https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew #muellerinvestigation
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/david-coon-green-party-liberal-brian-gallant-1.4840418
Shawn McShane
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/blaine-higgs-pc-leader-election-1.4840474
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew #muellerinvestigation
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/people-s-alliance-and-francophone-groups-1.4840449
John Pokiok
Methinks many politicians are familiar with this story that appeared in the Kings County Record June 22, 2004 N'esy Pas?
The Unconventional Candidate
By Gisele McKnight
"FUNDY—He has a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket, a chain on his wallet, a beard at least a foot long, 60 motorcycles and a cell phone that rings to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
Meet the latest addition to the Fundy ballot—David Amos. The independent candidate lives in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife and two children, but his place of residence does not stop him from running for office in Canada."
"Amos, 52, is running for political office because of his dissatisfaction with politicians. "I've become aware of much corruption involving our two countries," he said. "The only way to fix corruption is in the political forum."
"What he's fighting for is the discussion of issues – tainted blood, the exploitation of the Maritimes' gas and oil reserves and NAFTA, to name a few.
"The political issues in the Maritimes involve the three Fs – fishing, farming and forestry, but they forget foreign issues," he said. "I'm death on NAFTA, the back room deals and free trade. I say chuck it (NAFTA) out the window.
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement which allows an easier flow of goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico."
Green Party Leader David Coon is predicting "tough negotiations" between his party and the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives as the political leaders continue to grapple with the province's minority government situation.
"We have an unprecedented situation with the results of this election," said Coon.
"Our caucus's goal is to deliver to New Brunswickers a stable government and serve the public interest and tackle the challenges we've got in front of us."
The two major parties fell short of the required 25 seats for a majority — the PCs won 22 and the Liberals 21, pending recounts. The remaining six seats in the legislature were evenly split between the Greens and the People's Alliance.
New Brunswick has not had a minority government since 1920.
"I'm humbled by the fact the people of this province have voted to give us the balance of responsibility to help build a stable government in the legislature."
Coon said his goal right now is to be part of a collaboration that will last. He hopes both parties will recognize they didn't receive a majority of support and can't govern that way.
"If we're going to get a throne speech passed, if we're going to get a budget passed, then we've got to have some kind of agreement in the legislative assembly that enables a minority government to function," he said.
Coon didn't say what that agreement might look like.
"It's going to be tough negotiations over the next couple of weeks," he said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.
But Coon did make it clear he will not make a decision until October, after the final results are confirmed.
Later on Thursday, Higgs rejected striking any deals with other parties or forming a coalition but he wasn't clear about how his party, with only 22 seats, might govern. He said he expected to be able to work with the other parties on areas where there is agreement.
On Wednesday, Gallant announced the party will approach the Green Party with the hope of forming a partnership based on shared "progressive policies."
What shape that partnership would take would have to be discussed, Gallant said. It was the first public chess move by a party in the two days since Monday's election that left both the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives claiming the right to govern.
Catching up on Monday's dramatic election results? This video will give you the highlights
He said Wednesday that voters sent a clear message they wanted the government to work with "other parties," but he suggested that the Greens are the more natural pairing for the Liberals.
Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs says the lieutenant-governor has told him he'll be asked to form a government if the Liberals lose a confidence vote in the legislature, but he won't cut any deals to make it happen or stay in power.
"I'm hopeful we will form a minority government, because that's exactly what the province voted for," Higgs told reporters after his meeting with Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau in Fredericton, which lasted more than an hour.
At the meeting, Higgs also asked that the legislature be called back as soon as possible. Gallant has suggested it could happen anytime before Christmas.
"She said this isn't going to go on, we can't have this instability in the province," Higgs said. "She gave every indication this will not go months, it'll go days and weeks."
Neither won enough seats Monday for a majority, but the PCs came out one seat ahead of the Liberals.
Higgs said he would not form a coalition and was adamant he will not "work things out" with Gallant. But Higgs did say he is willing to work with other parties in the legislative assembly.
"I have faith in both the Green Party and People's Alliance," he said. "I'm not cutting deals to stay in power."
Meanwhile, Green Party Leader David Coon has arranged to have individual phone conversations on Thursday with both Higgs and Gallant to "look at what kind of government might be built in the Legislative Assembly."
"It's going to be tough negotiations over the next couple of weeks," he said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.
"What we need here is an agreement to enable the legislature to function and a government to serve the people of this province."
Liberal Leader Brian Gallant met with Roy Vienneau on Tuesday morning and said she gave him permission to continue governing while he and his Liberals try to win the confidence of the legislature.
But Higgs fired back that Gallant was merely "prolonging the inevitable" and it's "sad Gallant is so focused on his future career."
The PC leader urged the premier to call the legislature, so New Brunswick can have a legitimate government again.
"I have the most seats. That is typically how democracy works and I'm calling on Brian Gallant to realize he lost the election.
"The province deserves and needs a functioning government."
He said there are timely issues that need addressing, and he cited delays in compensating flood victims and the harm being done to New Brunswick companies by the 20 per cent U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber.
But Higgs also emphasized he wouldn't make backroom deals with other parties or MLAs, saying voters are "sick and tired of people holding onto power."
He suggested this set him apart from Gallant.
"It's evident he's desperate to hold onto power and he's trying to buy time with the hopes he can convince one of my MLAs to cross the floor," Higgs said.
Although he wouldn't say who, Higgs said he was present when one of his MLAs received a call from Liberals on Wednesday night suggesting the MLA cross the floor.
Before Higgs met with Roy Vienneau, a Liberal staffer shared copies of a PC to Liberal email about discussing the next government.
"All of a sudden the reception got real bad when I got on the phone," he said.
Before Higgs met with Roy Vienneau, a Liberal staffer shared copies of an email from a PC to a Liberal about discussing the next government.
"I will not buy anyone to cross the floor. I will not and have not offered anyone something to join."
Higgs and Gallant have been clashing this week over how to interpret the election results where the PCs won 22 seats compared to the 21 seats held by the Liberals. A party needs 25 seats for a majority government.
After his meeting with Roy Vienneau, Higgs was to meet with his caucus at the Fredericton Inn.
The 506er. Subscribe here. And then let us know what you think by emailing us: the506er@cbc.ca.
Despite Blaine Higgs's claim that he should have the first chance to form government because he won the most seats, Rae said Premier Brian Gallant has every right to try to govern if he can.
"The question is will he be able to pull it off," Rae said.
"Looking at these numbers, it's hard for me to see how that lasts for four years, unless something dramatic happens."
In New Brunswick, the past few days have been all about the political drama as parties scramble to keep their footing following an election with no clear victor.
On Monday, the PCs won 22 seats, the Liberals 21, and the Green and People's Alliance parties each won three.
Gallant has made clear he intends to continue governing, either on his own or in co-operation with a third party, and he hopes to work something out with the Greens.
"Our caucus believes that there are a lot of commonalities that we could work on to ensure there's a progressive government," Gallant said.
Both the Greens and the People's Alliance could wield significant power over the future of New Brunswick's government. Neither the Liberals nor the PCs can govern without the support of one or both of the third parties.
How those parties exercise that power also has significant implications for their future political success. Rae warned third parties that forming a coalition with larger partners can backfire if they try to overreach.
"In minority governments you think you've got a lot of leverage if you're the balance of power, as they say, but you've got to always be careful not to overplay your hand," he said.
"The reality is that the Liberal Party got 37 per cent and the Conservative Party got 32 per cent, and that's a lot more than the other parties got."
