS CASINOS???
Another version of this email was previously sent.
Gambling Venues in New Brunswick
The issue of formalized gambling venues is presently being reviewed by the Province of New Brunswick. One or more proposals for gambling venues have been proposed in New Brunswick. The Board of Uptown Saint John Inc. would like to know what their membership thinks on this issue and at their meeting of March 2, 2006 voted to poll the membership with one question.
The question: Are you in favour of a casino in uptown Saint John ?
Please cast your
YES, NO or undecided
vote by sending
an email to:
info@uptownsj.com
EVICTED MOM IS VERY GRATEFUL!!!!!
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me get through probably one of the most difficult times of my life...
Thank you Abel Leblanc for fighting for me to get my apartment and to keep my housing... you are the best!
Thank you Charlie for all you did... and thank you to your priest for helping with the groceries after all my expenses... and thank you to everyone else and their comments and all of the love and support I received... I could never have gotten through this without any of you!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!
Things are definately starting to look up!
Evicted mom with kids
Juanita MacKnight funeral was sad...by Dennis Melanson...
Hey Charlie....
Attended the funeral of Juanita McKnight yesterday morning in Moncton.
The first thing that blew me away was the number of people in attendance at
the service.
It was held in the chapel of a funeral home.
Capacity was about 250. It as full...in fact there was about another couple of hundred in the foyer and reception area.
The Family was truly astounded at how many people came to pay their last repects to Juanita.
Her brother gave the eulogy...truly from the heart.
He held his composure throughout..did
much better than I would have been able to do.
The Funeral home had prepared a slide presentation with music that ran before the service.
Very well done....there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Another beautiful touch during the service was the inclusion of music which Juanita had recorded with her doing vocals and playing piano.
She was truly a multi talented person.
It was truly a fitting good-bye for our co-worker and dear friend, Juanita.
Dennis Melanson
Fred Fm
FOR WHAT PROFIT IS IT TO A MAN IF HE GAINS THE WHOLE
WORLD, AND IS HIMSELF DESTROYED OR LOST?
( LUKE 9:25 *NKJV )
Dear Charles,
As you already know in this World today it is very easy to
get caught up in our day to day life. We sometimes even
seem to forget how short our human life is compared to our
Eternal life! After all it is written; WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?
IT IS EVEN A VAPOR THAT APPEARS FOR A LITTLE TIME
AND THEN VANISHES AWAY. ( JAMES 4:14 )
We even see around us many people that are so consumed
by the power of money that they have lost sight of what is
really important! FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS A ROOT OF
ALL KINDS OF EVIL, FOR WHICH SOME HAVE STRAYED
FROM THE FAITH IN THEIR GREEDINESS, AND PIERCED
THEMSELVES THROUGH WITH MANY SORROWS!
( 1 TIMOTHY 6:10 ) For their god has become the almighty
dollar, but when their life is over, all of their money can not
another moment buy!
As Children of God we have an even better life ahead of us!
One with Our Savior Jesus Christ, and a life where; GOD WILL
WIPE AWAY EVERY TEAR FROM YOUR EYES; THERE
SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NOR SORROW, NOR CRYING.
THERE SHALL BE NO MORE PAIN, FOR THE FORMER
THINGS HAVE PASSED AWAY. ( REVELATION 21:4 )
Therefore what a Blessing it is to be a Child of God! So the
next time that you count all of your blessings, be sure to add
that one as well!
Have a wonderful day Charles, and please do not forget to
attend your Church next Sunday, and Worship your Heavenly
Father, also thank Him as well. Amen.
With My Love & Prayers,
your servant Allen
[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
[ Audio---Subscribe---Change of Address---Unsubscribe ]
at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2006 by Apostle Paul Ministries
ABEL LEBLANC'S LETER TO THE IRVING PAPER!!!!
Malley 'deal' takes the cake
I am writing on the issue of Michael (Tanker) Malley becoming Speaker
of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly. How disheartening it is to
have this sort of sham take place in the legislature. No wonder the
citizens of New Brunswick question politicians and their motives.
In this instance, the motive is greed. For those who may not know, each
MLA has to have eight sessions to be eligible for a pension. Each
session is constituted by the giving of the throne speech. There is
generally one throne speech per year, however, that can be changed at the whim
of the premier. The last throne speech was made in December, 2005; this
carries through until, supposedly, December, 2006.
Mr. Malley chose to leave the Progressive Conservative Party to sit as
an Independent. He supposedly did so because he was passed over in the
last cabinet shuffle. Although not ministerial material, this man is
now holding one of the most prestigious seats in our province. I must
ask, does this make any sense? How did this happen?
At the 11th hour former cabinet minister Tony Huntjens supposedly
stepped aside for the good of the Tory team, allowing Mr. Malley to step in.
What has this done for the team?
Well, it is allowing l6 Tory MLAs to get the time needed to collect
their pensions. Had this government fallen, those MLAs would have been at
the mercy of the electorate to regain their seats - and earn the time
needed to collect this coveted pension. I've heard of sneaky deals, but
this one takes the cake.
Shame, shame, shame.
ABEL LeBLANC
Liberal MLA
Saint John Lancaster
RICK DOUCET GETTING READY FOR THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION???
He's in no mean the Legend Sheldon Lee but he's dedicated to his cause. 
I felt bad for the guy. He was enjoying a moment of peace and the blogger got him and of course he had to listen to me for 15 minutes!!!...lol
QUESTIONS PERIOD AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE < Mercredi >
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012 10:50
Mr. S. Graham: At the outset, I welcome the invitation to visit the member for Tantramar this
summer at his farm in Kent County, but I must remind the member that the Zion Church Road is in
such a pitiful state of disrepair because this government, over the past seven years, has neglected
to repair it. It will have to be a Liberal government that will fix the road to his farm.
Child Care
My question this morning is for the Premier. We are concerned about child care in New Brunswick.
In fact, this morning, Statistics Canada released a report on child care trends. These findings identify
the dramatically increasing need for child care spaces in New Brunswick in our urban areas and in
our rural areas. Does the Premier agree that we need significant new investments in this area that
would be provided under the existing $100-million agreement in principle between New Brunswick
and the government of Canada?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I am very pleased that our government, in the past seven years, has reversed the
trends that were put in place by the previous Liberal government. The same way that the roads in
Kent County were neglected by the Graham family for over 25 years, the child care system of New
Brunswick was also neglected by the Liberals during the time that they were in government. They
cut subsidies to child care operators in this province. They cut support for parents who needed child
care in this province, and we reinstated that support in the past seven years. This year’s budget
contains new, additional investments to help families and children in New Brunswick.
