Legislature Returns With New Layout

A lot of appreciation for essential workers during the return of the provincial legislature Tuesday for reaching the “yellow” phase of recovery.

Provincial MLAs navigated the new set up in the legislature with everyone safely spaced out and some members seated in the gallery.

New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health and the province’s Public Health team were also recognized.

Liberal MLA Jean-Claude D’Amours said Dr. Jennifer Russell’s expertise has played a big role in ensuring our safety and quickly flattening the curve.

“We must all join together in recognizing the tremendous work done by our Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, and her team. From our caucus: merci,” D’Amours said.

The comments drew a standing ovation from the members of the legislature.

During question period, Labour Minister Trevor Holder noted the members of the house were essentially on the same page with discussing various ways to get the provincial economy going.

Interim Liberal opposition leader Denis Landry asked the premier for the exact amount of money that was given out to businesses since the emergency situation was declared in March.

Blaine Higgs said he could not offer an exact amount.

“It’s about how do we get people up and running in a sustainable manner and how do we get help to those who need help and not how to spend as much money as we possibly can. Whether it gets results or it doesn’t is really irrelevant,” Higgs said.

Green party leader David Coon addressed the stresses of the pandemic on seniors and teens.

Coon said the measures taken to keep us all safe have taken an emotional toll on seniors and youth and those who care for them.

“I want to recognize what they have gone through and continue to go through because of this pandemic that none of us ever imagined would come to our shores here in New Brunswick,” Coon said.

People’s Alliance leader Kris Austin said New Brunswick’s success in battling the pandemic came with a great cost to our economy.

Austin says to rebuild the economy, the tax structure must be changed and we need a smaller, more efficient form of government.