Rae was in Fredericton to give the annual Bernie Vigod lecture on human rights at St. Thomas University. His subject, human rights in the age of populism, also had resonance in New Brunswick's election.
Populism, according to Oxford, is a political movement that "strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups."
Both the People's Alliance and the Green Party share some populist roots, even if they do occupy opposite ends of the political spectrum.
Kris Austin's "common sense" approach appeals to the concerns of many ordinary New Brunswickers, but his linguistic policy and opposition to duality have francophones worried about their constitutional language rights.
Green Party Leader David Coon has made it clear his party is opposed to the Alliance's language policies. At the same time, Coon has said his economic policy would shift investment inward to focus on businesses and co-operatives at the community level, instead of courting larger corporations.
He said the Green Party would support "co-operatives at the community level that are community-based, locally owned and particularly that are focused on meeting the needs of New Brunswickers to help reduce our imports, and that will keep more money in our economy, creating more jobs here and more opportunity here."
Coon's vision of a self-sufficient New Brunswick demonstrates populist tendencies when it comes to the economy, and his party's grassroots environmental movement does set itself against the political status quo of Liberals and PCs — take the party's popular bumper sticker slogan "David Coon works for me," for example.
"Populism, if you're not careful, can tip over the edge and say this is about the majority getting whatever the hell they want," Rae said. "And then you say, 'Wait a minute, who decides what the majority want?' We have a premier in Ontario who said he won a massive majority. Well he won 40 per cent of the vote. Mr. Trump didn't have a majority, he lost the popular vote."
Rae said human rights are about protecting minorities, which creates a conflict with populism.
"That's not always popular for a court to say, 'We're going to protect that minority and we're going to do what needs to be done to protect it.'
"In the case of New Brunswick, it's the language issue, it's a classic. We have laws that protect the linguistic minority, and if you just throw that overboard you're into pretty dangerous territory."
"I told them basically, we have met already with the Green caucus and we're converging today to meet in person and having a long work meeting about this."
When asked who the Green Party would likely form an alliance with, the new MLA said he wasn't sure, since the party has a trust and confidence problem with the Liberals and an ideology problem with the PCs.
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks the election results prove there was no misunderstanding about the French versus English issues N'esy Pas?
http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/09/bob-rae-says-minority-rule-is-all-about.html
http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/09/bob-rae-says-minority-rule-is-all-about.html
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew #muellerinvestigation
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/david-coon-green-party-liberal-brian-gallant-1.4840418
Greens predict 'tough negotiations' with Liberals, PCs over governing partnership
Brian Gallant announced the Liberals will approach the Green Party in hopes of forming a partnership
· CBC News· Posted: Sep 27, 2018 8:13 AM AT Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.Shawn McShane
Tim Raworth
@Shawn McShane Welcome to NB The English don't matter.
wayne guitard
@Shawn McShane Maybe all those Acadian politicians should try and create their own province.
Barry Odonnell
@Shawn McShane The Acadian Federation is sacred to death that they may lose some of the entitlements they feel entitled to. Now they are trying to intimidate people.
@Tim Raworth "Welcome to NB The English don't matter."
Welcome to the Circus
Welcome to the Circus
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/blaine-higgs-pc-leader-election-1.4840474
PC Leader Blaine Higgs says he expects to govern eventually but won't cut deals
Higgs says Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau told him he'll be asked to govern if Gallant loses confidence vote
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks the election results prove there was no misunderstanding about the French versus English issues N'esy Pas?
http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/09/bob-rae-says-minority-rule-is-all-about.html
http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/09/bob-rae-says-minority-rule-is-all-about.html
#TrudeauMustGo #nbpoli #cdnpoli #TrumpKnew #muellerinvestigation
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/people-s-alliance-and-francophone-groups-1.4840449
Kris Austin defends himself, as Acadian voices against People's Alliance multiply
Language rights groups suspicious of Austin's 'common sense' approach, but Austin says they misunderstand
· CBC News· Posted: Sep 27, 2018 10:36 AM AT
Comments
Content disabled.
David Amos
Methinks the election results forever prove that there was no misunderstanding about the French versus English issues among the voters N'esy Pas?
The politicians can play dumb all they wish but they must know that they are not fooling anyone
"People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin believes there has been a big misunderstanding about his party's stand on language rights in the province.
The statement comes on the heels of an increasing number of voices being raised by Acadian groups, warning against a possible coalition involving the three elected Alliance MLAs.
They could hold the balance of power in a minority government.
Liberal and Green Party leaders have also been categorical in rejecting any notion of aligning with the party, on the basis of the language elements of its platform.
So was the Conservatives' only elected francophone candidate, Robert Gauvin, who won in Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou.
"It's just really unfortunate that that's what being perpetuated by some people out there," said Kris Austin.
"I think it's fear-mongering among some elite groups."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-kent-north-mls-kevin-arseneau-1.4838924
"Kevin Arseneau, winner in the riding of Kent North when asked who the Green Party would likely form an alliance with, the new MLA said he wasn't sure, since the party has a trust and confidence problem with the Liberals and an ideology problem with the PCs. "
The politicians can play dumb all they wish but they must know that they are not fooling anyone
"People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin believes there has been a big misunderstanding about his party's stand on language rights in the province.
The statement comes on the heels of an increasing number of voices being raised by Acadian groups, warning against a possible coalition involving the three elected Alliance MLAs.
They could hold the balance of power in a minority government.
Liberal and Green Party leaders have also been categorical in rejecting any notion of aligning with the party, on the basis of the language elements of its platform.
So was the Conservatives' only elected francophone candidate, Robert Gauvin, who won in Shippagan-Lamèque-Miscou.
"It's just really unfortunate that that's what being perpetuated by some people out there," said Kris Austin.
"I think it's fear-mongering among some elite groups."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-kent-north-mls-kevin-arseneau-1.4838924
"Kevin Arseneau, winner in the riding of Kent North when asked who the Green Party would likely form an alliance with, the new MLA said he wasn't sure, since the party has a trust and confidence problem with the Liberals and an ideology problem with the PCs. "
John Pokiok
You want to talk about the fairness in New Brunswick my wife works at the Saint John regional hospital she is fully bilingual but she's english-born she has to have testing in her French speaking abilities every year but nurses who are born French are never tested for their abilities in speaking English even though they're holding a bilingual positions isn't that discrimination against English or what.
Dan Armitage
@John Pokiok This is the unfairness of it all. When ever theres a change its never in the middle always too left or too right. Maybe just maybe someday we'll see it happen.
Marc Martin
@John Pokiok
Maybe she has poor French ? Or maybe its all the complaint the Hospitals in Saint John got regarding dissing and snubbing French patients.
Maybe she has poor French ? Or maybe its all the complaint the Hospitals in Saint John got regarding dissing and snubbing French patients.
Mario Doucet
@Marc Martin
English having "poor" French is always the issue, French having poor English is never the issue.
English having "poor" French is always the issue, French having poor English is never the issue.
Marc Martin
@Mario Doucet
So you saying its because of all the complaints they got then ? ok.
So you saying its because of all the complaints they got then ? ok.
John Pokiok
@Marc Martin No that is not the case at all she actually probably speaks better French than you do because most likely you speak a chiack. And her results states that she has advance speaking reading or writing ability of French. Now my point is when you get tested once and you pass why do yo have to do this every year yet no one ever test French born nurses on their ability of English.
Robert Thibodeau
@John Pokiok John, she doesn't need to get tested every year. Her language certificate is good for 3 years. I'm fluent in both languages, and I had to be tested in both languages. English first language gets tested in French. French first language in English. Don't be spreading bull.
