The province has pulled a $50-million funding commitment for the new New Brunswick Museum in Saint John.
It was announced as part of the Progressive Conservative government’s capital budget on Tuesday.
“Our government is focused on maintaining the infrastructure we have and using asset management practices to identify projects that are needs and not wants,” said Bill Oliver, minister of transportation and infrastructure.
Former Liberal premier Brian Gallant made the financial commitment back in Oct. 2017.
Other projects also cancelled
Oliver said they are also cancelling several other projects, including the Centennial Building and Justice complex in Fredericton and the Memramcook Institute renovations.
“We recognize there are a number of projects local communities wanted to see move forward,” he said, “but unfortunately, we do not have the resources to fund every project.”
Oliver, who is the MLA for Kings Centre, said not going ahead with these projects will eliminate over $200 million from previous spending plans.
Museum responds to decision
In a statement, the New Brunswick Museum said it is very disappointed by the provincial government’s decision.
It said the $100-million project would have brought the Collections & Research Centre and the Exhibition Centre together in a new facility in the city’s uptown.
“The New Brunswick Museum Board of Directors and management will continue to work with the province of New Brunswick to fully consider and address the various issues at the New Brunswick Museum,” the museum said in a statement.
Museum officials are expected to hold a news conference on Wednesday morning.
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Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)
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