Finance Minister Ernie Steeves speaks to reporters before delivering his government's 2019-20 budget on March 19, 2019. (Submitted/Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick’s minority Tory government is projecting a small surplus of $23 million in its first budget.
The province’s net debt is also projected to decline by $49 million by this time next year — the first decrease in 13 years.
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves says the province’s debt is now costing almost $700 million in interest per year.
“Clearly, our province is at a crossroads … We cannot continue to push decisions down the road. It’s not responsible and those actions are endangering the future of the province,” said Steeves.
The budget does not contain any tax increases but funding has been reduced for two departments — Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, as well as Tourism, Heritage and Culture.
Today’s budget represents what New Brunswickers can afford and is a significant step in getting our financial house in order. Visit https://t.co/sOiZtwKh60 to learn more. pic.twitter.com/iAFoou2UG5
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) March 19, 2019
More money is coming for the Department of Social Development, but funding has been reduced for several programs, including Child Welfare and Disability Support Services, Income Security, and Housing Services.
Steeves said the Office of the Auditor General will also see its budget increase by $1 million.
“By increasing our funding, our government is providing the auditor general with the resources needed to protect the interest of taxpayers and to hold government to account,” Steeves said.
About $2.4 million will be set aside to implement a new nursing human resource strategy aimed at attracting and retaining nurses.
Steeves said the government will also spend more than $16 million to increase wages for home support workers.
Our government will be hiring nurse practitioners to improve primary care access. We will be launching a demonstration pilot, which will see the creation of a new primary health care clinic staffed mainly by nurse practitioners. (1/2)
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) March 19, 2019
When it comes to education, $1 million will be set aside to increase wages for early childhood educators
The Tory government also plans on continuing the Early Learning Centres initiative launched by the previous Liberal government.
They will also reintroduce the New Brunswick Tuition Tax Credit and unveil a “renewed bursary program” for students attending publicly-funded and private sector universities and colleges.
Steeves said the province will also eliminate front licence plates on vehicles as well as the fee volunteer firefighters pay for their plates.
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