John Price
@John Pokiok I call horse manure. If this was actually the case, why wouldn't a union be filing grievances, why no human rights complaint, why no official language complaint? I know why - because it's complete bunk.
David Amos
@John Pokiok YUP
David Amos
@John Pokiok Methinks Mr Martin and his liberal cohorts have made too much fun of my Chiac in the past I bet they didn't even notice that I was on the ballot in Fundy again N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
@David Amos
Why would I notice that ? Your not even a relevant candidate.
Why would I notice that ? Your not even a relevant candidate.
David Amos
@Marc Martin Interesting insult I never heard of such a thing Please explain in Chaic.
Content disabled.
David Amos
@Marc Martin "Why would I notice that ? Your not even a relevant candidate."
Methinks many politicians are familiar with this story that appeared in the Kings County Record June 22, 2004 N'esy Pas?
The Unconventional Candidate
By Gisele McKnight
"FUNDY—He has a pack of cigarettes in his shirt pocket, a chain on his wallet, a beard at least a foot long, 60 motorcycles and a cell phone that rings to the tune of "Yankee Doodle."
Meet the latest addition to the Fundy ballot—David Amos. The independent candidate lives in Milton, Massachusetts with his wife and two children, but his place of residence does not stop him from running for office in Canada."
"Amos, 52, is running for political office because of his dissatisfaction with politicians. "I've become aware of much corruption involving our two countries," he said. "The only way to fix corruption is in the political forum."
"What he's fighting for is the discussion of issues – tainted blood, the exploitation of the Maritimes' gas and oil reserves and NAFTA, to name a few.
"The political issues in the Maritimes involve the three Fs – fishing, farming and forestry, but they forget foreign issues," he said. "I'm death on NAFTA, the back room deals and free trade. I say chuck it (NAFTA) out the window.
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement which allows an easier flow of goods between Canada, the United States and Mexico."
David Amos
@David Amos Oh My My Blocked again
David Amos
@David Amos Methinks the soon to be MLA Robert Gauvin should be able to explain your reasoning N'esy Pas?
Jacques Poitras @poitrasCBC
· Sep 26, 2018
Replying to @poitrasCBC
Liberal + Green = 24 seats. Not a majority, and that's before a speaker is chosen. Gallant won't comment on that but says Libs will talk to PC MLAs about coming over.
Jacques Poitras @poitrasCBC
Some PC MLAs won't be comfortable with Alliance cooperation, Gallant says. He names Robert Gauvin in particular.
2:38 PM - Sep 26, 2018
Jacques Poitras @poitrasCBC
· Sep 26, 2018
Replying to @poitrasCBC
Liberal + Green = 24 seats. Not a majority, and that's before a speaker is chosen. Gallant won't comment on that but says Libs will talk to PC MLAs about coming over.
Jacques Poitras @poitrasCBC
Some PC MLAs won't be comfortable with Alliance cooperation, Gallant says. He names Robert Gauvin in particular.
2:38 PM - Sep 26, 2018
Marc Martin
@David Amos
Actually you did....how many people vote for you anyways ?
Actually you did....how many people vote for you anyways ?
David Amos
@Marc Martin Need I say that I am honoured that you didn't?
Marc Martin
@David Amos
How many people voted for you?
How many people voted for you?
David Amos
@Marc Martin Methinks you say interesting things about elected French dudes N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-election-formal-agreement-support-minority-government-kris-austin-1.4838950
"Paul Arseneault
You might want to put a hold on that PC/PA alliance, Gauvin is getting cold feet and no wonder..if it happens he is a one term MLA."
"Marc Martin
@Paul Arseneault
He will switch, ive heard people already have a rope with a tree for him."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-election-formal-agreement-support-minority-government-kris-austin-1.4838950
"Paul Arseneault
You might want to put a hold on that PC/PA alliance, Gauvin is getting cold feet and no wonder..if it happens he is a one term MLA."
"Marc Martin
@Paul Arseneault
He will switch, ive heard people already have a rope with a tree for him."
cheryl wright
i don't understand how having 2 separate health authorities - be it bilingual - infringes on the Acadian rights. I don't understand how having a bus ride shared with both English and French students infringes on anybody's rights or having a linguistic translation device in ambulances infringes on anybody's rights. what does infringe on all rights is not having ambulatory services in a timely fashion or at all due to restrictions, wait times as some hospitals and not others due to staffing, and having a debt that is ballooning out of control.
cheryl wright
@cheryl wright sorry I meant to type NOT having 2 separate health authorities
Dan Armitage
@cheryl wright
I'd like to see the acadian society answer those great questions Cheryl
I'd like to see the acadian society answer those great questions Cheryl
Marc Martin
@cheryl wright
*having 2 separate health authorities - be it bilingual - infringes on the Acadian rights.*
In my point of view it does not, but for the English its all about power.
*I don't understand how having a bus ride shared with both English and French students infringes on anybody's rights *
Because you have two different school administration, both have their own money to budget the buses but again for the English its all about power, for me the only reason I can see is that the French population is scared of the English population, and from all the hatred posts I see here I don't blame them.
*having a linguistic translation device in ambulances infringes on anybody's rights*
It does because when you die you want to make sure to put every chances on your side ? Again its all about eh English wanting control and power, if the table would be changed and they only hired French paramedic across NB would you still be happy ?
*having 2 separate health authorities - be it bilingual - infringes on the Acadian rights.*
In my point of view it does not, but for the English its all about power.
*I don't understand how having a bus ride shared with both English and French students infringes on anybody's rights *
Because you have two different school administration, both have their own money to budget the buses but again for the English its all about power, for me the only reason I can see is that the French population is scared of the English population, and from all the hatred posts I see here I don't blame them.
*having a linguistic translation device in ambulances infringes on anybody's rights*
It does because when you die you want to make sure to put every chances on your side ? Again its all about eh English wanting control and power, if the table would be changed and they only hired French paramedic across NB would you still be happy ?
Mario Doucet
@Mario Doucet
That means Canada and NB.
That means Canada and NB.
cheryl wright
@Marc Martin I can tell you that the rights of someone needing medical assistance is better met with a translation box to assist an English paramedic with a French patient than to have nobody answer their call at all. and by all rights it is the French who have started the bullying here starting with mr. Melansons interview this morning on cbc
Marc Martin
@cheryl wright
So its ok if they hire French only paramedics from now on ?
So its ok if they hire French only paramedics from now on ?
cheryl wright
@Marc Martin you are clearing missing the point and I am done trying to explain it to you. I hope that in your lifetime you do not need the assistance of a paramedic that cant answer your call because of a shortage. bonne nuit
Roy Nicholl
@cheryl wright
Your argument is a strawman. Having no ambulance is an entirely different matter than having one of the two paramedics be able to communicate with French or English patients.
Your argument is a strawman. Having no ambulance is an entirely different matter than having one of the two paramedics be able to communicate with French or English patients.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl That was not her argument
David Amos
@cheryl wright For what it is worth I agree with you
Marc Martin
@cheryl wright
Hey answer the question would you be ok if they only hired French paramedics ? Ill answer for you its NO.
Hey answer the question would you be ok if they only hired French paramedics ? Ill answer for you its NO.
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
Her statement was " I can tell you that the rights of someone needing medical assistance is better met with a translation box to assist an English paramedic with a French patient than to have nobody answer their call at all"
Which is a strawman.
Her statement was " I can tell you that the rights of someone needing medical assistance is better met with a translation box to assist an English paramedic with a French patient than to have nobody answer their call at all"
Which is a strawman.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Why insult the lady or me for that matter?