Mr. S. Graham: I am disappointed that the Premier is starting with personal attacks against our
family this morning.
I can say very clearly that the fact remains that, today, a report by Statistics Canada clearly outlines
the need for more day care programs in New Brunswick. The need has increased dramatically. My
question to the Premier is this. Would you not agree that the agreement in principle of $100 million
would go a long way toward solving this problem?
Hon. Mr. Lord: We have seen the trend this week. The Leader of the Opposition comes to the
House and wants to fight the fight of the Liberal Party of Canada. He wants to fight against the
Conservative Party of Canada. I want to tell you that I am here to work for the people of New
Brunswick.
013 10:55
I want to say very clearly that I support this budget because this budget contains additional
investments for day care and additional investments for parents. That is the important thing. I also
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support the policy of the federal government to give more choices to parents by providing them
directly with $1 200 per child. It will help more parents in more areas of the province than the
proposal of the previous Liberal government.
Mr. S. Graham: It is not a question of choice, because no choice exists in New Brunswick today.
We are the worst in the country for having accessible and affordable day care programs. I make no
apology on this side of the House for standing up and fighting for the parents of New Brunswick
who need acceptable day care programs. The point that we are making today is that there was an
agreement in principle, and today eight Premiers across this country are expressing concern that the
agreement will be broken. Only two Premiers are sitting silent. You are one of them. That is why
we on this side of the Chamber are asking: Would not $100 million go a long way in bringing up
our standards and helping children access affordable day care?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I have been anything but silent on this. I stated very clearly that I support the
approach of the federal government to provide more choices to parents. The days of the Liberal
thinking, that the Liberal government can educate children better than parents can, are long gone.
We believe that parents know how to educate their children, and that is why our government wants
to support parents in that task.
The Leader of the Opposition should know that the $1 200 per child is worth more to the province
of New Brunswick—not to the government of New Brunswick, but to the parents of New
Brunswick—than the current agreement in principle with the previous Liberal government. There
is more funding for children and parents under the Conservative plan than there is under the Liberal
plan.
Mr. S. Graham: The point is clear. Eight Premiers in this country today are concerned that the
agreement in principle that was signed will not be directed toward affordable and accessible day
care. The Premier talks about giving money back to parents. The Caledon Institute of Social Policy
recently released a report. I will share it with the Premier. The fact is that in a two-income family,
earning approximately $36 000 a year, the $1 200 child care allowance will increase the family’s
taxable income so that it will pay $422 more in federal and provincial taxes. The allowance will also
result in a $390 reduction in the Canada child tax credit, the GST credit, and the provincial tax
credit, and the actual net income will only be $388 per family. Is this the type of vision that our
Premier has—$400 of actual income in parents’ pockets, or $100 million to create 6 500 new
affordable day care spaces in New Brunswick?
Hon. Mr. Lord: The vision and the plan that we have been putting in place has resulted in 2 700
more day care spaces in New Brunswick. This is far better than the track record of cutting subsidies
and cutting help to day care operators in New Brunswick. The Liberal Party of New Brunswick has
no leg to stand on when it comes to protecting day cares and helping parents. They are the ones who
neglected the social side. I bet you that the Leader of the Opposition subscribes to the point of view
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of the big brothers in Ottawa who think that the parents will only spend this on beer and popcorn.
That is the philosophy of the Liberal Party.
Mr. S. Graham: The audacity of this Premier to talk about credibility. The bottom line is that the
main thrust of the throne speech that was presented in December was the new prekindergarten
program that this government announced with great fanfare. We, on this side of the House, took it
that the research had been done, that the consultation had been done, but it is clear today, with
respect to credibility, that this government has none, because it was all about politics. If this
government were committed to the prekindergarten program, it would have committed to it in this
budget. What it was looking for instead was a headline in the newspapers.
014 11:00
Hon. Mr. Lord: This is the style of negative attacks that we are accustomed to from the Leader of
the Opposition and his party. The fact is, they like to criticize everything. The fact is, we are
committed to putting in place a universal pre-K program for four-year-olds in New Brunswick. To
do it right, we believe in consultation before the fact. Did the Liberal Party consult with daycare
operators when it cut their funding? No, it did not. Did the Liberal Party consult with parents when
it cut subsidies to parents for childcare spaces? No, it did not. Will this Conservative government
of New Brunswick consult with parents and daycare operators before we set up a pre-K program?
Absolutely, we will.
Mr. S. Graham: It is very clear this morning that this budget is all about politics and it is not about
people. The Premier wants to fight the election of seven years ago. I welcome fighting the next
election. Very clearly, our position on investing in new childcare spaces will be front and clear.
Why? Because it is not a question of choice when no choice exists in our province. You are willing
to give up $100 million to invest in the children of New Brunswick. Well, a Liberal government is
committed to bringing forward the spaces to both rural and urban New Brunswick.
The Premier announced that he had a plan, that he had a vision, and it was the main component of
his throne speech. It is very clear now that when that was announced in December, he was not
looking to improve early childhood education—he was simply looking for a headline. It is the
children of New Brunswick who have been let down by his lack of leadership today on these files.
Hon. Mr. Lord: I am not sure if there was a question, but there certainly is an opening. First of all,
$31 million of the agreement in principle will come to New Brunswick. That spending is outlined
in the budget. On top of that, the parents of New Brunswick will start receiving the $1 200 from the
federal government. This budget is about people. This budget is about the future of New Brunswick.
I want to remind the Leader of the Opposition that I am looking forward to the next election. I am
not going to force an election just because the Leader of the Opposition is scared that he is going
to lose his job from his own party. He has to deal with his own problems. I am not going to force
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an election and ask the people of New Brunswick to pay an extra $5 million to $10 million, just
because the Leader of the Opposition wants to force an election. That would be irresponsible.
What is responsible is investing record amounts in health care. What is responsible is protecting the
homes of seniors. What is responsible is investing record amounts in education.
Power Rate Increases
Mr. Paulin: I would certainly like to tell this government what the people of Madawaska and
Restigouche think about this government. Unfortunately, the rules of this House do not permit me
to use that language. If this government really wants to know what the people think, go to the polls
and find out.
This government announced in its budget and made reference that a power rate increase of 8% is
acceptable, for this year only. God knows what for next year. However, when this government is
questioned on how it will help our mills in New Brunswick, it replies that that is out of their control.
We know that this government does not have any control over anything.
My question to the Minister of Natural Resources is simple: What commitment has he made to
protect companies in New Brunswick against skyrocketing energy costs?
