Reference to the CFA’s Advocacy Update from October 27, 2022

On October 25, the New Brunswick Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy read the speech from the throne on behalf of the government, opening the second session of the 60th legislature.

The speech from the throne detailed the provincial government’s legislative and policy agenda for the new session. Initiatives relevant to franchised businesses are outlined below:

• Energizing the Private Sector
  • Invest $5 million to help businesses embrace technology for greater productivity and increased output.
  • Increase internet connectivity in remote areas to boost productivity.
  • Reduce personal income tax and property tax to advance a pro-growth agenda and attract more investors.
  • Provide protection for consumers and suppliers, reduce regulatory burden on businesses, and provide greater efficiencies.
• Vibrant and Sustainable Communities
  • Ensure a regional approach to economic development, tourism promotion, community development, regional transportation and infrastructure cost-sharing.
  • Continue to tie annual minimum wage increases to the consumer price index, to ensure New Brunswickers can afford rising costs.
• Dependable Public Health Care
  • Expand the Nursing Homes Without Walls project, enabling seniors to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.
• World-Class Education
  • Continue creating hands-on experiential work opportunities for students who are interested in learning about key sectors.
  • Clarify language around strike votes, strikes, lockouts and designated workers to ensure sufficient notice periods and continuity of critical services in schools.
• Environment
  • Invest more than $47 million in initiatives to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster educational opportunities, and build resiliency to achieve the province’s greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 and put New Brunswick on a path to being net zero by 2050.
  • Modernize, expand and establish new waste diversion programs to reduce the amount of solid waste being disposed of and create opportunities to transform it into new materials. The complete text of the New Brunswick speech from the throne is available online.