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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
#nbpoli#cdnpoli
https://youtu.be/75jjY7fs1Y4
http://charlesotherpersonalitie.blogspot.com/2020/01/2020-state-of-province-address.html#comment-form
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Content disabled
Methinks some folks may enjoy listening to what Higgy really said N'esy Pas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
#nbpoli#cdnpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/opportunities-new-brunswick-higgs-state-of-the-province-1.5446827
· CBC News· Posted: Jan 31, 2020 5:00 AM AT
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New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, pictured during 2019 state of the province, pledged to overhaul Opportunities New Brunswick during this year's address on Thursday night. (Stephen MacGillivray/Canadian Press)
Premier Blaine Higgs has unveiled what he calls a new direction for Opportunities New Brunswick, the province's lead economic development agency.
The premier used his second state of the province speech to confirm that the Crown corporation's CEO, Stephen Lund, won't be renewed now that his five-year contract is ending.
And to chart a new direction for the organization, he said the province consulted experts, business leaders and economists to set a new course for ONB.
"What we heard, essentially, is that we need to embrace a pro-growth agenda now," he told a crowd of business and community leaders gathered at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
That means finding a way to fill an expected 120,000 jobs that will become vacant in the next decade and pushing the federal government to increase the maximum number of immigrants the province can take in from 7,500 to 10,000 per year.
Higgs floated the idea of trying to grow New Brunswick's population to one million people by 2040, an increase that he says would boost the province's gross domestic product by $15 billion and add 100,000 jobs.
The embrace of Opportunities New Brunswick, and the premier's effusive thanks to Lund, marks a change for the premier.
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Premier Blaine Higgs announced Thursday his government will not be renewing the contract of ONB CEO Stephen Lund, pictured. (CBC New Brunswick)
As opposition leader, he denounced corporate subsidies and called for the CEO's firing over unimplemented recommendations made by the auditor general in the wake of the Atcon loan fiasco.
But Thursday night Higgs praised Lund "for his steady commitment to New Brunswick's growth, and for his role in helping to shape the future of ONB." Lund was hired by the previous Liberal government in February 2015.
"Government actions can strangle us. They can drag us down. They can suffocate us with high taxes. They can drive people away to work in other provinces. And they can make our businesses uncompetitive by driving up cost," he said.
"It is a vicious cycle, and the worst is when the government has to step in to prop up industry sectors that became uncompetitive because their cost to operate climbed too high."
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The new vision for ONB includes helping businesses navigate red-tape and opening offices in Europe and India. (Opportunities New Brunswick)
Since taking power in 2018 Higgs has spoken often of shifting ONB's focus. The organization's budget was reduced by $7 million in the first Progressive Conservative budget and 24 positions were eliminated last June.
Higgs said the agency will become the single point of contact for potential investors, using a standardized evaluation process that is transparent and "free of political interference."
Higgs said the province will open another overseas office in India, this one to attract skilled workers and investors.
The PC government signalled a shift from job creation to employee recruitment last November when it said its 19 regional economic development offices would shift part of their focus to helping employers find skilled workers to fill vacancies.
Higgs said last night the provincial government will also become "a model user" of new technology to set an example for businesses adopting new tools and will launch a new marketing campaign to promote New Brunswick's brand.
"We need to talk about what is great about this province and there is plenty," he said. "We will showcase our success stories, especially those companies that are embracing immigration, exporting globally, and adopting innovation to drive productivity."
Higgs also signalled new moves in other areas, saying he has asked NB Power to develop a plan to reduce its level of debt without affecting power rates.
And he confirmed that he'll be announcing major changes to the health-care system within weeks to address an aging population and labour shortages.
He also said the province will use some of the money it's saving thanks to lower interest payments on a smaller accumulated debt to address addiction and mental health issues.
"There are no easy answers, but our government is committed," he said. "This is an issue that can't be ignored."
219 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks some folks may enjoy listening to what Higgy really said N'esy Pas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
David Amos
Methinks its blatantly obvious just how two faced and dumb Higgy truly is N'esy Pas?
"As opposition leader, he denounced corporate subsidies and called for the CEO's firing over unimplemented recommendations made by the auditor general in the wake of the Atcon loan fiasco.
But Thursday night Higgs praised Lund "for his steady commitment to New Brunswick's growth, and for his role in helping to shape the future of ONB."
David Amos
Methinks folks should never forget that the CEO of Nb Poower Gaëtan Thomas is gone net month or that Alward appointed Robert MacLeod a former wannabe leader to be the first CEO of ONB. It wasn't long after we started paying for "Not So Smart" meters that Higgy wants to push through the EUB process before he loses the next election N'esy Pas?
Siemens and NB Power strike smart grid pact
CBC News · Posted: Jul 25, 2012 11:00 AM AT
"Siemens Canada and NB Power have struck an agreement that will see the global technology company create a 10 year energy road map for the province.
The new partnership also sees the company open a new research and development centre in Fredericton.
Gaëtan Thomas, the president and chief executive officer of NB Power, said the use of the smart grid technology will help customers in the future.
"This relationship will be long lasting, and will modernize the New Brunswick electricity system and the way our customers view their own electricity consumption. It will also provide long-term benefits to our customers," Thomas said in a statement."
Invest NB will be subsidizing a portion of those jobs, but CEO Robert MacLeod would not comment on how much the deal would cost taxpayers, saying that figure is still being finalized.
"NB Power will pay Siemens for that service, which could cost millions of dollars per year.
Jan Mrosik, the global head of Siemens Smart Grid, said the global technology company is looking forward to setting up in New Brunswick.
"We'll save hundreds of millions of dollars in the long run and this means that NB Power will have to spend much less in generation," Alward said.
Jim Cyr
This network’s radio coverage of the address was beyond shameful. Never was it more apparent that anything with a red L attached to it gets praised by their panel of talking heads (and their news division). Any anything with a blue C gets automatically panned. Disgraceful bias.....and it’s from state-run media, no less!
David Amos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
Roy Kirk
Kill ONB, take its budget, and use it to reduce the tax burden on low wage workers.
Roland Godin
And le nord du Nouveau-Brunswick is to south New Brunswick what Alberta is to Canada, a natural resource supply chain feeder...et voilà.
