N.B. Premier Applauds Safe Restart Agreement

New Brunswick’s premier is applauding the $19-billion safe restart agreement reached between the provincial and federal governments.

Blaine Higgs said the agreement will help in their efforts to address concerns facing New Brunswickers in adjusting to our new normal.

“We are all in this together, and we have shown our desire to make sure that Canadians can safely move forward with their lives during this pandemic,” said Higgs in a statement Friday.

The new agreement, announced Thursday, includes funding to help acquire personal protective equipment, support for child care and senior care facilities, direct funding to improve the sustainability of Canada’s health-care systems, and help for municipalities.

According to the New Brunswick government, it will receive more than $200 million this fiscal year, in addition to having access to an enhanced federal stockpile of personal protective equipment.

Higgs says the pandemic has shown the need for comprehensive action to secure the future of the country’s health-care systems, and he is looking forward to further discussions among Canada’s first ministers.