Victor Boudreau may sell naming rights to government buildings

Have you ever wanted your name attached to your favourite bridge, park, stretch of highway or provincial government building?

The New Brunswick government is hoping enough people and companies want their names on public buildings, parks and roadways that it can raise $2 million.

Victor Boudreau, the minister responsible for the strategic program review, said in a statement on Wednesday that it is considering selling naming rights in order to help reduce the province's deficit.

"Developing and promoting a strategic naming privileges policy is a way to increase revenues that would not impact the wallets of New Brunswickers," Boudreau said in a statement.

The provincial government is considering selling the naming rights for new or renovated buildings, wings of buildings, parts of trails or highways, bridges, and parks.

The government is not looking at selling naming rights for schools or hospitals.

Boudreau's statement said the initiative could also include advertising on government-owned ferries, roadways and common areas in government buildings, as well as sponsorship and exclusivity agreements.

"While the main benefit is financial, this initiative could also provide the opportunity for the recognition of notable New Brunswickers who have made significant financial contributions to the province," said Boudreau.

This is the latest in a string of trial balloons that have been floated by the provincial government as it looks at containing its deficit.

The strategic program review has been created to try and find $600 million worth of cuts or ways to raise revenue.