Ned MacAllister
Methinks that David Amos in a wanna be Politician who think's he knows everything. He put his name forward several times but never made the grade. He comments on every post on here but he sways with the wind. No credibility on anything just somebody that wants to but into every post and give his opinion. Just another disgruntled loon. Nes'y Pas ?????
Rod McLeod
It will be interesting to see what his severance will be. Cha-ching! I'm also inclined to think we could do without ONB as well.
Rick Haars
NB power guy has to go as well.
David Amos
Reply to @rick haars: Methinks everybody but you must know that Mr Thomas is gone next month he is just waiting on Minister Mikey Holland to hold a fancy dinner in his honour and give him a golden handshake and brown paper bag as he heads out the backdoor N'esy Pas?
Jake Newman
Wayne Wright
Making changes at ONB is fine but I hope Higgs is wise enough to NOT change the name just because the Gallant Liberals renamed it. Nothing wrong with the name but changing it will cost PNB thousands of dollars to do that then thousands more just in stationary, etc.
Fred Brewer
Higgs asked NB Power to develop a plan to reduce its level of debt without affecting power rates. They have a plan. Phase one of the plan was Joi magic beans. Phase two is perpetual motion, and phase three is cold fusion. Higgs should come up with a plan of his own that involves cleaning house at NB Power including its board of directors.
Mabel Short
so many NBers left new brunswick for Alberta in the last decades...not because of no jobs in new brunswick but because they were english speakers and weren't wanting sweeping street with their Phd's education. this is the truth of the jobs matter. so i suggest Higgs make an economic agreement with the province of Alberta...allowing free trade between the provinces,
tapping into the technical expertise of albertan business, allowing direct flights between calgary and edmonton and Moncton and Saint john. ....developing a trading road without stops from new brunswick to Alberta...perhaps passing thru Maine instead of Quebec. I think this would be a successful future for the 2provinces.....
Tom Simmons
Well, we need more housing....200000 +/- people will require 50000 unit +/- at 100000 a unit, 5 billion. along with upgrade to sewage, water, elect. Need more 3 or 4 more hospitals. Need 20 more schools. Better start that right away 20 billion investments required over the next twenty years.
David Amos
David Amos
Reply to @Chuck Stewart: Methinks you should speak for yourself Trust that I am no communist and that my political foe Higgy knows I do not abuse hospital services. I have to pay cash for my Health Care because his minions won't give me back my Medicare Card that I got when it was first created which was no doubt long before you were born N'esy Pas?
Tom Simmons
Reply to @Chuck Stewart: It's sarcasm. I don't expect government do anything but keep the border secure. That being said we will need a massive amount of capital investment and labour in order to grow our province they way Higgs is proposing (which I'm against). I agree about spending on Health as well, but we have a dual system and that isn't going anywhere.
Mabel Short
Reply to @Tom Simmons: if you all were reallly smart you would make Higgs et al cut out all language dispots in filling all provincially funded jobs...let the two languages concept go back to the hell from which it came....hire NBers that are revied by public servants for jobs in government only for experience and for formal educations......new brunswick needs to allow resident citizens to be given the senior jobs in the bureaucracy based on education and experiences only..no language restrictions.....and make sure only residents of NB can be hired for any jobs that are paid for by the NB taxpayers.
David Amos
Robert G. Holmes
Did I miss something? No re-structuring of NB Power, to take advantage of the Atlantic grid interconnect with Hydro Quebec? Short term "vision" is a problem in NB.
Lou Bell
Meanwhile Higgs Liberal predecessor has been hired to implement all his FAILED ideas as a new hire in Ontario . Must be gonna take Melanson , Boudreau and his other SANB compatriots to help the disgraced SANB pahpet implement them !
Kyle Woodman
Does anyone know how to get on team Higgs? I'm tired of being a regular citizen and desire all the perks that come with being part of the chosen few. Do I simply donate lots of money to the PC party? It's confusing. Is there an certain church or something I should start going to?
Shelley Parks
This is such welcome news. ONB has been giving handouts to it's own employees to start up businesses while they continue on the payroll of same NB Government Corp. Oh! I welcome this decision and am ALL for transparency and action that may follow any questionable findings, which I know are running rampant there.
Guy Richard
This department needs to be dissolved, waste of money, millions pocketed by incompetent leadership.
David Amos
Paul Bourgoin
I wonder where all our forest trees are going or exported and the stumpage fee's are banked where? The volume harvested should give the province stumpage gold but it appears New Brunswick is only banking pennies! The once picture province lured tourism dollars for centuries and the tourism business was excellent, like gold mines. Today, what is left is nothing. Where did the jobs go, 35,000 forestry jobs in 1982, today maybe 7000 jobs left where does the money go?
Paul Bourgoin
"Government actions can strangle us. They can drag us down. They can suffocate us with high taxes. They can drive people away to work in other provinces. And they can make our businesses un-competitive by driving up cost," Sounds like the motto of the Kings of Atlantic Canada where the Poorest Canadians Live, then move away to survive. New Brunswick the only province who doesn't need any Banks because every body is having financial difficulties.
Paul Bourque
Strong Leadership and Vision are required to move the economy forward and create industries that will employ the future generations of New Brunswickers. In the absence of this, NB will continue to be a source of talent for the rest of Canada.
Having been raised in Moncton and educated at UNB, I have lived the NB economic reality. I left the Maritimes to start my career. In my view, the very low economic growth and the very low population growth are tied together.
The NB population has grown 10% in the past 40 years. Ontario's population has grown 67%, and Canada's population has grown by 50%, over the same period of time. These stats are partly the result of kids in NB growing up, getting educated and leaving to start their careers. The stats also show that the number of people moving into NB from other parts of Canada to work is relatively low.
Leadership and Vision are required to break the endless cycle of no job growth causing no sustained population growth and no population growth causing no job growth.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Methinks whereas you fail to mention the Independents who go to the trouble of running and ignore all my replies to your opinions as well YOU definitely do get the governments you deserve just like your beloved Green Party Leader and I have been saying for many years N'esy Pas?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
I stand by my statement:
We have never had the opportunity to elect Leadership and Vision.
But I will add this: of any colour you choose to name.
Jake Newman
Higgs needs a strong majority.
Ken Dwight
David Stairs
you can bet the new CEO will be a member of the Good Ole Boys Club... nothing new with the firing...now let's fix this problem and then move onto NB Power ...let's let common sense and proven resumes stand...