Hon. Mr. Ashfield: We have a very clear plan on this side of the House, unlike the members
opposite who have no plans at all. We introduced a $250-million forestry package, which is
outstanding and uprecedented in this province, to help our industries in this province. One of the
components of that is to look at the energy file.
015 11:05
Forest Products
Mr. Paulin: This government says that it has a long-term vision for the forestry sector in New
Brunswick. We are seeing mills closing, and we are seeing people losing jobs throughout this
province because of the inaction of this government. What is this government doing to promote
value-added jobs in New Brunswick, to save those communities that are in dire straits?
Hon. Mr. Ashfield: Forestry, mills, and pulp mills are all value-added. That is what the forestry
industry is about, and that is what the production is about when we go into the mills. They are valueadded
products. Therefore, I do not know what the actual question of the member opposite is.
Apparently, he does not understand the forestry industry and the role that the mills have in this
province. We look at the continued value-added in some of the smaller sectors that is ongoing. We
have a tremendous small value-added industry in this province. It is important to the fibre of New
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Brunswick, and it creates many, many jobs. We will continue to work with that sector as long as we
are here, and I expect that to be for quite some time.
Mr. Paulin: When this government is cornered to give an honest answer that concerns the
livelihoods of many New Brunswickers, we are criticized for asking questions. I want to say to this
government that, as long as I am the member in Restigouche County, I will continue to ask questions
to this government. I will continue to complain to this government. I will continue to chastise this
government if I need to. However, it will be the people of New Brunswick who will punish this
government.
My question for the Minister of Natural Resources is that there are numerous small- and mediumsized
businesses throughout Restigouche County and elsewhere that received help from the
Department of Natural Resources and that could have created jobs like Sharpe Canoes in Mann
Mountain, the Levesque mill, in Saint-Arthur, and La Scierie Chasse, in Kedgwick. Where were this
government, this minister, and the Department of Natural Resources? Where do you stand on these
requests?
Hon. Mr. Ashfield: I can tell you and assure you that, on this side of the House, we do tell the truth.
In terms of the question posed by the member opposite, we provide assistance, and we are constantly
working with the value-added sector in this province. As requests come in, we deal with them, and
we will continue to deal with them, unlike what took place with the previous government.
Assurance
M. Landry : Ma question est pour le ministre de la Justice et de la Consommation. Dernièrement,
plusieurs personnes me disent que leurs primes d’assurance-maison augmentent.
(Exclamation.)
M. Landry : Non, non, je n’ai pas les chiffres ; je ne me tromperai pas dans mes chiffres ce matin,
Monsieur le ministre des Transports.
Je veux savoir, au moment où les gens commencent à voir la lumière au bout du tunnel en ce qui a
trait à l’assurance automobile — je dis bien « commencent » —, si le ministre a appris hier, comme
je l’ai vu au réseau anglais de Radio-Canada, qu’il y a une augmentation des primes d’assurancemaison.
Hon. Mr. Fitch: As the newly minted Minister of Justice and Consumer Affairs, I am glad to stand
up and talk about the record of the government on auto insurance. As the opposition has said, auto
insurance rates are coming down in New Brunswick. I am well aware of the work of Robert Jones
on the CBC, and I am well aware of the type of information that he gives. It was interesting to see
that, as Robert Jones went from house to house to house to ask people about their auto insurance
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rates, they kept saying that their insurance rates had gone down. I guess the reforms that were put
in place by this government have worked.
M. Landry : Je rappelle au ministre que ce n’est pas l’assurance automobile qui me préoccupe ce
matin. Je lui ai demandé s’il était au courant que les gens commencent à se plaindre parce que les
primes d’assurance-maison augmentent au Nouveau-Brunswick. Je veux savoir s’il va attendre aussi
longtemps avant de régler la question de l’assurance-maison que le temps que ce gouvernement a
pris pour régler la question de l’assurance automobile. Ce gouvernement n’a jamais réglé le
problème de l’assurance automobile. Je veux savoir si les primes doivent dégringoler autant avant
que ce gouvernement prenne position.
016 11:10
Hon. Mr. Fitch: As was reported in the CBC interview last night, there are some changes in house
insurance rates. We are certainly well aware of things that are happening within the industry, be it
auto or house insurance. It is interesting to note that the member opposite did not provide any figures
or research. The last research they quoted from national research associates, they had to retract the
next day—that is, Corporate Research Associates. They had to retract it the next day because they
had purchased information that was wrong.
Of course, they took that to the press, and it was on the front page. When they had to retract it the
next day, it appeared on the back. That is the way the Liberals work in this House. They like to
sensationalize headlines. When they are wrong, and when they find out they are wrong, they like
to minimize it and put it on the back page. It is certainly this government’s opportunity that the
reforms we put forward on auto insurance work. Auto insurance is certainly different from house
insurance.
M. Landry : Je voudrais savoir si les chiffres dont on a parlé au réseau anglais de Radio-Canada,
avec M. Jones, sont les mêmes que ceux du ministre. Si oui, j’aimerais qu’il les dépose pour qu’on
puisse, nous aussi, les vérifier.
Hon. Mr. Fitch: I am sorry, the translation was a little muffled. Is he asking me to table the research
that they bought, and that they put forward in the press? From the standpoint of some of the reforms
we did. . . We have an insurance advocate whose name is Mr. Godin. If people have issues with
insurance, they can contact Mr. Godin. The way the New Brunswick Insurance Board is structured
means that it can have the opportunity and direction to also be able to look at house insurance.
We have to remember that auto insurance is mandatory here in the province of New Brunswick;
however, purchasing house insurance is not. A lot of people who deal with banks or trust companies
are required to, but it is not mandatory, nor does it have the reforms associated with auto insurance.
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When it comes to sincerity, we, on this side of the House, are truly sincere in making sure that the
people of New Brunswick have the . . . We ensure the protection of the public interest. The sincerity
on the other side of the House . . .
Mr. Speaker: Minister.
Tourism
Mr. R. Boudreau: My questions this morning are for the Minister of Tourism and Parks. In the last
few years, the tourism marketing budget was reduced significantly by this government, from an
estimated $11.5 million in 2002-03, to $9.5 million in 2004-05. This represents a $2-million
reduction. When we look at the 2006-07 main estimates, we see that $10.5 million has been
allocated to the marketing division. Are we correct in believing that the government has not invested
new money in the marketing budget, but has only put back half the money it took away in 2002-03?
Hon. Mrs. M Alpine-Stiles: It is indeed a joy for me ac to stand in the House and talk about tourism
in this province. The tourism industry is probably one of the fastest growing industries that we have
in the province. We have a tremendous market, and a tremendous group of individuals who are
proud to be part of this industry. The government of New Brunswick has invested in tourism. We
believe in the tourism industry. The marketing budget of the Department of Tourism and Parks is
done in such a way that we maximise the dollars we receive from government. We maximise the
partnerships we have with the federal government.
