The New Brunswick legislature ended its session today with campaign-style statements from party leaders that provided a preview of what to expect ahead of the fall election.
Premier Blaine Higgs and Liberal Opposition Leader Susan Holt engaged in a tense exchange over a range of issues, including the auditor general's statement that some of the nearly $174 million in funding for travelling nurses was mismanaged.
Holt told Higgs to “check his memory because it's not very good” and reminded the prime minister that the auditor's investigation into travel nurses was sparked by a report in The Globe and Mail, not a request from the government.
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The prime minister hit back at Holt's comments as an “act of desperation” as a recent poll by Halifax-based Narrative Research showed the Liberals' lead over the Progressive Conservatives shrinking.
Higgs and his party headed for the summer break after 12 Cabinet ministers said they would not stand for re-election, with some criticising his leadership.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Mike Holland gave his farewell speech in the legislature, asking leaders to elect candidates who show great passion for serving the public.
Provincial elections must be held by October 21.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 7, 2024.
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