Paul Bourgoin
Brian Robertson
I would love to see a real audit of the ONB to see just what we have received for our money.
I have real doubts the decisions they have made and the returns to the Province have been worth the expense.
David Peters
Alex Butt
It's unfortunate but New Brunswick was, is and always will be a have not province! In a province with non functioning leadership no real jobs except government, irvings or corporations like nb power, an ever decreasing population, poor health care and education, rotten roads and infrastructure, no real enviromentalstewardship, bilingualism etc. New Brunswick is afraid of change, and that will not change.
Stephen Robertson
Matt Steele
It sounds like Higgs is trying , but so much needs to be changed as the province is facing so many issues . N.B. is saddled with high unemployment , a bottom ranked school system , a massive prov. debt, , one of the oldest populations in Canada , a healthcare system in crisis ; and a top management in the Civil Service made up of incompetent political appointments that are impossible to get rid of . Combine those issues with the forced bilingualism experiment that has drove thousands out of the province ; and no one wanting to move here.......what a mess Brian Galant has left for Higgs and Kris Austin to clean up
Marc Martin
Thomas Black
I could care less what Higgs says about anything.
Marc Martin
Fred Brewer
Mr. Higgs said the province consulted experts, business leaders and economists to set a new course for ONB and what we need is to embrace a pro-growth agenda now. No kidding? Seriously? You needed all that consultation to determine that an economic development agency needs to be pro-growth??? How is that a "new course"? Was ONB anti-growth prior to your consultations?
Mike Morton
Jake Newman
a lot of good stuff, but it'll take some time to fix all the damage done by the previous gov't, and it doesn't help having JT in power at the federal level.
Marc Martin
David Peters
When asked, this morning, if healthcare should turn to free market solutions to meet demand, Higgs said that is not a debate option. Since when does gov't decide what's debatable and what's not? The only other option is to go hat in hand to Ottawa...who is buried in debt.
On the healthcare file, in NB, it appears no one is on the healthcare consumers side. It's all about special interest groups within the industry, and their fight for the budget pie.
Marc Martin
Job cuts, health care cuts, and more money to big corporations nothing new here...The cons way...
Jake Newman
Cam Randal
Mr. Higgs should do some research before spouting nonsence. What weed is Mr. Higgs smoking? More immigrants equals more cheap labour for big companies and more poverty in the province! Mr. Higgs needs to spend more time on the CBC website to learn about the real situation.
From the CBC on January 15, 2020 "For newcomers who arrived between 2011 and 2016, the rate is as high as 71 per cent, according to the latest Child Poverty Report Card from the Saint John Human Development Council.
The report found nearly half of visible minority children in the province (46.7 per cent of 7,840) are living in poverty.
For immigrants, the child poverty rate was 57.1 per cent."
David Peters
Randy McNally
Well, first of all, on one hand you have your smoke, which enables taxpayers' dollars to disappear without a trace (in two languages) then you got your mirrors where the minute portions of potential wealth and prosperity can be reflected back to a cash strapped populace in an attempt to promote the illusion that something other than a reverse Robin Hood scam is actually taking place. So we can look for fewer high paying jobs for resident NB'ers, more immigration, a free reign for NB Power and of course less regulation.
Lewis Taylor
My! how things change from being in opposition to Premier.
Terry Tibbs
Pretty lofty ideas there Mr Higgs for a place that offers no affordable housing, very limited healthcare, and crap for education. A place that has driven it's best and brightest away with lack of opportunity.
You sure don't live in the same NB that the rest of us do.
But yet you continue to attempt to buy our votes with our money and stories of greatness?
Good work of you can get it.
John Pokiok
Layton Bennett
Start by rescinding ever corporate property tax break and make them reapply in televised public hearings.
Michael Durant
Is he saying Irving and McCain will have to accept less tax payer funds to subsidize their operations?
Alison Jackson
So, when is Higgs going to tell Irving to start paying back that $40odd Billion in taxes they owe NB?
Marc Martin
Justin Time
"the worst is when the government has to step in to prop up industry sectors that became uncompetitive because their cost to operate climbed too high." Yet we continue to prop up billion dollar companies and continue to be held hostage.
DJ Redfern
Soeaking of boosting immigration, I wonder if Opportunity NB has an office in England or France?
Archie Levesque
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
![]()
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
#nbpoli#cdnpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/jobs-progressive-conservative-opportunities-new-brunswick-atcon-1.4986274
· CBC News· Posted: Jan 21, 2019 12:25 PM AT
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Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson says she has met with officials at Opportunities New Brunswick who say they are committed to transparency. (CBC)
![David R. Amos]()
David R. Amos
![David R. Amos]()
David R. Amos
![David R. Amos]()
David R. Amos
Methinks some folks may find this worth reading N'esy Pas?
https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/featured/how-nova-scotia-has-sold-its-soul-to-cater-to-tax-avoidance-schemes-morning-file-tuesday-november-7-2017/#1.%20The%20Paradise%20Papers,%20Appleby,%20and%20Nova%20Scotia%E2%80%99s%20welcome%20to%20tax%20avoiders
"Lund, for his part, has his own interesting history:
About that NSBI job… the position used to be held by Stephen Lund, who before coming to work for NSBI worked at Butterfield Bank in Bermuda. At the helm of NSBI, he oversaw the extension of $9.1 million in payroll rebates for Butterfield Bank to expand in Halifax, but somehow neglected to mention he once worked for the bank. Lund left NSBI in August 2013, heading back to his old stomping grounds and took charge of the Bermuda Business Development Agency. But he abruptly left that job in April for unspecified personal reasons, and headed back to Nova Scotia. Lund was gobbled up by the Irvings and now works as Vice President of the Halifax Shipyard, where he uses his expertise in ladling out public funds to private corporations to design war ships, I guess.
Lund left Irving for a job as CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick, which is that province’s equivalent of NSBI. I can’t imagine how he reflects upon a career trajectory that took him from working for one of the world’s largest hedge fund banks in sunny Bermuda to an obscure posting in podunk and cold New Brunswick, but that’s his business. Still, there in New Brunswick, he’s managed to make himself the subject of a legislative controversy."