A very good example is the partnership we have with ACOA, and the $8 million that was just
announced on Saturday for the Fundy Trail. This shows the province of New Brunswick, and the
country, exactly what New Brunswick is about, and all we have to offer. I am very, very happy
about the new partnership with the federal government, and I look forward to our relationship and
more great news to come. Those partnerships and marketing dollars are going to put us on the map.
Thank you.
Mr. R. Boudreau: My second question to the minister is about the budget. I certainly cannot
support this budget. For one thing, when we talk about parks and so on and so forth, we see that
there is nothing in the budget for northern New Brunswick. The Restigouche River, Chaleur Bay,
Sugarloaf Provincial Park—there is nothing there. Why, Madam Minister?
017 11:15
Hon. Mrs. MacAlpine-Stiles: I find it quite appalling that the member opposite would say that there
is nothing in the budget for northern New Brunswick. Northern New Brunswick is a very integral
and important part of the tourism scheme of the province. All you have to do is talk to tourists who
come to the province, as the member opposite must know. He must recognize the wealth and the
opportunities that are in the north. I can tell you that the Department of Tourism and Parks promotes
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the north heavily in all of its tourism brochures and marketing schemes. The proof has been shown
that, indeed, that marketing has worked. Tourists are coming to the province and are enjoying the
northern part of the province. I can assure the member opposite that the parks and all that New
Brunswick has to offer are world-renowned, and they continue to be on the map. New Brunswick
is growing, the tourism industry is growing, and we are making a name for ourselves in Europe, in
Germany, and in the United States. I am more than pleased that we are doing what we need to do
for the tourism industry, and we will continue to work with our federal counterparts to promote the
province of New Brunswick.
Mr. R. Boudreau: This budget is about politics and not people. As a point in question, I have here
a flyer that has been sent throughout the province of New Brunswick. We talk about northern New
Brunswick and all of the money that is being spent, but let me take you on a little trip through there.
First, there is a picture that says “Near Campbellton”. The picture was taken near Mount Carleton,
40 miles away. Second, they talk about festivals in there. Nowhere is there mention of the festival
in Campbellton, the Winterfest, that is held every year.
That is not too bad. However, the third one, since you spent so much money . . . I wonder if the
minister can explain to me and to the people of my riding why, in a winter program, they say:
Looking for the ultimate sledding experience? Take the kids on an alpine slide at Sugarloaf
Provincial Park.
The alpine slides are a summer activity, and they are closed in the wintertime. How could you allow
such an abomination to happen?
Hon. Mrs. MacAlpine-Stiles: I would ask the member opposite to table that. I would like to have
a look at that. I can assure the member opposite . . .
(Interjections.)
Hon. Mrs. MacAlpine-Stiles: Mr. Speaker, could I have some decorum? I do not heckle them when
they have something to say.
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Hon. Mrs. MacAlpine-Stiles: I would appreciate the same respect in this House. I never heckle
anyone on the other side. I would appreciate having a chance to speak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Great Northern Odyssey, the White Gold program—all that has happened primarily in the north
of the province, this year, especially . . . Because of the fact that the snow was in the north of the
province, there were tremendous opportunities, and there was tremendous growth in that industry
in the north. For obvious reasons, people migrated there to do snowmobiling and other winter
activities.
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I will take a look at that brochure. I am sure that if it was, it was a typo on somebody’s part. I can
tell you that I have great faith in the marketing division of the Department of Tourism and Parks.
They are an excellent staff who do a tremendous job. I would stand by them and stand up for them
on any occasion, because I know the great work they do and I know that they are dedicated to the
tourism industry and to marketing this great province.
Energy Conservation
Mr. Burke: The Premier and his ministers have been making many promises on the energy file,
some that may look good at face value, but like all of this government’s political spin, the devil is
in the details. Just on Friday, the Globe and Mail published a story saying that the federal
Conservative government has “abruptly stopped funding groups across the country that have been
promoting the One-Tonne Challenge”. There are concerns that this may have an impact on the
funding to the New Brunswick EnerGuide Program, which home grades will be based upon. Can
the Minister of Environment confirm whether these provincial governments will be affected by the
new federal government’s plans to scrap funding?
Hon. Mr. Holder: I am not aware of any federal government decision to scrap funding. I will take
that under advisement and report back to the House, but I can assure the member opposite that we
are going to fight as hard as we can to make sure that New Brunswick always gets its fair share. We
will work with the federal government. We have a great relationship, as we have said many times.
We are going to work with the federal government. We are very much committed to our Five in Five
initiatives. Our new Efficiency NB program is very much a part of that, and it will continue to be
a part of that. I really believe that we are going to look back 20 years from now and see that
Efficiency NB is a legacy of this government.
018 11:20
Mr. Burke: I do not question the sincerity of the Minister of Environment or the veracity of his
comments here this morning when he says that he will check into this. The announcement was made
on Friday, so I would appreciate it if the minister could report back to the House with an answer to
my previous question.
This is my second question. I quote the Globe and Mail again: The Conservatives are also reviewing
roughly 100 other climate change programs set up by the previous Liberal government. My concern
is that the announcement on home energy upgrades, and the more recent announcement on energy
efficiency, are just another example of napkin politics for this government. What I mean is that they
are seeking to gain political points based on weekend dinners, written on the back of napkins,
without any long-term vision policy. My question to the Minister of Energy this morning is this:
Who did you consult before making these policy choices on the impact of the review by your federal
partners? Will these reviews negatively impact on any of your recent announcements?
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Hon. Mr. Holder: The member said the Minister of Energy, but I assume the question is directed
to me. I do not want anybody to think for a minute that Efficiency NB is going to be window
dressing. We are very serious about this. We are very serious about getting energy consumption
under control in this province. We believed that right from day one, from the time we set up this
commission. We are going to continue to do that, and we are not window dressing this for any
purpose. I can assure the member opposite that we are going to continue to make this work and we
are going to continue to put some legs under this.
Prescription Drug Program
Mr. Branch: I have a question for the minister in charge of the drug program for senior citizens.
Many senior citizens are complaining to me about the price of prescriptions going from $2 to
approximately $9. Can the minister give us an outline of why this is taking place?
Hon. Mr. Green: The government of the province, through the Department of Health, makes
substantial investments each and every year in our Prescription Drug Program. As a matter of fact,
it is the single fastest-growing component of the health budget in this province. We have listed on
the drug formulary, just since we took office in 1999, over 225 additional medications. We do
everything we can to make certain that the Prescription Drug Program remains as affordable as
possible. That is why we keep co-payments as low as possible. We will continue to do that.
