Premier Blaine Higgs and Local Government Minister Jeff Carr joined mayors, councillors and municipal organizations on a COVID-19 conference call on Friday morning.
The premier said municipal governments are facing many challenges right now and he was grateful to answer questions from provincial mayors and hear their concerns.
“One thing I know for certain is that this is a partnership. Just as the provinces must align nationally, the municipalities need to align provincially. Together the leaders of the four provincial parties represented in the legislature and our municipal leaders need to forge a direction for this province,” Higgs said.
Higgs said the municipalities have a lot of concerns about economic recovery.
He said they are reviewing a number of plans and strategies and he’ll provide more information on this in the coming weeks.
Premier Blaine Higgs speak about the political parties working together during the pandemic.
He refers to this morning's brief session in the legislature. pic.twitter.com/x4zgtqsLgr— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) April 17, 2020
The premier said even when the current restrictions are reduced, we are not going back to business as usual anytime soon.
“We are all going to need to adjust to a new normal. We will still need to take extra safety precautions such as physical distancing. New Brunswick borders may need to be closed for some time and travel restrictions could stay in place,” Higgs said.
Higgs encouraged business owners to start thinking about how they can re-open when its safe to do so and how they may incorporate safety protocols like physical distancing.
He said our “new normal” likely means most summer festivals and concerts will be cancelled.