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Greg Clouston
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Richard Dunn
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Lou Bell
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Lou Bell
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Fred Brewer
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Dianne MacPherson
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Samual Johnston
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Gabriel Boucher
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Rod McLeod
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Matt Steele
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David Peters
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Harold Fitzgerald
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Craig O'Donnell
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David Peters
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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks some folks may enjoy watching what his blogging buddy Chucky Leblanc was up to while Higgy was having a big night with his pals N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/01/higgs-promises-major-shakeup-at.html
https://youtu.be/75jjY7fs1Y4
http://charlesotherpersonalitie.blogspot.com/2020/01/2020-state-of-province-address.html#comment-form
Thursday, 30 January 2020
2020 State of the Province Address!!!! Difficult time to find Green Party Leader David Coon!!!!!!
2020 State of the Province Address!!!! Difficult time to find Green Party Leader David Coon!!!!!! BY THE WAY ---- DON'T GET EXCITED if you find some part of the video offensive....The Camera is broken....I can't see where the camera is filming...NO VISION!!!!
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Content disabled
Methinks some folks may enjoy listening to what Higgy really said N'esy Pas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/opportunities-new-brunswick-higgs-state-of-the-province-1.5446827
Higgs promises major shakeup at Opportunities New Brunswick in state of the province address
Changes to economic development agency will include letting go of its CEO, says premier
· CBC News· Posted: Jan 31, 2020 5:00 AM AT
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs, pictured during 2019 state of the province, pledged to overhaul Opportunities New Brunswick during this year's address on Thursday night. (Stephen MacGillivray/Canadian Press)
Premier Blaine Higgs has unveiled what he calls a new direction for Opportunities New Brunswick, the province's lead economic development agency.
The premier used his second state of the province speech to confirm that the Crown corporation's CEO, Stephen Lund, won't be renewed now that his five-year contract is ending.
And to chart a new direction for the organization, he said the province consulted experts, business leaders and economists to set a new course for ONB.
"What we heard, essentially, is that we need to embrace a pro-growth agenda now," he told a crowd of business and community leaders gathered at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Boosting immigration
That means finding a way to fill an expected 120,000 jobs that will become vacant in the next decade and pushing the federal government to increase the maximum number of immigrants the province can take in from 7,500 to 10,000 per year.
Higgs floated the idea of trying to grow New Brunswick's population to one million people by 2040, an increase that he says would boost the province's gross domestic product by $15 billion and add 100,000 jobs.
The embrace of Opportunities New Brunswick, and the premier's effusive thanks to Lund, marks a change for the premier.
Premier Blaine Higgs announced Thursday his government will not be renewing the contract of ONB CEO Stephen Lund, pictured. (CBC New Brunswick)
As opposition leader, he denounced corporate subsidies and called for the CEO's firing over unimplemented recommendations made by the auditor general in the wake of the Atcon loan fiasco.
But Thursday night Higgs praised Lund "for his steady commitment to New Brunswick's growth, and for his role in helping to shape the future of ONB." Lund was hired by the previous Liberal government in February 2015.
New vision
Higgs said an overhauled ONB will play the lead role in implementing his vision of economic growth driven by the private sector and unencumbered by government bureaucracy, generous subsidies and political interference."Government actions can strangle us. They can drag us down. They can suffocate us with high taxes. They can drive people away to work in other provinces. And they can make our businesses uncompetitive by driving up cost," he said.
"It is a vicious cycle, and the worst is when the government has to step in to prop up industry sectors that became uncompetitive because their cost to operate climbed too high."
The new vision for ONB includes helping businesses navigate red-tape and opening offices in Europe and India. (Opportunities New Brunswick)
Since taking power in 2018 Higgs has spoken often of shifting ONB's focus. The organization's budget was reduced by $7 million in the first Progressive Conservative budget and 24 positions were eliminated last June.
Higgs said the agency will become the single point of contact for potential investors, using a standardized evaluation process that is transparent and "free of political interference."
The organization's role will be to guide businesses through the regulatory process so it moves more quickly. It will also open an office in Europe so that New Brunswick companies can grow and diversify their exports.
Higgs said the province will open another overseas office in India, this one to attract skilled workers and investors.
The PC government signalled a shift from job creation to employee recruitment last November when it said its 19 regional economic development offices would shift part of their focus to helping employers find skilled workers to fill vacancies.
Higgs said last night the provincial government will also become "a model user" of new technology to set an example for businesses adopting new tools and will launch a new marketing campaign to promote New Brunswick's brand.
"We need to talk about what is great about this province and there is plenty," he said. "We will showcase our success stories, especially those companies that are embracing immigration, exporting globally, and adopting innovation to drive productivity."
NB Power and health care
Higgs also signalled new moves in other areas, saying he has asked NB Power to develop a plan to reduce its level of debt without affecting power rates.
And he confirmed that he'll be announcing major changes to the health-care system within weeks to address an aging population and labour shortages.
He also said the province will use some of the money it's saving thanks to lower interest payments on a smaller accumulated debt to address addiction and mental health issues.
"There are no easy answers, but our government is committed," he said. "This is an issue that can't be ignored."
219 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks some folks may enjoy listening to what Higgy really said N'esy Pas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
David Amos
Methinks its blatantly obvious just how two faced and dumb Higgy truly is N'esy Pas?
"As opposition leader, he denounced corporate subsidies and called for the CEO's firing over unimplemented recommendations made by the auditor general in the wake of the Atcon loan fiasco.
But Thursday night Higgs praised Lund "for his steady commitment to New Brunswick's growth, and for his role in helping to shape the future of ONB."
David Amos
Methinks folks should never forget that the CEO of Nb Poower Gaëtan Thomas is gone net month or that Alward appointed Robert MacLeod a former wannabe leader to be the first CEO of ONB. It wasn't long after we started paying for "Not So Smart" meters that Higgy wants to push through the EUB process before he loses the next election N'esy Pas?
Siemens and NB Power strike smart grid pact
CBC News · Posted: Jul 25, 2012 11:00 AM AT
"Siemens Canada and NB Power have struck an agreement that will see the global technology company create a 10 year energy road map for the province.
The new partnership also sees the company open a new research and development centre in Fredericton.
Gaëtan Thomas, the president and chief executive officer of NB Power, said the use of the smart grid technology will help customers in the future.
"This relationship will be long lasting, and will modernize the New Brunswick electricity system and the way our customers view their own electricity consumption. It will also provide long-term benefits to our customers," Thomas said in a statement."