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
There was no insult on my part, just pointing out the argument was false.
It would be just as false to suggest a translation box to assist a French paramedic with an English patient better meets the rights of someone needing medical assistance than providing none at all.
There was no insult on my part, just pointing out the argument was false.
It would be just as false to suggest a translation box to assist a French paramedic with an English patient better meets the rights of someone needing medical assistance than providing none at all.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Yea Right I remember even trying to talk to you before the election.
Rick Given
I watched Mr. Melanson's interview last night and I came away feeling that I had just watched a temper tantrum by a 5 year old.
Dan Armitage
@Rick Given nailed it
David Amos
@Rick Given Me Too
Bernard McIntyre
Sounds like the Acadian Society are the ones who are fear mongering here not the P.A. The Acadian Society are sounding Anti Anglophone. Hopefully not?
Winston Smith
@Bernard McIntyre
I think what he is saying is that with such a razor thin margin of victory Mr Gauvin is a king maker. Mr. Higgs may not like it but Mr. Gauvin holds an enormous amount of power in such a crippled legislature.
The humour in this situation is brillant to say the least.
I think what he is saying is that with such a razor thin margin of victory Mr Gauvin is a king maker. Mr. Higgs may not like it but Mr. Gauvin holds an enormous amount of power in such a crippled legislature.
The humour in this situation is brillant to say the least.
Paul Arseneault
@Bernard McIntyre Actually, at this point it seems it is becoming more increasingly difficult for the PC party. Mr. Higgs would not dare try to form a PC/PA coalition without the support of Robert Gauvin and there is no way that is happening.
Bernard McIntyre
@Paul Arseneault. So what your saying is Mr. Gauvin rules the P.C Party not Mr. Higgs or the other 20 M.L.A's.
SarahRose Werner
@Bernard McIntyre - And the Anglophone Rights Association of New Brunswick is anti-Acadian. Your point?
Bernard McIntyre
@SarahRose Werner. I haven't heard the Angolphone Association making any statements so where are you getting your point?
JJ Carrier
@Bernard McIntyre They make statements every day in every form possible...Many of the PANB are WARs, but with better clothing on than the old days of, ahem triple letter protests against the French...Unless history has been rewritten, check the direct link in all these Anglo rights group...You might be surprised what you find in your Scottish/Irish heritage, especially in NNB
Bernard McIntyre
@JJ Carrier. What does WARs stand for? And I do know a little history of my culture. WE are not Anglo.Thats like calling the French, Spainish. Our culture was desimated by the English. How do you think Haggis was made.
David Amos
@Bernard McIntyre Methinks Robert Melanson and his Anti Anglophone Cohorts doth protest too much N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Winston Smith "The humour in this situation is brillant to say the least."
Welcome to the Circus
Welcome to the Circus
Marc Martin
@Winston Smith
*They are represented by the People's Alliance who speak for them now.*
There ya go, finally someone who admits that PANB represents the anti-francophone group of NB.
*They are represented by the People's Alliance who speak for them now.*
There ya go, finally someone who admits that PANB represents the anti-francophone group of NB.
Denis Thomas
@SarahRose Werner I'm a French Acadian and a member/supporter of the ARA.
You were saying?
You were saying?
David Amos
@Denis Thomas Methinks with that and two loonies you can get a cup of coffee N'esy Pas?
James MacDonald
Robert Melanson said, "If you're against duality, then you're against bilingualism." As long a that backwards thinking remains , New Brunswick will remain a backwards province. Every time a party mentions "duality of service" , someone races out to explain the benefits of bilingualism for the province . I think bilingualism is great. I think the segregation of school kids on buses ,based on language is stupid, and probably violates someone's Charter Rights. Having two health care authorities when we can barely afford one, all in the the name of "Bilingualism"? I moved here 27 years ago and I saw right away how messesd up things were in NB. I am leaving here in February and things are still the same. Au revoir. Bonne chance.
Dan Armitage
@James MacDonald I like it too James but thier taking the good out of it all. Want they really want is a one system for themselves not every New Brunswicker
Jeff LeBlanc
@James MacDonald imagine replacing the word "french" with "black" when talking about the school bus situation? It's ridiculous that in 2018 these things are even issues to people. I'm Acadian and couldn't care less what language the bus driver speaks as long as he gets the kids there safely.
Dan Armitage
@Jeff LeBlanc great stuff Jeff
Marc Martin
@James MacDonald
*the segregation of school kids on buses*
Name me one place where people not in power or having the majority segregated the other part? You find it anywhere, it just show the English the lack of understanding their own English language.
*the segregation of school kids on buses*
Name me one place where people not in power or having the majority segregated the other part? You find it anywhere, it just show the English the lack of understanding their own English language.
Al Bekirkey
@Marc Martin its 2018 bud
Bill Thompson
@Marc Martin
Would you repeat that, please.? And this time could you write it in the English language?
Would you repeat that, please.? And this time could you write it in the English language?
Roy Nicholl
@Bill Thompson
Perhaps you should ask politely in French?
Perhaps you should ask politely in French?
John Price
@James MacDonald What's most hilarious about this PANB (or COR ver. 3.0), and you James, is do you think somehow magically removing 1 health authority, and saving on, what, maybe 50 busses is going to solve the financial crisis in this province? NOPE. Because the problem never was, and isn't about duality or bilingualism. The problem is all the years people go out and work and pay taxes to other provinces, only to come back to NB to use our hospitals and healthcare system for the most expensive part of their life. Not to mention the fact that the province pays for stupidly small schools, stupidly paved roads for 3 houses, stupidly clearing snow for these same rural roads, etc. it's government waste, but mostly because of healthcare. There is ZERO reason to have 17 odd hospitals in this province - maybe 5 or 6 at most are needed.
John Price
@Jeff LeBlanc Congratulations Jeff. You're Acadian, and you don't care that the bus driver in Edmundston, or Caraquet can't give instructions to a purely francophone kid during an emergency, or can't diffuse a situation when there's a fight on the bus, etc. Totally makes sense. /sarcasm.
Marc Martin
@Al Bekirkey
And ?
And ?
Marc Martin
@Bill Thompson
At least I try my best buddy, how about you ?
By the way I cant *repeat* this because I am not talking, I am writing.
At least I try my best buddy, how about you ?
By the way I cant *repeat* this because I am not talking, I am writing.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Methinks I should write another lawsuit and write it in Chiac this time N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
@John Price
Wow...this is well said ty sir. May I add this, we have a shortage of doctors in NB, UNB and the University of Moncton choose more immigrant outside Canada because it pays more leaving our kids who want to be doctors to not have a chance to attend the University, these are subjects we should be talking about.
Wow...this is well said ty sir. May I add this, we have a shortage of doctors in NB, UNB and the University of Moncton choose more immigrant outside Canada because it pays more leaving our kids who want to be doctors to not have a chance to attend the University, these are subjects we should be talking about.
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos wrote:
"Methinks I should write another lawsuit and write it in Chiac this time N'esy Pas?"
If you would find that fulfilling, then you should.
"Methinks I should write another lawsuit and write it in Chiac this time N'esy Pas?"
If you would find that fulfilling, then you should.
Marc Martin
@David Amos
Maybe you should write it in welfare language.
Maybe you should write it in welfare language.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Should I mention you and your cohorts within it?
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos wrote:
"Should I mention you and your cohorts within it?"
Oh, please do. Just be certain to let me know who they are in advance so we can keep our stories straight.
"Should I mention you and your cohorts within it?"
