New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs. (Photo: Submitted/Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick)
Some New Brunswickers may be heading to the polls in May and in June.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced two byelections Monday to fill vacancies in the legislature.
The byelections are needed after the September death of Saint Croix MLA Greg Thompson and the departure of former premier Brian Gallant from the riding of Shediac Bay-Dieppe.
Higgs said its important that all New Brunswickers be properly represented in the legislative assembly.
“At the same time, there are already a number of important events scheduled to take place this spring all around the province. I want to avoid any conflict for residents. Following discussion with Elections New Brunswick, I have decided to schedule both byelections for Monday, June 15th,” Higgs said.
I am pleased to announce that the byelections in Saint Croix and Shediac Bay-Dieppe will be held on Monday, June 15th.
Many factors were taken into consideration on the selection of this date.
— Blaine Higgs (@BlaineHiggs) March 9, 2020
The government plans to consult with communities impacted by the now-scrapped health-care reforms with sessions planned for April and May.
The premier wants people available to fully engage in that process.
Higgs said the unfolding impacts of COVID-19 played a role in choosing the date.
“So I learned first-hand from the premiers of B.C. and Ontario particularly of the events that are occurring now. We talked about the global issues in the countries that are affected,” Higgs said.
New Brunswickers are already voting in municipal elections on May 11.
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