Mr. Branch: I certainly see this as a really serious problem for senior citizens who are struggling
to meet ever-increasing costs in all facets of their lives. As the cost under the drug program increases
from $2 to $9, it poses a sincere hardship, because these people really need these drugs for whatever
sickness they have. Could the minister not revise this for our seniors? They are the people who built
this province, and we are the inheritors of what they have done. Can you take that back to your
Cabinet colleagues and make a stronger pitch for the seniors of New Brunswick?
Hon. Mr. Green: I am not entirely clear on where the member opposite has derived his numbers
when he suggests an increase from $2 to $9 per prescription. I will come back to the member
opposite to try to answer his question in more detail. I can say that not only do we keep costs to a
minimum for the Prescription Drug Program, there is also a cap, a maximum that each senior is
expected to pay over the course of a year. That also helps to keep the program very affordable.
Again, it is the fastest growing component of our budget, and is more than double just since 1999.
We will continue making investments in the Prescription Drug Program to expand the formulary and
to improve service to our seniors and to those who live on small incomes.
Mr. Speaker: That is the end of question period.
REMI CORMIER SADLY DIED TWO YEARS AGO THIS MORNING!!!!
My prayers are with his family on this very emotional day.
If you're a newcomer? You can read this blog by clicking here -
target="_blank">Charles
Blog
THE LORD IS FAR FROM THE WICKED, BUT HE HEARS THE
PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS.
( PROVERBS 15:29 *NKJV )
Dear Charles,
We may pray that God will handle a problem for us, or to
fulfill a dream we have, while never letting it go for Him to
handle.
We instead take it back and try to handle it on our own.
We may then even put all of our trust in another to solve it for
us as well. Now it is written; IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN THE
LORD THAN TO PUT CONFIDENCE IN MAN. ( PSALM 118:8 )
So the next time that you ask God to handle something for you,
leave it in God's capable hands, and; REST IN THE LORD, AND
WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM. ( PSALM 37:7 ) Do not pull it back
again and try to handle it without Him.
Now this reminds me of a poem that I often read before I pray
for something, and I will share it with you right now. I hope that
you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Broken Dreams
As children bring
their broken toys
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams
to God
because He was my friend!
But then instead
of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,
I hung around
and tried to help
with ways
that were my own.
At last I snatched them back
and cried,
"How can you be so slow?"
"My child," He said
"What could I do?
You never did let go."
Author Unknown
With My Love & Prayers,
Pastor Allen
[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
[ Audio---Subscribe---Change of Address---Unsubscribe ]
at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2006 by Apostle Paul Ministries
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM IN THE CAPITAL!!!!
The next few days are suppose to be bad. This is the first picture I post with my new camera. Thanks again to the individual!!!!
CHARLES ALMOST TOOK AN HEART ATTACK AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!!!
A DELIVERY PERSON WAKES CHARLES UP AT 7:30AM BUT IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!
I got a brand new camera!!!!! Ain't she a beauty???? Got to wake up and get coffee!! Yes.....there's sure some good people around!!!!! It's action like this one that keeps me going!!!!
QUESTION PERIOD AT THE NEW BRUNSWICK LEGISLATURE!!! < Monday >
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Aboriginal Peoples
Mr. S. Graham: This week, we welcomed the opening of the House of Commons in Ottawa. There
is a new Prime Minister in place, and while we may question his policies, we do not question his
sincere desire to serve in the best interest of all Canadians and of all New Brunswickers.
There are a number of issues, however, pertaining to federal-provincial relations, which concern us
today. My first question is for the Premier, and it pertains to the Kelowna accord, which was signed
last November. This was a $5.1-billion blueprint for alleviating Aboriginal poverty in Canada and
strengthening relations with First Nations from coast to coast. The government of New Brunswick
pledged support for this Kelowna accord at the first ministers meeting where it was finalized, but
the new Conservative government of Hon. Stephen Harper has yet to indicate whether he will
honour this historic agreement.
My question to the Premier this afternoon is this: What steps are you taking to make sure that your
signature is honoured with this accord?
Hon. Mr. Lord: There was a very good meeting in Kelowna, B.C., and I was pleased to be there
to represent the people of New Brunswick. Leading up to that meeting, I held a series of discussions
with Aboriginal leaders in the province, to hear their thoughts and their views on how we can deal
with some of the major issues that they face in New Brunswick. We intend to continue our work
with Aboriginal leaders here in the province, and we will certainly work with the new federal
government to see what it wants to do to address the issues of poverty, job creation, health care,
wellness, social programs, and housing that the Native people have throughout the country.
Mr. S. Graham: May I remind the Premier that work has been finished. In fact, an accord was
signed—and he fully supported it—on how to address the issues facing First Nations communities,
in New Brunswick and across the country, pertaining to health care, education, and housing. It is not
an issue of consultation. It is now an issue of honouring the agreement that was signed—your
participatory signature of this agreement.
My question to you today, Mr. Premier, is this: When we met with the First Nations Chiefs a number
of weeks ago, their number one concern with us was that New Brunswick had still not taken a
position on whether we were going to force the government to honour this historically signed
agreement. Mr. Premier, are you prepared to take that step here today, to ask Stephen Harper to
honour this agreement?
016 14:10
Hon. Mr. Lord: I am certainly willing to respect the choice of the Canadian people to elect a new
government. I am very pleased with the new government in Ottawa. We have an outstanding, strong
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relationship with the current Prime Minister and with the new government. We finally have a Prime
Minister who wants to respect provinces and respect the jurisdictions of different levels of
government. That bodes well, because we also respect the jurisdictions of different levels of
government. We acknowledge that we are here in New Brunswick, wanting to work with the
Aboriginal people of New Brunswick, but we also respect the fact that they fall under the
jurisdiction of the federal government.
Mr. S. Graham: In Canada today, we may have the third-best conditions in the world with respect
to living situations. The bottom line is that First Nations communities living in Canada are ranked
at 63. There is a stark contrast between First Nations communities and the communities in which
we live, and that is why it is very important that we honour this agreement to help make up for the
disparity that exists today with First Nations communities in New Brunswick.
When I met with the chiefs of New Brunswick, their position was loud and clear. The work was
done. You signed on to this agreement. You said it was a blueprint that was needed. That is why you
put your signature in place. Now I am asking you: Are you prepared to fight to have that
commitment honoured?