Oh, please do. Just be certain to let me know who they are in advance so we can keep our stories straight.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Scroll up and down
John O'Brien
It is now abundantly obvious that it is the French who fear equality. All this fuss is caused by Francophone reaction to the people of NB ( a good number of them Francophones) voting in 3 candidates who dared to say that maybe we should re-examine the state of Language laws here. It really does not make much common sense. I came to Moncton voluntarily 40 years ago; mainly because of the bi-cultural atmosphere. The more I get to know the elite Francophones, the more anti-Francophone I get. Things have changed - a lot. The greed in Francophone circles is staggering.
Marc Martin
@John O'Brien
*It is now abundantly obvious that it is the French who fear equality*
They fear losing their equality, right now its the anti-French that want to remove everything from hem.
* came to Moncton voluntarily 40 years ago*
Then you accepted the fact that NB was a bilingual province, you always have the choice to *voluntarily* move back.
*It is now abundantly obvious that it is the French who fear equality*
They fear losing their equality, right now its the anti-French that want to remove everything from hem.
* came to Moncton voluntarily 40 years ago*
Then you accepted the fact that NB was a bilingual province, you always have the choice to *voluntarily* move back.
John Price
@John O'Brien It's hilarious you think "a good number of them" voted for COR ver. 2.0. Absolutely hilarious. Why would anyone vote for a party who's looking to take rights away from others?
Also, isn't it interesting that if they're getting great support from English AND French - why did they get elected in the most English areas of the province? Why didn't they win seats up north or down south?
Also, isn't it interesting that if they're getting great support from English AND French - why did they get elected in the most English areas of the province? Why didn't they win seats up north or down south?
David Amos
@John O'Brien "The greed in Francophone circles is staggering"
I concur
I concur
Edwin Kelley
La Patente seems to be alive and well in New Brunswick. According to recent census (2016) there is 66.7% of the population that lists english as their mother tongue and 31.1% that lists french as their mother tongue. There are only 8.5% who are uni lingual french. The divisive rhetoric being spouted by certain groups is unfounded to say the least.
John Price
@Edwin Kelley The dinosaurs from COR ver 1.0 are also still alive & well too apparently.
David Amos
@Edwin Kelley True
Elaine Jones
It is so sad that there are so many individuals out there that are so short sighted. The PA stand on "duality" only makes sense both economically and socially. Segregation by either language or race is both wrong and reckless. The government needs to run the province with the needs of all it's citizens in mind, not just an elite few.
John Price
@Elaine Jones So it's just "an elite few" that get to go on a school bus? Or just the elite that get to go to the hospital? Or is it only the elite that get to get government services?
Yeah, I thought so.
Yeah, I thought so.
Elaine Jones
@John Price interesting, so you are for separating families and friends . Having one set of rules for some and not for others, interesting. You must be one of those elite.
Marc Martin
@Elaine Jones
*Segregation by either language or race *
A minority who is not in power or a majority cannot segregate anyone pls educate yourself.
*Segregation by either language or race *
A minority who is not in power or a majority cannot segregate anyone pls educate yourself.
David Amos
@Marc Martin "pls educate yourself"
Methinks you should take your own advice N'esy Pas?
Methinks you should take your own advice N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
@David Amos
Not at all, im sure im am more educated then you, for one I have never used welfare, how about you ?
Not at all, im sure im am more educated then you, for one I have never used welfare, how about you ?
David Amos
@Marc Martin I was Never on welfare in my life as a bureaucrat you should know at least that. I never collected unemployment either because I owned my own business for years. Trust that I made a decent living and NEVER employed people who acted like you.
Bill Thompson
There it is right there! Robert Melanson and Yvon Lapierre do not want bilingualism in this province. They want duality. They want one government for the English and a separate one for the French. So long as the English government is required to be bilingual.
Ian Scott
@Bill Thompson exactly and he said it right there. Duality at a cost of millions and duplications where not warranted yet touts bilingualism as an asset which it is and can be improved on where common sense prevails. He wants duplicated hospital services duplicated public office services duplicated bus services duplicated translation services duplicated french schools next will be the attack on doctors lawyers dentists etc. Secretaries and on it goes.
Rosco holt
@Ian Scott
I'll put it this way if everyone was bilingual we wouldn't even have this discussion.
It just some don't bother to learn and then complain that they can't get a certain job because they are not bilingual, while those who learned are being punished.
I'll put it this way if everyone was bilingual we wouldn't even have this discussion.
It just some don't bother to learn and then complain that they can't get a certain job because they are not bilingual, while those who learned are being punished.
David Amos
@Bill Thompson Methinks lots of folks had the agenda of Robert Melanson, Yvon Lapierre and their cohorts figured out a long time ago N'esy Pas?
Tim Trites
June Arnott
james taylor
or any job for that matter. and if the province can't get english kids, after all this time able to function in french then who are they to demand english kids be able to function in french in order to work for them?
talk about your constitutional rights violations, there's one.
read in reverse order
talk about your constitutional rights violations, there's one.
read in reverse order
Roy Nicholl
@Tim Trites
It's not the province's responsibility alone to ensure "English" kids are able to function in French. The parents are also part of the equation.
Children are born without language, but with the amazing ability to learn any language or languages - they simply cannot help but learn. We as parents and as a society need to provide the opportunity.
Let's turn your scenario around and ask: Why is it that the majority of Francophone kids are able to function in English by the time they are adults? What can we learn from this to aid their English counterparts in their pursuit of French? We spend more resources now to help English kids learn French than we do to help French kids learn English.
It's not the province's responsibility alone to ensure "English" kids are able to function in French. The parents are also part of the equation.
Children are born without language, but with the amazing ability to learn any language or languages - they simply cannot help but learn. We as parents and as a society need to provide the opportunity.
Let's turn your scenario around and ask: Why is it that the majority of Francophone kids are able to function in English by the time they are adults? What can we learn from this to aid their English counterparts in their pursuit of French? We spend more resources now to help English kids learn French than we do to help French kids learn English.
Ian Scott
@Roy Nicholl because it takes a lot of time and effort when 99% of the world around functions in English. And it’s Need is dwindling while Asian languages are in fact likely to be neede more. Take a trip to Ontario.!
Ian Scott
@Ian Scott and many of us just are not wired for it unlike say ?Freeland who speaks several languages. My new nephew is handicapped but picks up both but we have had years of limited exposure and it remains limited. But to force it when not needed is "......duality for political purpose and money.
Marc Martin
@Ian Scott
* because it takes a lot of time and effort *
You have just told us the reason why the English population does not want or want to make the effort to learn a language, well guess what your the only one to blame.
* because it takes a lot of time and effort *
You have just told us the reason why the English population does not want or want to make the effort to learn a language, well guess what your the only one to blame.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl "What can we learn from this to aid their English counterparts in their pursuit of French?"
Easy have a vote then change the Charter
Easy have a vote then change the Charter
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
Once again, your response does not answer the question.
Once again, your response does not answer the question.
Roy Nicholl
@Ian Scott
Then are you willing to give up services and systems in English?
Then are you willing to give up services and systems in English?
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl I answered it just fine
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
Then explain how changing the charter will assist English students learn French?
Then explain how changing the charter will assist English students learn French?
Marc Martin
@David Amos
You didn't answer because you dont know what your talking about.
You didn't answer because you dont know what your talking about.
David Amos
@Marc Martin That why I sued the Queen Correct?
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Why is it so hard to understand that I do not believe the Charter is valid?
Jake Quinlan
From March 12, 1993. I find the wording in 16.1(1) "....as are necessary...." interesting. Perhaps Austin's "common sense approach" are rooted in these few words?
