The New Brunswick legislature will not be recalled early despite calls from the Official Opposition leader to do so.
Interim Progressive Conservative leader Glen Savoie wrote to the speaker of the legislature on Thursday.
Savoie emphasized the urgent need to address the impact of the 25 per cent U.S. tariffs on the province’s economy.
He explained these tariffs, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, threaten jobs, family farms and various industries in New Brunswick.
Savoie highlighted New Brunswick’s economy as Canada’s most export-dependent, with the U.S. being the largest trading partner, accounting for 92.1 per cent of total exports.
He added that the legislature should be open and active now, as the situation rapidly evolves. However, Speaker Francine Landry denied his request hours later.
“I certainly understand the reasons for your request, given the uncertainty facing New Brunswickers,” Landry wrote in the letter, which was shared with reporters by the Progressive Conservatives.
Landry acknowledged she does have the authority to recall the legislature earlier than specified if the government requests it and indicates that the public interest requires it.
“To date, I have not been advised by the government that the public interest requires that the House should meet before March 18.”
Savoie said he was disappointed but not surprised by the speaker’s response to his request.
MLAs are currently scheduled to return to Fredericton on March 18.