Hon. Mr. Lord: As I have stated, I was very pleased to participate in the meeting in Kelowna, and
I believe that important work has been done here in New Brunswick and throughout the country. We
will continue to work with the federal government. The funding that was in place that was
announced at Kelowna is entirely federal. It will be up to the federal government to decide how and
where it wants to allocate the funding.
In New Brunswick, we have taken measures in terms of direct wood allocation for Aboriginal
people. There have been some agreements with regard to taxes and certain revenues, where the
Aboriginal people get treatment that can help them develop their economy for economic growth and
social development. Those are in place. We have talked about those issues with the chiefs here in
New Brunswick. I will make the commitment that I will continue to work with the Aboriginal
people of this province to raise the living standards, the economic output, and social progress for
the Aboriginal people in New Brunswick.
Mr. S. Graham: I want to make it very clear that what the Premier is not saying today is that the
work that was accomplished with the Kelowna accord, a $5.1-billion agreement that was signed to
alleviate Aboriginal poverty in our province . . . Now he is saying that they want to go back to the
drawing board and see how they can reallocate those dollars. What the First Nations communities
and the leaders of these First Nations communities want from this Premier is for him to say that he
is going to honour his signature on this agreement.
On December 6, 2005, in the speech from the throne opening the third session of the 55th
Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, the government of this province notoriously pledged to
prepare a New Brunswick First Nations education strategy, to conduct a First Nations housing
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conference, and to create a First Nations health blueprint and a First Nations economic development
plan. This was in your speech from the throne. The Mi’kmaq and Maliseet chiefs of New Brunswick
have recently complained that they have yet to be consulted on any of these planned initiatives. They
are unaware of any action taken by this government on these pledges.
(Interjections.)
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
Mr. S. Graham: Can you indicate to this House the steps that have been taken to fulfill these
specific pledges that you made to the First Nations communities of New Brunswick in your throne
speech?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I myself met with the chiefs and held roundtable discussions with the chiefs. When
the Leader of the Opposition says that there was no consultation, he is distorting the facts. He is
totally incorrect with the truth. We will continue to work with the Aboriginal people of this
province. We have a minister who is in charge of Aboriginal affairs. We created New Brunswick’s
first Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat. We hired a deputy minister from the Aboriginal community to
help us have a better liaison with the Aboriginal community, and we will continue that work. We
know there are some issues with the Aboriginal people in this province. We know that their full
economic potential has not yet been realized. We know that there are some social issues that need
to be addressed, and we want to do it in cooperation, in partnership, with them. We also want the
federal government to be fully engaged.
017 14:15
Mr. S. Graham: If the Premier had been listening in this meeting with the First Nations leaders, he
would have heard the message loud and clear that they want this province to honour the agreement
on which this Premier has his signature. He is not prepared to stand up to the Prime Minister of
Canada and say: Honour the agreement that was signed.
Funding
Yesterday, the minister for ACOA said that federal funding to build a new stadium in Moncton for
the 2010 world track and field championships may be put on hold. Yesterday, I had an opportunity
to meet with the Mayor of Moncton and congratulate him publicly on the success of securing this
important initiative. My question to the Premier today is this: Can you confirm that the province
remains committed to its share of funding for the project? What component of the $5-million pledge
is included in this current budget?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I think the Leader of the Opposition just cannot stand the good news, and cannot
stand the great relationship we have with the federal government, because that really throws him off
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his game. The members opposite love it when things go bad in New Brunswick. When things go
well, they have a hard time accepting that. Let me tell you that we love it when things go well in the
province of New Brunswick. We are not done. I have spoken personally with the Minister of
Intergovernmental Affairs for the federal government, who is also the Minister for Sport. He
confirmed to me that the funding is in place. Our office has been in contact with the Office of the
Prime Minister. I have no concerns whatsoever that the federal government will deliver on its
commitment.
With regard to the question, the budget that was tabled last week for the fiscal year 2006-07 does
not contain any money whatsoever for the funding of the stadium. That money was delivered in the
fiscal year that ended March 31, 2006.
Mr. S. Graham: When we hear Peter McKay say today that it is not currently in the budget, that
an official application has not been made, that is a cause for concern. In talking yesterday with the
Mayor of Moncton, he very clearly outlined that we need to move aggressively on this project,
because it will allow a volunteer base to be established, and it will allow the city of Moncton to host
world-class events prior to the world junior track and field championships being held. In fact, it will
allow Moncton to apply to host the national track and field championships or the junior track and
field championships. If the money is in the current fiscal period, we welcome that news. The cause
of concern today is the mixed message coming from the federal government. That is why we are
asking you to make sure to press the fact that its portion is included in the upcoming federal budget.
Hon. Mr. Lord: Our government could not be more aggressive in supporting the city of Moncton
and the université de Moncton in their efforts. I want to state, as the MLA for the riding of Moncton
East, that I am extremely pleased that this stadium will be built in the riding of Moncton East. I am
pleased to deliver once again and to get results for the people of Moncton and the people of New
Brunswick. This is a great investment.
I want to correct the Leader of the Opposition. The money is not in the current fiscal year. The
money is in the fiscal year that ended Friday, March 31, 2006. Our money is there. The city of
Moncton knows that we are there to support them. We want them to go ahead and build the stadium
as quickly as possible and to bring many attractions and competitions to our city and to our great
province, because this will be a great addition. It fully supports the Five in Five Initiative that we
put in place. It helps us make New Brunswick the investment province; it also helps us make New
Brunswick the wellness province.
I am pleased that the federal government wants to be a partner, because until two months ago, the
federal Liberal government had done zero. It had not delivered one cent for this stadium. It had
failed at the task. It was not even in the running. It was totally absent. I am glad that there now is
a new federal government, that it wants to be our partner, and that it will be there for us.
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Employment
Mr. S. Graham: During the last federal election campaign, when Peter McKay was in the
Miramichi region, he promised that a new Conservative government would maintain a minimum
of 200 important federal jobs in the region regardless of the future of the Canada Firearms Centre.
018 14:20
Yesterday, Prime Minister Harper told the Canadian Professional Police Association that his
government would be abolishing the Canadian Firearms Centre. My question to the Premier today
is this: Have you taken any action to prevent the loss of these 200 jobs in the Miramichi, which has
a direct payroll of $8 million to the local economy?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I see a theme developing today that the Leader of the Opposition still wants to
defend his federal Liberal cousins. He may want to fight their last election and he may want to fight
his own last election—that is up to him.