Amendment to the Constitution of Canada
1. The "Constitution Act, 1982" is amended by adding thereto, immediately after section 16 thereof, the following section:
"16.1 (1) The English linguistic community and the French linguistic community in New Brunswick have equality of status and equal rights and privileges, including the right to distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities.
(2) The role of the legislature and the government of New Brunswick to peserve and promote the status, rights and privileges referred to in subsection (1) is affirmed."
2. This amendment may be cited as the "Constitution Amendment, 1993 (New Brunswick)".
Amendment to the Constitution of Canada
1. The "Constitution Act, 1982" is amended by adding thereto, immediately after section 16 thereof, the following section:
"16.1 (1) The English linguistic community and the French linguistic community in New Brunswick have equality of status and equal rights and privileges, including the right to distinct educational institutions and such distinct cultural institutions as are necessary for the preservation and promotion of those communities.
(2) The role of the legislature and the government of New Brunswick to peserve and promote the status, rights and privileges referred to in subsection (1) is affirmed."
2. This amendment may be cited as the "Constitution Amendment, 1993 (New Brunswick)".
Marc Martin
@Jake Quinlan
Purple Barney of if you like the CoR leader only has one agendy the removal of French right for the benefit of the anti-French groups in NB...Its not a coincidence he went to every anti-French group ralley in Fredericton in the past 4 years.
Purple Barney of if you like the CoR leader only has one agendy the removal of French right for the benefit of the anti-French groups in NB...Its not a coincidence he went to every anti-French group ralley in Fredericton in the past 4 years.
cheryl wright
@Marc Martin that is absolutely not true. nowhere in the constitution does it mention that there is a requirement to have separate busses or hospitals etc. it is education only and they have that, they have French schools barely being occupied while English schools recently built are having to add mobile classrooms.. but it is their constitutional right. Education. as far as Kris Austin is concerned about his party agenda maybe if you open your ears instead of your lips you would clearly see that the party is not COR or anti- French and the only ones spewing segregation and fear mongering and inequality is the likes of Mr. Melanson himself
Marc Martin
@cheryl wright
Wrong post, maybe you should read the posts instead of writing nonsense.
*French schools barely being occupied while English schools recently built are having to add mobile classrooms*
Errr sorry ? Fredericton had 1 schools and it was so full that kid where starting to fall out of the windows. What about the half full 18 school the English have in Fredericton ?
PANB = CoR.
Wrong post, maybe you should read the posts instead of writing nonsense.
*French schools barely being occupied while English schools recently built are having to add mobile classrooms*
Errr sorry ? Fredericton had 1 schools and it was so full that kid where starting to fall out of the windows. What about the half full 18 school the English have in Fredericton ?
PANB = CoR.
Bernard McIntyre
@Marc Martin. As I said in another comment. You only read what you want to hear.
Robert Thibodeau
@cheryl wright They have , They have.... Come on. Can you hear yourself? You get all these services in your language too.
Robert Thibodeau
@Bernard McIntyre "You only read what you want to hear" . Thats a new one.
Marc Martin
@Bernard McIntyre
Not really I'm stating facts that no one here can even chalenge me on them...In the end its all about jealousy and bitterness.
Not really I'm stating facts that no one here can even chalenge me on them...In the end its all about jealousy and bitterness.
David Amos
@Jake Quinlan Methinks you should study my lawsuit ASAP N'esy Pas?
Google David Amos Federal Court
Google David Amos Federal Court
Marc Martin
@David Amos
No one wants to google that, its a waste of time.
No one wants to google that, its a waste of time.
David Amos
@Marc Martin Methinks that you don't want them to N'esy Pas?
David Amos
@Marc Martin Methinks that you don't want them to N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
@David Amos
Want what ?
Want what ?
Tim Trites
just so it's clear. NOWHERE in the Constitution does it guarantee DUALITY rights
Roy Nicholl
@Tim Trites
The constitution does guarantee service in your choice of English or French. To delivery those services necessitates some form of duality.
The constitution does guarantee service in your choice of English or French. To delivery those services necessitates some form of duality.
Marc Martin
@Tim Trites
It does for school administration.
It does for school administration.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Nope
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
The alternative would be for all those involved in the delivery of services to be fluently bilingual ... which probably would not sit well with your purview.
The alternative would be for all those involved in the delivery of services to be fluently bilingual ... which probably would not sit well with your purview.
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl What makes you think that the Charter holds water?
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos
Philisopical existentialism aside, the Charter, like the other foundations of our society (government, courts, etc) is a human construct which has validity because we have given it.
While it is good for us to question our social constructs, we should do so earnestly and not from a place of malice, fear or contempt.
Philisopical existentialism aside, the Charter, like the other foundations of our society (government, courts, etc) is a human construct which has validity because we have given it.
While it is good for us to question our social constructs, we should do so earnestly and not from a place of malice, fear or contempt.
Timothy Meehan
The Charter says the GOVERNMENT must be bilingual. Not the PROVINCE or the COUNTY. Why are not all police 100% bilingual? Why do drunk drivers go free every year because a police officer can't be arsed to learn French? It's all games. (I support PA but also Acadian rights. Their position is misrepresented.)
David Amos
@Roy Nicholl Who do you think you impressed with the fancy lingo?
Roy Nicholl
@David Amos wrote:
"Who do you think you impressed with the fancy lingo?"
David:
This would be one of those times when it is difficult to see what you are talking about.
"Who do you think you impressed with the fancy lingo?"
David:
This would be one of those times when it is difficult to see what you are talking about.
June Arnott
@Tim Trites that is true.
Marc Martin
@Roy Nicholl
*David:
This would be one of those times when it is difficult to see what you are talking about.*
Lucky you I never understand anything he says....
*David:
This would be one of those times when it is difficult to see what you are talking about.*
Lucky you I never understand anything he says....
Tim Trites
nor does it say that any GIVEN job needs to be bilingual
David Amos
@Tim Trites True
JJ Carrier
Can we track Buster Astle down and ask him if he has stopped partying?
David Amos
@JJ Carrier Methinks he no longer cares N'esy Pas?
June Arnott
Well! I’ve been called many things but never an elitis.
I will give the common sense part though. Our ambulance services are suffering. Why not hire English only and put them in those areas.
Still though , say no to this backwards party.
I will give the common sense part though. Our ambulance services are suffering. Why not hire English only and put them in those areas.
Still though , say no to this backwards party.
Marc Martin
@June Arnott
Why not hire everyone French ?
Why not hire everyone French ?
David Amos
@Marc Martin Why not fire all the French?
james taylor
Ambulance ? Call 911,,,,,, enter 1 for English Ambulance,,,,, enter 2 for French Ambulance,,,,, enter 3
"If You Don't Give A ****" .
"If You Don't Give A ****" .
David Amos
@james taylor Good Point
Greens predict 'tough negotiations' with Liberals, PCs over governing partnership
Brian Gallant announced the Liberals will approach the Green Party in hopes of forming a partnership
· CBC News· Posted: Sep 27, 2018 8:13 AM ATGreen Party Leader David Coon is predicting "tough negotiations" between his party and the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives as the political leaders continue to grapple with the province's minority government situation.
"We have an unprecedented situation with the results of this election," said Coon.
"Our caucus's goal is to deliver to New Brunswickers a stable government and serve the public interest and tackle the challenges we've got in front of us."
The two major parties fell short of the required 25 seats for a majority — the PCs won 22 and the Liberals 21, pending recounts. The remaining six seats in the legislature were evenly split between the Greens and the People's Alliance.
