New Brunswick's Finance Minister Ernie Steeves stated that tax cuts are likely in the future, but they might not be included in the provincial budget on Tuesday.
Steeves mentioned to reporters on Monday that the government has a history of announcing tax cuts mid-year.
He added, "We've implemented tax cuts and various programs throughout the year, and I think that will probably be the approach for this year as well."
The budget for Tuesday is titled "Stronger than Ever," a phrase that is probably familiar to followers of New Brunswick politics. The New Brunswick PC party had a bus wrapped with the phrase and Premier Blaine Higgs' face last fall, as he considered an early election.
Despite the connection to the past campaign, Steeves clarified that this budget will not be extravagant or election-style.
He stated, "The premier and I, along with the rest of treasury board and finance and cabinet, believe that every year it's important to be financially cautious and mindful of how money is spent."
Steeves acknowledged that the government recognizes the struggles of the people and mentioned response programs such as the $300 affordability payment for households earning between $3,000 and $70,000 last year, as well as a low-income energy efficiency program.
Liberal Leader Susan Holt noted that the "Stronger than Ever" slogan does not reflect the mood of New Brunswickers, and expressed hope for the budget to address the increasing cost of living crisis.
Holt expressed her desire for the provincial portion of the HST to be removed from power bills, the carbon adjuster removed, a full school food program implemented, and a credible plan for housing development. She also hopes to see funding to accelerate the creation of collaborative care practices to improve access to primary care. According to recent polling from Angus Reid, health care and affordability are the top two concerns in the province. 84% of those surveyed believe the government is doing a poor job of addressing the cost of living, and 64% feel the same about health care. Green Leader David Coon highlighted the importance of health care and affordability, calling for investment in primary health care, incentives for affordable housing, and targeted relief for those most in need.
Coon also supported the requests for increased health spending by the New Brunswick Medical Society and the New Brunswick Nurses Union, urging a substantial investment in the budget to safeguard the health-care system. health care.
“It must be present.”
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves is going to present his sixth budget on Tuesday and stated that it will not contain any flashy, election-oriented spending promises.
Coon also backed the calls from the New Brunswick Medical Society and the New Brunswick Nurses Union, which have called for a nearly $600-million increase in health spending this year.
“We need a generational investment in this budget to save our health-care system. It’s really that serious,” he said.
“It’s got to be there.”
