The New Brunswick legislature wrapped up its business today, with party leaders delivering campaign-style statements that gave people 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 number of issues, including the auditor general's statement that nearly $174 million spent on travel nurses was partly mismanaged.
Holt told Higgs to “check his memory because it's not working” 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.
Emails needed on the day
Top news from Canada and around the world.
The prime minister countered that Holt's comments were 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 head into 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.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