New Brunswick has not had a minority government since 1920.
- Liberals court Greens for governing partnership
- Liberals and PCs continue battle over who will govern N.B.
- People's Alliance more likely to support the PCs, Kris Austin says
"I'm humbled by the fact the people of this province have voted to give us the balance of responsibility to help build a stable government in the legislature."
Coon said his goal right now is to be part of a collaboration that will last. He hopes both parties will recognize they didn't receive a majority of support and can't govern that way.
"If we're going to get a throne speech passed, if we're going to get a budget passed, then we've got to have some kind of agreement in the legislative assembly that enables a minority government to function," he said.
Coon didn't say what that agreement might look like.
"It's going to be tough negotiations over the next couple of weeks," he said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.
But Coon did make it clear he will not make a decision until October, after the final results are confirmed.
"What we need here is an agreement to enable the legislature to function and a government to serve the people of this province."
Later on Thursday, Higgs rejected striking any deals with other parties or forming a coalition but he wasn't clear about how his party, with only 22 seats, might govern. He said he expected to be able to work with the other parties on areas where there is agreement.
On Wednesday, Gallant announced the party will approach the Green Party with the hope of forming a partnership based on shared "progressive policies."
What shape that partnership would take would have to be discussed, Gallant said. It was the first public chess move by a party in the two days since Monday's election that left both the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives claiming the right to govern.
Catching up on Monday's dramatic election results? This video will give you the highlights
CBC News
New Brunswick election night in 90 seconds
00:0001:40
Gallant said during the campaign that he would not work with the PCs or the People's Alliance because they don't share Liberal "values."
He said Wednesday that voters sent a clear message they wanted the government to work with "other parties," but he suggested that the Greens are the more natural pairing for the Liberals.
With files from Information Morning Fredericton and Colin McPhail
PC Leader Blaine Higgs says he expects to govern eventually but won't cut deals
Higgs says Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau told him he'll be asked to govern if Gallant loses confidence vote
Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs says the lieutenant-governor has told him he'll be asked to form a government if the Liberals lose a confidence vote in the legislature, but he won't cut any deals to make it happen or stay in power.
"I'm hopeful we will form a minority government, because that's exactly what the province voted for," Higgs told reporters after his meeting with Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau in Fredericton, which lasted more than an hour.
At the meeting, Higgs also asked that the legislature be called back as soon as possible. Gallant has suggested it could happen anytime before Christmas.
CBC News
PC Leader Blaine Higgs meets with Lt.-Gov. in aftermath of election
00:0017:18
The legislature is set to resume Oct. 23, a date set long before the election and subject to change.
"She said this isn't going to go on, we can't have this instability in the province," Higgs said. "She gave every indication this will not go months, it'll go days and weeks."
I have the most seats. That is typically how democracy works and I'm calling on Brian Gallant to realize he lost the election.- Blaine Higgs , leader of the PC partyAfter the meeting, Higgs made it clear there would not be another election until the Liberals give governing a try, and then the Conservatives if necessary.
Neither won enough seats Monday for a majority, but the PCs came out one seat ahead of the Liberals.
Higgs said he would not form a coalition and was adamant he will not "work things out" with Gallant. But Higgs did say he is willing to work with other parties in the legislative assembly.
"I have faith in both the Green Party and People's Alliance," he said. "I'm not cutting deals to stay in power."
Getting on with the job
Meanwhile, Green Party Leader David Coon has arranged to have individual phone conversations on Thursday with both Higgs and Gallant to "look at what kind of government might be built in the Legislative Assembly."
"It's going to be tough negotiations over the next couple of weeks," he said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton.
"What we need here is an agreement to enable the legislature to function and a government to serve the people of this province."
- Greens predict 'tough negotiations' with Liberals, PCs over governing partnership
- Liberals court Greens for governing partnership
- Liberals and PCs continue battle over who will govern N.B.
Liberal Leader Brian Gallant met with Roy Vienneau on Tuesday morning and said she gave him permission to continue governing while he and his Liberals try to win the confidence of the legislature.
But Higgs fired back that Gallant was merely "prolonging the inevitable" and it's "sad Gallant is so focused on his future career."
The PC leader urged the premier to call the legislature, so New Brunswick can have a legitimate government again.
"I have the most seats. That is typically how democracy works and I'm calling on Brian Gallant to realize he lost the election.
"The province deserves and needs a functioning government."
He said there are timely issues that need addressing, and he cited delays in compensating flood victims and the harm being done to New Brunswick companies by the 20 per cent U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber.
Crossing the floor
But Higgs also emphasized he wouldn't make backroom deals with other parties or MLAs, saying voters are "sick and tired of people holding onto power."
He suggested this set him apart from Gallant.
"It's evident he's desperate to hold onto power and he's trying to buy time with the hopes he can convince one of my MLAs to cross the floor," Higgs said.
Although he wouldn't say who, Higgs said he was present when one of his MLAs received a call from Liberals on Wednesday night suggesting the MLA cross the floor.
Before Higgs met with Roy Vienneau, a Liberal staffer shared copies of a PC to Liberal email about discussing the next government.
"All of a sudden the reception got real bad when I got on the phone," he said.
Before Higgs met with Roy Vienneau, a Liberal staffer shared copies of an email from a PC to a Liberal about discussing the next government.
Higgs said he did not authorize anyone to speak with other MLAs about crossing the floor.
"I will not buy anyone to cross the floor. I will not and have not offered anyone something to join."
Higgs and Gallant have been clashing this week over how to interpret the election results where the PCs won 22 seats compared to the 21 seats held by the Liberals. A party needs 25 seats for a majority government.
The People's Alliance and the Green Party each won three seats.
After his meeting with Roy Vienneau, Higgs was to meet with his caucus at the Fredericton Inn.
The 506er. Subscribe here. And then let us know what you think by emailing us: the506er@cbc.ca.
Kris Austin defends himself, as Acadian voices against People's Alliance multiply
Language rights groups suspicious of Austin's 'common sense' approach, but Austin says they misunderstand
Bob Rae says minority rule is all about numbers — but 3rd parties shouldn't overreach
Former politician has some experience with supporting and ending minority governments
New Brunswick is facing its first minority government in almost 100 years, coupled with a ripple of populism that will bring two small parties to greater prominence in the legislature.
This is unknown territory for voters and politicians alike.
Enter Bob Rae, who knows a thing or two about starting, and finishing, minority governments.
In 1979, it was Rae's motion as an NDP member of Parliament that precipitated the end of Joe Clark's minority government.
As leader of Ontario's NDP during the minority election of 1985, Rae signed an accord with the second-place David Peterson Liberals that toppled Frank Miller's Progressive Conservatives, ending a 42-year-old Tory dynasty and putting the Liberals in power.
"It's all about the numbers," the now-retired politician said during a brief stop in Fredericton to deliver a university lecture.
"It's not about the theories about what you can do, but can you actually do it?"
This is unknown territory for voters and politicians alike.
Enter Bob Rae, who knows a thing or two about starting, and finishing, minority governments.
In 1979, it was Rae's motion as an NDP member of Parliament that precipitated the end of Joe Clark's minority government.
In minority governments you think you've got a lot of leverage if you're the balance of power, as they say, but you've got to always be careful not to overplay your hand.- Bob Rae, former federal cabinet ministerThen, as a federal Liberal MP and interim party leader, Rae had a front-row seat to Stephen Harper's two consecutive minority governments. The lesson from all those political nail-biters?
"It's all about the numbers," the now-retired politician said during a brief stop in Fredericton to deliver a university lecture.