I want to state very clearly the position of the government of New Brunswick. Our position for seven
years has been that we feel that the gun registry has been a waste of money. We have felt all along
that this was not the right policy. At the same time, when I met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
I raised the issue. I suggested to him that as they proceed in eliminating the gun registry, they need
to protect the jobs in the Miramichi and find other valuable work for the people living and working
in the Miramichi. That is the official position of the government of New Brunswick which was
transmitted directly by myself to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Mr. S. Graham: The issue we are raising today is the fact that 200 jobs in the Miramichi have the
potential to be lost, which has a direct impact on the economy of $8 million. That is the issue we are
debating today. When the union representing the 200 workers wrote to your office on March 22, you
turned down a meeting with the local union. In the letter, you said that the subject is just at the study
stage and is of a premature nature. Mr. Premier, it is not of a premature nature. You have stated in
this House that you talked with Stephen Harper about it. Now it is important to follow up with action
and not just words.
My question to the Premier is this: What commitment do you have from Prime Minister Harper that
200 jobs for another government department will be placed in the Miramichi?
Hon. Mr. Lord: I think the Leader of the Opposition should be more accurate in his questions. I
would like him to table the letter that he is reading from. Table that letter. The Leader of the
Opposition says that I stated . . .
(Interjection).
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Hon. Mr. Lord: The Office of the Premier—let’s not be so loose and liberal with the facts. The
facts are that our minister Rose-May Poirier has met with the group. We set up a meeting for this
afternoon to meet with the representatives who are in this Chamber, and I would be happy to meet
with them. Our position has been clear, and I have indicated to the Prime Minister and to the federal
government that we support their decision to scrap the gun registry, but we want them to find work
for the capable New Brunswickers working in the Miramichi. They want to provide a valuable
service to the federal government, and we support that.
Mr. S. Graham: If the Premier is so intent on hearing the correspondence that comes from his
office, I will read it to him:
On behalf of Premier Lord, I would like to acknowledge receipt and thank you for your letter dated
March 9, 2006 in which you request a meeting to discuss the Canada Firearms Centre in Miramichi.
Due to the fact that this subject is only at the study stage, we believe that your request to discuss this
matter with the Premier is of a premature nature.
We encourage that you continue to work with your local Member of Parliament.
Two weeks ago, you denied this request. Yesterday, Prime Minister Harper said he is closing the
registry. It now is not at a premature stage. We need a commitment that you are going to work very
hard with the federal government to see 200 other jobs from a new department come to the
Miramichi.
Hon. Mr. Lord: As I indicated in the previous answer, Minister Rose-May Poirier met with
representatives. She raised the issue with me. She personally asked me to meet with the
representatives, and I said yes. She has organized a meeting for this afternoon. I am happy to meet
with them. Our position has been clear. We will not defend the wasteful use of taxpayers’ dollars
by the previous Liberal government to set up a gun registry system that has cost Canadians billions
of dollars. We will fully support the people in the Miramichi in protecting jobs for people who can
offer good services and do something useful for the Canadian public. We support that.
019 14:25
Since the Leader of the Opposition wants to be very liberal with the facts, let me just add that, when
he talks about the Kelowna accord and he tries to suggest that deals were signed, no accord was
signed. My signature does not appear on a document with the federal government and other
provinces. Therefore, we might as well make the facts clear. The Leader of the Opposition is very,
very liberal with his facts, and that is why it leads to incorrect information.
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Enseignement postsecondaire
M. Lamrock : Encore une fois, le gouvernement domine la course pour être le pire du pays. Cette
fois, je parle de l’accessibilité aux études universitaires. Une nouvelle étude du Educational Policy
Institute dit que le Nouveau-Brunswick est la deuxième pire province au Canada à aider nos citoyens
à avoir accès à l’enseignement postsecondaire et la quatrième pire province en Amérique du Nord.
Malheureusement, les raisons pour nos mauvais résultats sont les faibles revenus — un ancien but
du plan de prospérité où le gouvernement a échoué —, les droits de scolarité élevés et le manque
d’aide financière aux étudiants — un autre but où le gouvernement est maintenant en train
d’échouer.
Je sais bien que la situation est sérieuse, mais, comme première question, j’aimerais poser une
question facile au nouveau ministre. Dans le budget, nous avons vu que l’initiative Cinq en cinq est
seulement une répétition des anciennes mesures. Croit-il qu’il y a assez de mesures dans ce budget
pour renverser la tendance de devenir la pire province au Canada à offrir l’accès à l’enseignement
postsecondaire?
Mr. Carr: It is a great pleasure to get my first question as the new Minister of Post-Secondary
Education and Training today, and I am very proud. In relation to the report that the member
opposite is citing, first, it is already outdated by four years. Second, I am very proud of the actions
that this government has taken. Premier Bernard Lord, in our vision, increased funding for university
infrastructure and increased funding for universities by 34%. Student aid grants increased by 215%.
Access to student loans has been changed to allow for more access. In addition, we have the first
Canadian tuition cash-back program, which will result in $63 million returning to the hands of the
students when it is fully in place. It is a record and progress of which I am very proud.
Mr. Lamrock: Sticking to your talking points may get you to Cabinet, but it will not make you a
memorable minister. In actual fact, after all that, the minister could not say that there was enough
in this budget to turn this trend around. I actually gave him an easy question: Is there enough?
However, he did not say it, because there is not. It is amazing. He says that some of the numbers are
four years old, but if he checked the tables, some of them are not. In actual fact, some of the
programs that he announces and the announcements that he cites are even older than that.
In other jurisdictions, as is noted in this report—in fact, we have actually lost ground in wages since
this report came out, by the way—southern U.S. states, through HOPE scholarships, have managed
to help people on the front end to go to university, rather than just giving them a tax credit after they
are done. There is tuition relief in southern and western states that are at the top of the group. Other
provinces have invested aggressively to help students with high debt with bursaries. None of that
is in this budget, yet this report says that those are the things that put the jurisdictions at the top of
the scale. It is one thing to say that we will cut your taxes when you are done, but his own
commission, the MPHEC, says that lower-income New Brunswick families are declining in their
participation because they are not going in the first place.
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There are three good ideas that other states have done. With a firm date, if not in this budget, when
will this minister bring one of them to this Assembly?
Mr. Carr: Of course, the same old Liberal tactic of negativity is very evident today. The opposition
constantly says that we are doing nothing, and that could not be further from the truth. We have
some real, concrete solutions, and our Premier has taken a leadership role in our country to promote
postsecondary education in New Brunswick. Let me remind the House that, in four of the five last
years of the government opposite, it cut funding to universities. Our Premier and our government
have changed that direction. We have increased funding to universities. We have more to do, and
we are going to do more.
Mr. Lamrock: We are off to a bad start. It is one thing to compare yourself to a government of eight
years ago, but this minister does not want to compare himself to what could be done. There are three
new ideas. Regarding HOPE scholarships, this report says that they put states at the top of the list.
