Kris Austin says it was time to move on to something different.
The leader of the People’s Alliance of New Brunswick has crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservatives along with his colleague Michelle Conroy, MLA for Miramichi.
Austin says he has been having discussions with the premier for three weeks now.
He notes how Blaine Higgs has always been open for him to join the Progressive Conservatives.
“Do you sit as an independent? Or do you go with a party that you know, aligns more with your beliefs, and where you can actually get things done for your constituents? So I had to put the people of Fredericton-Grand Lake at the forefront that elected me and I think this is the best decision for them.”
Austin recognizes that not all of his constituents will think this is a good idea.
“You know, I am the same today as I was yesterday. And matter of fact, this change just enhances and strengthens my voice at the table to better represent them. So it’s better for the area, it’s better for my constituents and I think they will see that in time – those that don’t now.”
Austin says the People’s Alliance will cease to exist as a party.
The province’s chief electoral officer has confirmed the party will be deregistered effective March 31.
Austin says he has a sense of mourning about the end and calls this a bittersweet day after 12 years of building the party from scratch.