Invest NB will be subsidizing a portion of those jobs, but CEO Robert MacLeod would not comment on how much the deal would cost taxpayers, saying that figure is still being finalized.
"NB Power will pay Siemens for that service, which could cost millions of dollars per year.
Jan Mrosik, the global head of Siemens Smart Grid, said the global technology company is looking forward to setting up in New Brunswick.
"We'll save hundreds of millions of dollars in the long run and this means that NB Power will have to spend much less in generation," Alward said.
Jim Cyr
This network’s radio coverage of the address was beyond shameful. Never was it more apparent that anything with a red L attached to it gets praised by their panel of talking heads (and their news division). Any anything with a blue C gets automatically panned. Disgraceful bias.....and it’s from state-run media, no less!
David Amos
Reply to @Jim Cyr: Cry me a river
David Amos
Reply to @Jim Cyr: Methinks some folks may enjoy listening to what Higgy really said N'esy Pas?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jjY7fs1Y4&feature=youtu.be
Roy Kirk
Kill ONB, take its budget, and use it to reduce the tax burden on low wage workers.
David Amos
Reply to @Roy Kirk: Amen
Roland Godin
And le nord du Nouveau-Brunswick is to south New Brunswick what Alberta is to Canada, a natural resource supply chain feeder...et voilà.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Roland Godin: And which mine in northern NB is the iron ore for the proposed processing plant coming from again ???
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Golly Gosh Methinks you should also ask your hero Higgy where did the Potash mine go in Fundy Royal N'esy Pas??
Ned MacAllister
Methinks that David Amos in a wanna be Politician who think's he knows everything. He put his name forward several times but never made the grade. He comments on every post on here but he sways with the wind. No credibility on anything just somebody that wants to but into every post and give his opinion. Just another disgruntled loon. Nes'y Pas ?????
David Amos
Reply to @Ned MacAllister: Methinks I have a politcal foe who reads every word and curses my name a lot N'esy Pas?
Rod McLeod
It will be interesting to see what his severance will be. Cha-ching! I'm also inclined to think we could do without ONB as well.
David Amos
Reply to @Rod McLeod: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
Rick Haars
NB power guy has to go as well.
David Amos
Reply to @rick haars: Methinks everybody but you must know that Mr Thomas is gone next month he is just waiting on Minister Mikey Holland to hold a fancy dinner in his honour and give him a golden handshake and brown paper bag as he heads out the backdoor N'esy Pas?
Jake Newman
need someone like Higgs as PM
David Amos
Reply to @Jake Newman: Methinks I should thank you for the chuckle as I heat up my beans and franks N'esy Pas?
Wayne Wright
Making changes at ONB is fine but I hope Higgs is wise enough to NOT change the name just because the Gallant Liberals renamed it. Nothing wrong with the name but changing it will cost PNB thousands of dollars to do that then thousands more just in stationary, etc.
David Amos
Reply to @Wayne Wright: Waste Not Want Not. Methinks many agree that ONB should be shut down ASAP. In my humble opinion the stationary could be given to the homeless to burn in their campfires as they try to stay warm while heating up their beans and franks and dreaming of fancy dinners Lucien and Higgy and their well heeled cohorts attend with lots of fine looking French ladies to talk to in the Chiac lingo. N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Higgs asked NB Power to develop a plan to reduce its level of debt without affecting power rates. They have a plan. Phase one of the plan was Joi magic beans. Phase two is perpetual motion, and phase three is cold fusion. Higgs should come up with a plan of his own that involves cleaning house at NB Power including its board of directors.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Methinks if you were a wiseguy you would attend the next public hearing before the EUB of the 357 Matter Trust that Minister Mikey Holland and his pal your beloved Green Party Leader know that I have few things to say about a very questionable Yankee Strawman Report created under Chatham House Rules for the benefit of NB Power and corporate pals whom ONB has giving our money to for years. Many folks no doubt agree that Mini Nukes and the "Not So Smart Meters" are just like the Joi Scientific nonsense and are definitely not in the best interests of citizens who own NB Power N'esy Pas?
Mabel Short
so many NBers left new brunswick for Alberta in the last decades...not because of no jobs in new brunswick but because they were english speakers and weren't wanting sweeping street with their Phd's education. this is the truth of the jobs matter. so i suggest Higgs make an economic agreement with the province of Alberta...allowing free trade between the provinces,
tapping into the technical expertise of albertan business, allowing direct flights between calgary and edmonton and Moncton and Saint john. ....developing a trading road without stops from new brunswick to Alberta...perhaps passing thru Maine instead of Quebec. I think this would be a successful future for the 2provinces.....
David Amos
Reply to @mabel short: Methinks you are preaching to the choir but the preacher this article is about is under orders not to listen N'esy Pas?
Tom Simmons
Well, we need more housing....200000 +/- people will require 50000 unit +/- at 100000 a unit, 5 billion. along with upgrade to sewage, water, elect. Need more 3 or 4 more hospitals. Need 20 more schools. Better start that right away 20 billion investments required over the next twenty years.
David Amos
Reply to @Tom Simmons: True
Chuck Stewart
Reply to @Tom Simmons: When did it become the duty of government to build you a house, have we become a communist society where the state looks after you ? Also we have too many hospitals, what we need is a public that does not abuse hospital services. WE are have about 20 % of the population of Toronto yet we have 85 % of Toronto's budget.
David Amos
Reply to @Chuck Stewart: Methinks you should speak for yourself Trust that I am no communist and that my political foe Higgy knows I do not abuse hospital services. I have to pay cash for my Health Care because his minions won't give me back my Medicare Card that I got when it was first created which was no doubt long before you were born N'esy Pas?
Tom Simmons
Reply to @Chuck Stewart: It's sarcasm. I don't expect government do anything but keep the border secure. That being said we will need a massive amount of capital investment and labour in order to grow our province they way Higgs is proposing (which I'm against). I agree about spending on Health as well, but we have a dual system and that isn't going anywhere.
Mabel Short
Reply to @Tom Simmons: if you all were reallly smart you would make Higgs et al cut out all language dispots in filling all provincially funded jobs...let the two languages concept go back to the hell from which it came....hire NBers that are revied by public servants for jobs in government only for experience and for formal educations......new brunswick needs to allow resident citizens to be given the senior jobs in the bureaucracy based on education and experiences only..no language restrictions.....and make sure only residents of NB can be hired for any jobs that are paid for by the NB taxpayers.