"It's not about the theories about what you can do, but can you actually do it?"
Bob Rae on the future of a minority government in New Brunswick
00:0000:15
"The question is will he be able to pull it off," Rae said.
"Looking at these numbers, it's hard for me to see how that lasts for four years, unless something dramatic happens."
In New Brunswick, the past few days have been all about the political drama as parties scramble to keep their footing following an election with no clear victor.
On Monday, the PCs won 22 seats, the Liberals 21, and the Green and People's Alliance parties each won three.
"Our caucus believes that there are a lot of commonalities that we could work on to ensure there's a progressive government," Gallant said.
Both the Greens and the People's Alliance could wield significant power over the future of New Brunswick's government. Neither the Liberals nor the PCs can govern without the support of one or both of the third parties.
"In minority governments you think you've got a lot of leverage if you're the balance of power, as they say, but you've got to always be careful not to overplay your hand," he said.
"The reality is that the Liberal Party got 37 per cent and the Conservative Party got 32 per cent, and that's a lot more than the other parties got."
Rae was in Fredericton to give the annual Bernie Vigod lecture on human rights at St. Thomas University. His subject, human rights in the age of populism, also had resonance in New Brunswick's election.
Both the People's Alliance and the Green Party share some populist roots, even if they do occupy opposite ends of the political spectrum.
We have a premier in Ontario who said he won a massive majority. Well he won 40 per cent of the vote. Mr. Trump didn't have a majority, he lost the popular vote. - Bob RaeRae cautions that populism may have legitimate roots, but that it is vulnerable to chauvinism and manipulation by demagogues, particularly the Donald Trump brand of "me first" politics that most people associate with populism today.
Kris Austin's "common sense" approach appeals to the concerns of many ordinary New Brunswickers, but his linguistic policy and opposition to duality have francophones worried about their constitutional language rights.
Green Party Leader David Coon has made it clear his party is opposed to the Alliance's language policies. At the same time, Coon has said his economic policy would shift investment inward to focus on businesses and co-operatives at the community level, instead of courting larger corporations.
He said the Green Party would support "co-operatives at the community level that are community-based, locally owned and particularly that are focused on meeting the needs of New Brunswickers to help reduce our imports, and that will keep more money in our economy, creating more jobs here and more opportunity here."
Coon's vision of a self-sufficient New Brunswick demonstrates populist tendencies when it comes to the economy, and his party's grassroots environmental movement does set itself against the political status quo of Liberals and PCs — take the party's popular bumper sticker slogan "David Coon works for me," for example.
Rae said human rights are about protecting minorities, which creates a conflict with populism.
"That's not always popular for a court to say, 'We're going to protect that minority and we're going to do what needs to be done to protect it.'
"In the case of New Brunswick, it's the language issue, it's a classic. We have laws that protect the linguistic minority, and if you just throw that overboard you're into pretty dangerous territory."
With files from Harry Forestell
Green MLA Kevin Arseneau says he'll put Kent North first
Kevin Arseneau says he was approached by Liberals and PCs but wasn't asked to cross the floor
Kent North's newest MLA, Kevin Arseneau, says he will represent the people of the riding before he represents Green Party interests.
"I have a problem with this tight, tight party line, where you have to — and I've heard horror stories from other politicians of how they use the party line to intimidate MLAs into taking certain decisions."
"I really like the fact that, you know, I get to represent the people of Kent North before putting the interests of the party first."
Arseneau won the formerly Liberal seat with 4,056 votes, one of three wins for the Greens on Monday.
"During my campaign I wanted to understand — I have to represent some fishermen — if I wanted to understand what they were doing, I wanted to go on a boat for a whole day."
"If I represent these people, I've got to feel, understand, experience what they're living."
Arseneau described this as the on-the-ground way he plans to do his job as MLA.
As he campaigned door-to-door, Areseneau said, he was told over and over that people wanted a change.
"They told me they were fed up with this blue-red kind of always fighting together. And we see that they're continuing to do it."
He was referring to Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs each expecting to govern after a close election left the PCs with one more seat than the Liberals.
"Both of them are wanting to grasp on power instead of just working together for the better of everyone."
Arseneau said he believes this is why so many voters were fed up.
The Green Party and People's Alliance will each have three seats in the legislature, which could give the Greens or the Alliance some unexpected influence.
Arseneau said his campaign included supporting all cultures and languages, and he wants to continue working the same way, rather than being like the People's Alliance, which he said is causing division.
"In the riding, we've stopped shale gas by coming all together," he said.
Arseneau said the Green Party is in no rush to form alliances with any other political party, he said.
Representatives of other parties have been in touch and want an answer right away, but the party is taking its time replying.
"We're going to take a little bit of time and talk about it and see what the different options are and try to chose the best option for my riding and for the people of New Brunswick as a whole."
Arseneau confirmed he was himself approached by other parties about possibly sitting down and talking with them or working with with them but said there were no invitations to cross the floor.
"I have a problem with this tight, tight party line, where you have to — and I've heard horror stories from other politicians of how they use the party line to intimidate MLAs into taking certain decisions."
If I represent these people, I've got to feel, understand, experience what they're living. - Kevin Arseneau, elected in Kent NorthArseneau said that's not the type of politics he wants to be a part of, and suggested he ran because the Green Party agrees.
"I really like the fact that, you know, I get to represent the people of Kent North before putting the interests of the party first."
Arseneau won the formerly Liberal seat with 4,056 votes, one of three wins for the Greens on Monday.
"During my campaign I wanted to understand — I have to represent some fishermen — if I wanted to understand what they were doing, I wanted to go on a boat for a whole day."
- David Coon will head back to house with 2 other Green MLAs
- People's Alliance does well in Miramichi as Greens pick up Kent seat
"If I represent these people, I've got to feel, understand, experience what they're living."
Arseneau described this as the on-the-ground way he plans to do his job as MLA.
Change wanted
As he campaigned door-to-door, Areseneau said, he was told over and over that people wanted a change.
"They told me they were fed up with this blue-red kind of always fighting together. And we see that they're continuing to do it."
He was referring to Premier Brian Gallant and Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs each expecting to govern after a close election left the PCs with one more seat than the Liberals.
"Both of them are wanting to grasp on power instead of just working together for the better of everyone."
Arseneau said he believes this is why so many voters were fed up.
I told them basically, we have met already with the Green caucus and we're converging today to meet in person and having a long work meeting about this. - Kevin Arseneau"This is what I was hearing at the door, and I was giving them a message a lot more positive."
The Green Party and People's Alliance will each have three seats in the legislature, which could give the Greens or the Alliance some unexpected influence.
Arseneau said his campaign included supporting all cultures and languages, and he wants to continue working the same way, rather than being like the People's Alliance, which he said is causing division.
"In the riding, we've stopped shale gas by coming all together," he said.
No rush for alliance
Arseneau said the Green Party is in no rush to form alliances with any other political party, he said.
Representatives of other parties have been in touch and want an answer right away, but the party is taking its time replying.
"We're going to take a little bit of time and talk about it and see what the different options are and try to chose the best option for my riding and for the people of New Brunswick as a whole."
Arseneau confirmed he was himself approached by other parties about possibly sitting down and talking with them or working with with them but said there were no invitations to cross the floor.
Information Morning - Moncton
NB Votes - Kevin Arseneau
00:0009:30
When asked who the Green Party would likely form an alliance with, the new MLA said he wasn't sure, since the party has a trust and confidence problem with the Liberals and an ideology problem with the PCs.
With files from Information Morning
Is this even legal? Doesn't this undermine our democratic process?