PC leadership forum: Candidates debate the issues
Jordan Gill | CBC News | Posted: October 18, 2016 7:00 PM | Last Updated: October 18, 2016
Progressive Conservative party will choose a new leader this weekend
The leadership of the province's Progressive Conservatives will be decided this weekend and while the main convention will be held in Fredericton, satellite sites will be set up across the province.
The extensive field has seven candidates from all over New Brunswick. They have different backgrounds, levels of experience and ideas on where to take the party into the next election.
Information Morning Fredericton host Terry Seguin sat down with the seven candidates for a leadership forum recently. They were asked seven questions, with each of them getting the opportunity to answer one question first. The speaking order was determined by a draw prior to the forum.
Education
In September the Liberal government unveiled its 10-year education plan. The candidates were asked if they have read the government's education plan and why they would be "the best choice for ensuring the success outlined in the plan."
Local government
The city of Fredericton is in the midst of trying to raise funds to build a new performing arts centre to replace the aging Playhouse. The city went to neighbouring municipalities, asking for financial assistance with the project. So far the Rural Community of Hanwell, and Fredericton Junction have denied the city's request while New Maryland has not come back with an answer.
While the ability to ask for shared funding is allowed by the regional services commission, it is up to individual communities to decide if they want to fund a project. The candidates were asked how they would reform municipal government.
Cost of living
The minimum wage in the province is $10.65 and the provincial government has committed to raising it to $11 by 2017. Many are saying that is not enough, with the Saint John Human Development Council stating the minimum amount of money needed to get by is more than what the minimum wage provides.
The candidates were asked what they would do to address the growing cost of living in New Brunswick.
Bilingualism
In late September, Premier Brian Gallant gave a speech to Saint John's Chamber of Commerce where he defended official bilingualism and said the government has to be "pragmatic" in how to promote bilingualism.
The candidates were asked what they would do to ease the friction between the two dominant linguistic groups in the province.
Corporate welfare
What some call job-creation subsidies or government incentives to promote hiring, others call corporate welfare. The perception is intensified when the subsidies go to large multinationals as opposed to smaller regional companies.
The candidates were asked their position on corporate welfare.
Carbon tax
Earlier this month Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced provinces would have to adopt a carbon pricing scheme by 2018 and if they didn't, one would be imposed on them. New Brunswick Environment Minister Serge Rousselle has said any potential carbon-pricing system would have to be revenue neutral.
The candidates were asked if they support New Brunswickers paying a carbon tax.
Corporate influence
In 2014 the Progressive Conservative government of David Alward increased the amount of softwood that forestry companies could harvest from Crown land by 20 per cent, a deal that couldn't be reversed by a following government without large penalties. The legislature would later release a contract with J.D. Irving Ltd. which was seen as favourable to the company.. With J.D. Irving Ltd.'s prominence in the province many questioned if the contract was a result of corporate influence.
The candidates were asked how concerned they were about corporate influence on government policy.