David Amos
Reply to @mabel short: Methinks you should have Higgy and all his wiseguy buddies explain the lawsuit I filed Federal Court in Fat Fred City in 2015 while I was running in the election of the 42nd Parliament in the riding where he lives and against his pal the lawyer Rob Moore whom I ran against again last year N'esy Pas?
Robert G. Holmes
Did I miss something? No re-structuring of NB Power, to take advantage of the Atlantic grid interconnect with Hydro Quebec? Short term "vision" is a problem in NB.
David Amos
Reply to @Robert G. Holmes: Methinks you should go to the EUB and download their transcripts and start reading N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Meanwhile Higgs Liberal predecessor has been hired to implement all his FAILED ideas as a new hire in Ontario . Must be gonna take Melanson , Boudreau and his other SANB compatriots to help the disgraced SANB pahpet implement them !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Cry me a river
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks Higgy remembers me when I ..... Oops , sorry , that's your line !
Kyle Woodman
Does anyone know how to get on team Higgs? I'm tired of being a regular citizen and desire all the perks that come with being part of the chosen few. Do I simply donate lots of money to the PC party? It's confusing. Is there an certain church or something I should start going to?
David Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Methinks just money will buy a ticket on the gravy train but being one of Rob Moore's buddies certainly helps as to where you get to sit on it N'esy Pas?
Shelley Parks
This is such welcome news. ONB has been giving handouts to it's own employees to start up businesses while they continue on the payroll of same NB Government Corp. Oh! I welcome this decision and am ALL for transparency and action that may follow any questionable findings, which I know are running rampant there.
David Amos
Reply to @Shelley Parks: Me Too
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @David Amos:
Bill Cosby said it best (no matter what else he did) RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill Cosby said it best (no matter what else he did) RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guy Richard
This department needs to be dissolved, waste of money, millions pocketed by incompetent leadership.
David Amos
Reply to @Guy Richard: YUP
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Guy Richard:
But it won't be dissolved......... let the incompetency continue!
But it won't be dissolved......... let the incompetency continue!
Paul Bourgoin
I wonder where all our forest trees are going or exported and the stumpage fee's are banked where? The volume harvested should give the province stumpage gold but it appears New Brunswick is only banking pennies! The once picture province lured tourism dollars for centuries and the tourism business was excellent, like gold mines. Today, what is left is nothing. Where did the jobs go, 35,000 forestry jobs in 1982, today maybe 7000 jobs left where does the money go?
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: Methinks you are big on "Woe Is Me" N'esy Pas?
Paul Bourgoin
"Government actions can strangle us. They can drag us down. They can suffocate us with high taxes. They can drive people away to work in other provinces. And they can make our businesses un-competitive by driving up cost," Sounds like the motto of the Kings of Atlantic Canada where the Poorest Canadians Live, then move away to survive. New Brunswick the only province who doesn't need any Banks because every body is having financial difficulties.
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: Relax and enjoy the circus
Paul Bourque
Strong Leadership and Vision are required to move the economy forward and create industries that will employ the future generations of New Brunswickers. In the absence of this, NB will continue to be a source of talent for the rest of Canada.
Having been raised in Moncton and educated at UNB, I have lived the NB economic reality. I left the Maritimes to start my career. In my view, the very low economic growth and the very low population growth are tied together.
The NB population has grown 10% in the past 40 years. Ontario's population has grown 67%, and Canada's population has grown by 50%, over the same period of time. These stats are partly the result of kids in NB growing up, getting educated and leaving to start their careers. The stats also show that the number of people moving into NB from other parts of Canada to work is relatively low.
Leadership and Vision are required to break the endless cycle of no job growth causing no sustained population growth and no population growth causing no job growth.
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourque: What have you done to try fix our situation?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Paul Bourque:
We have never had the opportunity to elect Leadership and Vision.
We have never had the opportunity to elect Leadership and Vision.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Every election for a long time, we have had the chance to vote Green or Purple. If people keep voting red or blue nothing will ever change. We are the masters of our own destiny. Want to blame someone? Look in the mirror.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Methinks whereas you fail to mention the Independents who go to the trouble of running and ignore all my replies to your opinions as well YOU definitely do get the governments you deserve just like your beloved Green Party Leader and I have been saying for many years N'esy Pas?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
I stand by my statement:
We have never had the opportunity to elect Leadership and Vision.
But I will add this: of any colour you choose to name.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: And I will say this... how could you possibly know that? If Green or Purple have never been given the chance to show their Leadership and Vision it is unknowable how they would govern. We have to elect them and see. The one thing we know for sure is that red or blue has not worked. Time to try something new.
Jake Newman
Higgs needs a strong majority.
Ken Dwight
Reply to @Jake Newman: Higgs needs to be booted out the door. Anyone who employs a DJ with no financial background for finance minister needs their head examined.
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Jake Newman: Higgs does not need a majority, he has total control of New Brunswick!
Jake Newman
Reply to @Ken Dwight: haha, doesn't say much about JT's gov't then does it.
David Amos
Reply to @Jake Newman: Surely you jest
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Jake Newman:
I'd be more inclined to believe Mr Higgs needs a strong drink and a non renewal of his contract. If you are believing today's snow job from Mr Higgs you are definitely part of the problem and not a solution.
I'd be more inclined to believe Mr Higgs needs a strong drink and a non renewal of his contract. If you are believing today's snow job from Mr Higgs you are definitely part of the problem and not a solution.
Eugene Peabody
Reply to @Jake Newman: No he just needs 3-4 more "consulates" from the Empire to make NB the land of milk and honey.
David Stairs
you can bet the new CEO will be a member of the Good Ole Boys Club... nothing new with the firing...now let's fix this problem and then move onto NB Power ...let's let common sense and proven resumes stand...
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @David Stairs: There is no old boys club in NB only a King!
David Amos
Reply to @David Stairs: YUP
Brian Robertson
I would love to see a real audit of the ONB to see just what we have received for our money.
I have real doubts the decisions they have made and the returns to the Province have been worth the expense.
David Peters
Reply to @Brian Robertson:
Wasn't ONB involved in Atcon...then refused to correct the leaky bucket, like the AG suggested? The term 'free-for-all at the trough' comes to mind.