020 14:30
Bursary help for high-debt students—once again, the minister could not talk about it. Another
positive idea was looking at tuition relief. The states and provinces that have done it are at the top
of this list. This minister did not want to talk about it. There were three positive ideas and no
positive response—just a trip back to 1999.
The fact is, if we want to turn around our demographic trend, it is not enough to be second last. If
we want to attract young professionals, we should first be attracting them to our universities by
making them the most affordable.
The most that the minister could say in the Daily Gleaner was that he hoped the federal government
would come and help us. The problem with that is that if we wait for the federal government to lift
all the provinces up equally, we are still second last. We are still losing the demographic race.
My question is this: Will this minister be able to say . . . He cannot wait for the federal government
to do something for all of us. Will he commit to a firm date when we will move up from second last
in the country in terms of affordability of postsecondary education? When will he look at one of the
three positive new ideas we have presented today? If he will not do that, that is a heck of a reason
to vote against the budget.
Hon. Mr. Carr: Of course, the strategy of the Liberals in the past is not one we are going to
embrace, because it was a strategy of cutting funding to universities. Again, this government has
been cleaning up the mess of the previous government, and I am not going to shy away from that.
The fact is, we have increased funding for infrastructure . . .
Mr. Speaker: Order, please.
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Hon. Mr. Carr: . . . to record levels. We continue to have a vision for the future. The Premier has
said it is a five-in-five vision of making New Brunswick the smart province, the best province in the
country to learn, and an even better place to stay and work. We have been making New Brunswick
an economic engine. In fact, last year, we were 1 of only 2 provinces that increased wages and
household incomes. We are going to continue on that path. Again, we have launched a commission,
which is very concrete, to plan for the future of postsecondary education.
We have done a lot, we intend to do more, and we are going to improve access to postsecondary
education, to grow our province and to meet our Five in Five Initiative.
Dairy Farms
Mr. Armstrong: Dairy farmers in New Brunswick have been advised that milk quotas will be
reduced by 2% as of April 1, 2006. This is in addition to 2.4% that was assessed approximately a
month ago. Can the minister tell the House today how seriously this will affect the production and
earnings of our dairy farmers?
Hon. Mr. Alward: Obviously, any reduction in production in New Brunswick is going to have a
significant impact on our dairy producers, especially since they have been affected by BSE, in sales
of dairy heifers and of culled cows as well. I have spoken directly to the federal minister on the
issues. I have spoken significantly with the dairy industry in New Brunswick, and also with the head
of the Canadian Dairy Commission.
Mr. Armstrong: We know that in the past year, milk has taken two substantial increases in the price
to consumers. The first was created by a lack of market for culled animals, and we agreed that had
this government taken the necessary steps to put in place a proper abattoir and processing facility
which would be federally inspected, it would not have been necessary to increase the cost of milk
to consumers at this time. We are aware of the fact that as milk prices increase, consumption will
be reduced. Mr. Minister, what steps are you taking today to remove this problem?
Hon. Mr. Alward: Clearly, the member opposite has misunderstood; he is completely mistaken.
Very clearly, the need to be able to market culled cows is important within the overall issue, but,
very clearly, that is not the overlying issue.
Mr. Armstrong: I would like to inform the minister that it was very clearly stated when the increase
was put in place that it was for the purpose of trying to help recoup some of the losses caused by the
lack of a federally inspected abattoir in this area. It has also been brought to my attention that supply
management is being discussed at the federal level. These rumours have had a devastating effect on
the dairy farming community. We do not need this type of information coming forward without a
solution, without saying how we are going to remedy it. What is your department doing to help with
this problem?
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021 14:35
Hon. Mr. Alward: Again, the member opposite is clearly fearmongering with this issue. The Prime
Minister has clearly stated his support of supply management. Through a common motion of this
Legislature, both parties support it. The supply management industry of dairy, chicken, and eggs,
and its importance to our Canadian agricultural industry . . .
Mr. Speaker: Order.
Hon. Mr. Alward: We are working with the dairy producers. I am in constant contact with our
province’s dairy producers. We will continue to work with them into the future.
Literacy
Mr. A. LeBlanc: My question is for the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Training. Before
I propose my question, I would like to congratulate the minister on his position and on his portfolio.
I wish him well.
My question is on the subject of adult literacy. There are many people in New Brunswick who have
a problem with reading. The fact that our illiteracy rate is so high is a disgrace. Right now, it is hard
to get any help getting literacy classes, unless you are unemployed. A lot of people might have jobs,
but are held back because they cannot read. Can the minister tell us whether he will help anyone
who wants to get the training he or she needs in order to learn to read?
Hon. Mr. Carr: Thank you very much, and thank you to the member opposite for his question. Of
course, this government is very interested in helping those in New Brunswick who want to read and
who want to increase their skills and training. It is a very vital part of our economy, and one we
recognize. It is one that I, as minister, am taking very seriously. I have already met with my federal
counterpart. As governments, between the provincial and federal governments, we are working on
a new envelope of funding which will help workers who are currently on the work site be able to
increase their skills, and which will improve work situations. Of course, this all ties into our
economic plan, the Five in Five Initiative, which is designed to make New Brunswick the best place
to live. I am very proud of our budget. It is another reason not to vote no against this budget. It will
mean $1 million more for adult literacy in the province.
Mr. A. LeBlanc: Having about half your population not being able to read well enough is
disgraceful. Spinning, which is what you are doing, does not help the guy who is unsafe in the
workplace because he is afraid to admit that he cannot read the training manual for the equipment
that he runs. A lot of employers and unions are saying that they want to do more to help workers
with illiteracy problems. Can the minister say for sure that there will be a new program to help with
this problem in the workplace?
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Hon. Mr. Carr: I am certainly not going to wave a magic wand. This issue requires much more than
that. This government considers adult literacy to be a very important priority. We have a ten-year
adult literacy plan, and one that we intend to fulfill, which includes $1 million more in this budget.
I am very proud of this. I want to thank the Minister of Finance and the Premier for their vision. I
will mention again that I am meeting and have met with my federal counterpart, to work on a new
envelope of funding which will help the very people that the member opposite is asking about.
You know, this reminds me of my father, who was a great man who worked very hard, in his
community and for his business. He was not very good at reading and writing, but he was the best
and smartest man I knew. I am very proud to continue to work for people like my dad, in order to
give hope and prosperity to the people of New Brunswick. Through our government’s plans, under
Premier Lord, and through the budget we tabled last week, we are going to do that. You can count
on it.
Mr. Speaker: The time for oral questions is now up.
