No tax increases in the provincial budget is good news for New Brunswick’s convenience stores, that according to the President of the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association.
Mike Hammoud says increased law enforcement to combat smuggling while holding the line on tobacco taxes are two critical steps to combatting the fast growing contraband market in the province.
“We are pleased the New Brunswick government listened to our concerns and took action in the provincial budget,” says Hammoud.
Hammoud adds with a stable budget and no new tax increases, small retail convenience businesses can begin to recover from the tough operating conditions caused by the pandemic and the recent surges of gas prices.
Meantime, CUPE NB feels the provincial government’s budget lacks visionary public sector investments.
President Stephen Drost says instead of reinvesting revenue, the premier chose to give tax cuts to big property owners.
“The 2021 strike showed to all that Government had the ability to pay front-line workers and help them deal with cost-of-living increases. With the hundreds of millions still leftover in surplus, I wish Higgs would act to bring wages in long-term care up to par with those in healthcare,” adds Drost.
Drost says New Brunswickers would have benefitted from things including like:
- A full network of 24/7 public health clinics for non-urgent care
- Public daycare centres in public workplaces such as schools, universities, and hospitals
- Electrification of the school bus fleet
- Affordable public housing in rural areas
- A real immigration department to structure, improve, and better coordinate support for newcomers.
Being a surplus budget, he did agree there was good news with affordable childcare, and a one year rent cap for residential tenants.