Wasn't ONB involved in Atcon...then refused to correct the leaky bucket, like the AG suggested? The term 'free-for-all at the trough' comes to mind.
Andrea Johnson
Reply to @Brian Robertson: They get audited every year and the results are published.
Andrea Johnson
Reply to @David Peters: And no...Atcon was over 10 years ago under a Liberal government.
David Amos
Reply to @Brian Robertson: ME TOO
Alex Butt
It's unfortunate but New Brunswick was, is and always will be a have not province! In a province with non functioning leadership no real jobs except government, irvings or corporations like nb power, an ever decreasing population, poor health care and education, rotten roads and infrastructure, no real enviromentalstewardship, bilingualism etc. New Brunswick is afraid of change, and that will not change.
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @Alex Butt: Two things Alex, 1) we were at one time very prosperous, money was a major factor in Upper and Lower Canada wanting NB & NS in Confederation. I further believe we can and will be again. 2) There are many challenges facing our province and it appears to me that the current government is making the effort to work its way through that list in a reasonable manner. There is an old saying that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time? Not that I am in any way advocating eating elephants lol
Joseph Vachier
Reply to @Stephen Robertson: agreed current govn't is doing a surprisingly good job
Marc Martin
Reply to @Joseph Vachier: I am still lookingto find any positives that Higgs did so far...
Joseph Vachier
Reply to @Marc Martin: ur just pissed he cancelled the francophone games.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Joseph Vachier: Anyone would have cancelled these...But if they would have been called the Anglophone games no one here including you would have complained.
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: When they are a giant waste of money that we don't have? With little to no benefit to the taxpayer? Hopefully everyone would have complained - just like what happened with the Franco - games
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @Marc Martin: if you keep looking in that big red book you may not?
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Stephen Robertson: What about feeding the Elephant ? I believe that is what is keeping NB in the FINANCIAL RED!
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Marc Martin: Maybe when he was working at the Refinery?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marc Martin: Eliminated deficit and lowering the net debt ?? Increased immigration , bringing in new business !! A lot more than the single issue SANB Libs whose sole mandate was to cater to the minority that supported them ! Time for them to get their head out of the sand and realize there's more to life than hiring 2nd rate employees and go for the smartest !
David Amos
Reply to @Joseph Vacher: Methinks you should review the history of the comments sections and read the laments of the SANB dudes since Higgy and the PANB took over the mandate N'esy Pas?
Matt Steele
It sounds like Higgs is trying , but so much needs to be changed as the province is facing so many issues . N.B. is saddled with high unemployment , a bottom ranked school system , a massive prov. debt, , one of the oldest populations in Canada , a healthcare system in crisis ; and a top management in the Civil Service made up of incompetent political appointments that are impossible to get rid of . Combine those issues with the forced bilingualism experiment that has drove thousands out of the province ; and no one wanting to move here.......what a mess Brian Galant has left for Higgs and Kris Austin to clean up
Marc Martin
Reply to @Matt Steele: *has left for Higgs and Kris Austin to clean up* Nice of you to put the 2 CoR minister together..9 hours ago
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Well they are facing off against the SANB LIbs
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: SANB Libs..what does that even mean ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: About as much as your constant CoR jibes.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Higgs was in the Cor Party fact ! Austin is anti-French fact ! now again whats your point?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: The Liberal gov't favors the North & eastern parts of the province Fact!
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: But yet they won ridings in Saint John and Moncton for years...I didn't know these places were north ? By the way how is Saint John doing with their couple of million bail out, I have never heard of any northern city receiving that kind of money..
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Well if consecutive gov'ts - both Red & Blue - held the Empire to account & made them pay what they should it wouldn't have come to this
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Matt Steele: Well, Well, move or you will see the mess Higgs and Kris Austin will leave for New Brunswickers to clean up after the next election.
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Surely you jest
Thomas Black
I could care less what Higgs says about anything.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Thomas Black: Only thing he is interested about is giving money to big corporations..
Andrea Johnson
Reply to @Marc Martin: Actually if you read it, he is saying the opposite. He is against giving money to big corporations.
David Amos
Reply to @Thomas Black: I enjoy watching the circus this clown oversees
Fred Brewer
Mr. Higgs said the province consulted experts, business leaders and economists to set a new course for ONB and what we need is to embrace a pro-growth agenda now. No kidding? Seriously? You needed all that consultation to determine that an economic development agency needs to be pro-growth??? How is that a "new course"? Was ONB anti-growth prior to your consultations?
Mike Morton
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Was ONB anti-growth prior to your consultations?
Yes, it's agenda has historically been based on nepotism.
Yes, it's agenda has historically been based on nepotism.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Mike Morton: Probably true, but it was still based upon being pro-growth. If Higgs learned that it was pro-growth based upon nepotism then he should have announced that he was draining the swamp and targeting neopotism as the "change in direction". ONB and all of it predecessors have always had a direction of growth so there is nothing new in Higgs's announcement.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: I see you are still crying instead of laughing at the constant nonsense and doubletalk
Jake Newman
a lot of good stuff, but it'll take some time to fix all the damage done by the previous gov't, and it doesn't help having JT in power at the federal level.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: *a lot of good stuff* So cuts to health care, and job and more money to big private business is good for you ? Higgs is that you ?
Jake Newman
Reply to @Marc Martin: he talks about growing the economy, the population and jobs.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: He also talks about NB finding new funds, that means job cuts, Health care reforms also mean job cuts, and flexibility towards industry so they can compete means more money to the big corporations...The Con way is always cut cut cut and cut from the public and give away to big corporations.
Jake Newman
Reply to @Marc Martin: Health Care does need reform.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: How is so?
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Get rid of the public service practice of baseline budgeting. End collective bargaining agreements, and then introduce free market solutions, including real competition.
Get rid of the public service practice of baseline budgeting. End collective bargaining agreements, and then introduce free market solutions, including real competition.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: So your suggesting we turn into Russia...
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
What does Russia have to do with healthcare in NB?
What does Russia have to do with healthcare in NB?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: You have just described a communism country market.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
In what dimension does communism consist of free market solutions involving real competition?
In what dimension does communism consist of free market solutions involving real competition?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Big corporations rule in a Communism country, the workers have no decent wages or benefits. Rich get richer and the poor get poorer...
