Election Day 12: Liberals promise to improve labour laws, PCs pledge to reduce surgery wait times
All of New Brunswick's party leaders spent Labour Day on the campaign trail
Job opportunities, a $15 minimum wage and cutting surgical wait times were among the issues on the minds of New Brunswick's party leaders on Labour Day.
During a stop in Saint John, Liberal Leader Brian Gallant pledged to create more jobs and modernize the provincial labour laws so New Brunswickers have the same protections as Canadians in other parts of the country.
"Ensuring that workers in New Brunswick are well-supported and protected will help us continue to grow the economy in a way that ensures fairness for everyone," Gallant said in a statement.
Meanwhile in Moncton, Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs talked health care reform.
Standing in front of the Moncton City Hospital, Higgs said a PC government would cut wait times for hip replacements, knee replacements and gynecological surgeries by 50 per cent.
The PC leader also said his party would recruit more doctors by getting rid of what he described as an antiquated billing system. He said more nurses would be trained and retained in the province by making sure there is a fair exam for all nursing students.
Higgs added that his party would improve the Electronic Patient Record model, making it easier for patients to move around the system to find the right care.
Labour Day picnics and barbecues
All five leaders were on the campaign trail Monday as New Brunswickers celebrated Labour Day.
NDP Leader Jennifer McKenzie attended a Labour Day picnic at Fisher Lake in Saint John Monday afternoon.
She planned to canvass for a $15 minimum wage in the Saint John Harbour riding with party volunteers.
Green Party Leader David Coon walked in the N.B. Exhibition parade in Fredericton and then served food at the Fredericton District Labour Council's Labour Day picnic at Officers' Square.
Coon planned to attend the opening ceremonies of the exhibition before attending the UNB-St. Thomas orientation week corn boil.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin also attended the Fredericton District Labour Council's Labour Day picnic at Officers' Square before he continuing to do more canvassing in his riding of Fredericton-Grand Lake.
Higgs planned a visit to the Birchmount Lodge seniors residence before attending a rally while Gallant was travelling to Moncton later Monday afternoon.
The election is Sept. 24.