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: By the way free market does not work check our southern neighbours the poor get 0 health care and the rich get all the best health care.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Communism deals in gov't backed monopolies and crony capitalism. Exactly like the ones we have here in NB...and we can all see how well that's working.
Communism deals in gov't backed monopolies and crony capitalism. Exactly like the ones we have here in NB...and we can all see how well that's working.
Jake Newman
Reply to @Marc Martin: so how many jobs have you created?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: 98% of people in NB could not afford private health care.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
In the US, before gov't got involved heavily in the 60's, you could get a checkup for $5...now, after decades of gov't meddling, a checkup costs $4000.
In the US, before gov't got involved heavily in the 60's, you could get a checkup for $5...now, after decades of gov't meddling, a checkup costs $4000.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: Its not my mandate to create jobs, but as a NB citizen its my job to criticize the government, Cons supporters now want to supress the truth ? I am not surprised.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Once again, healthcare has become prohibitively expensive because of gov't meddling.
Once again, healthcare has become prohibitively expensive because of gov't meddling.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
What truth is being suppressed?
What truth is being suppressed?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: I know a lot of people living in Maine. Insurance to cover the cost is easily up 3000-5000 a month. Just to go to the emergency room people come to Canada because its cheaper.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Its costs even more in the USA where its a free market.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: The truth that Higgs created 0 jobs, and has done nothing for NB so far.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Exactly, healthcare costs have sky-rocketed since Obamacare came into affect...another real world example of gov't driving up costs in a sector after it attempts to take it over.
Exactly, healthcare costs have sky-rocketed since Obamacare came into affect...another real world example of gov't driving up costs in a sector after it attempts to take it over.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
The US does not have a free market in healthcare. Not even close.
The US does not have a free market in healthcare. Not even close.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
The red/blue argument is a stall, imo.
The red/blue argument is a stall, imo.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Health care was like that before Obama came, people were dying in their homes.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Yeah they do, private clinics are everywhere in the US.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Those private clinics are so bogged down in bureaucratic red tape that has driven costs through the roof. The more red tape, the less there is a free market.
Those private clinics are so bogged down in bureaucratic red tape that has driven costs through the roof. The more red tape, the less there is a free market.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Before the gov't/unions/insurance companies/big pharma took over US healthcare in the 60's, the head doctor ran his/her private office. The doctor would decide on the patients cost for major procedures based on the patients income/line of work. The doctor had that kind of freedom then. Not anymore, it's the bureaucracy that sets the price, and they always go with the most expensive way there is, every time...driving up healthcare costs.
Before the gov't/unions/insurance companies/big pharma took over US healthcare in the 60's, the head doctor ran his/her private office. The doctor would decide on the patients cost for major procedures based on the patients income/line of work. The doctor had that kind of freedom then. Not anymore, it's the bureaucracy that sets the price, and they always go with the most expensive way there is, every time...driving up healthcare costs.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: All good physician got private and these clinics are mostly used by rich people.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: So now your going back more then Obama...Ask any Us citizen what they think about their health care ? Do you even know some ? I do , I use to live across the border of Maine, people would cross to Canada for emergencies because it was cheaper to pay here in Canada.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Healthcare costs, in the US, have been driven up after all the small take-overs/red tape done by gov't.
As someone once said, "Gov't isn't the solution to the problem, gov't is the problem."
Healthcare costs, in the US, have been driven up after all the small take-overs/red tape done by gov't.
As someone once said, "Gov't isn't the solution to the problem, gov't is the problem."
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Again, do you even know anyone across the border to make these claims ?
Jake Newman
Reply to @David Peters: I would say unions are a big part of the problem as well
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: Again, do you even know anyone across the border to make these claims ?
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Which claim do you doubt?...or are you now looking at re-writing history?
Which claim do you doubt?...or are you now looking at re-writing history?
Jake Newman
Reply to @Marc Martin: umm, he only has been in power for a short time; tough to fix all the damage the liberals left so quickly, and even harder with a minority. we can only hope an election comes soon and he get a strong majority.
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: So do you criticize the Libs when they are in power as well or only the Cons?
David Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Methinks you should ask your hero Higgy why his mandate is still withholding my Medicare Card and my right to the same free heath care that you and everybody else enjoys N'esy Pas?
Eugene Peabody
Reply to @Jake Newman: Oh yes the Liberals did such a horrible job.LOL. The country has the lowest unemployment in decades ,the GDP is climbing,the population is climbing .WOE .WOE we are going to hell cries the naysayers .
David Peters
When asked, this morning, if healthcare should turn to free market solutions to meet demand, Higgs said that is not a debate option. Since when does gov't decide what's debatable and what's not? The only other option is to go hat in hand to Ottawa...who is buried in debt.
On the healthcare file, in NB, it appears no one is on the healthcare consumers side. It's all about special interest groups within the industry, and their fight for the budget pie.
GreenFenril
Reply to @David Peters: Health is a federal matter and the Canada Health Act specifically forbids private healthcare. Free Market is inviting private healthcare; which is illegal in Canada
David Peters
Reply to @GreenFenril .:
Monopolies are also illegal.
Monopolies are also illegal.
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @David Peters: not government monopolies. From your perspective they may be immoral but that is another debate. I honestly believe that neither New Brunswickers nor Canadians are opposed to some private sector involvement in healthcare, but will never allow it because of our collective terror of the slippery slope.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Stephen Robertson: The only reason why is because most doctors would go to private leaving Canadians with extremely poor health care, pretty much like what is happening south.
David Peters
Reply to @Stephen Robertson:
"...collective terror of the slippery slope."
Ppl are terrorized by the idea of a slippery slope to better, faster and cheaper healthcare? Looks like the gov't monopoly on k-12 education is paying off in spades.
"...collective terror of the slippery slope."
Ppl are terrorized by the idea of a slippery slope to better, faster and cheaper healthcare? Looks like the gov't monopoly on k-12 education is paying off in spades.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Right now physician salaries are regulated, not so much if they can privatize.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Right now, there are many doctors making north of a million $/yr...and the system cannot afford to hire enough to meet demand.
Right now, there are many doctors making north of a million $/yr...and the system cannot afford to hire enough to meet demand.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: They make a lot more then that in the private sector.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
A real free market doesn't rely on a zero sum, fake budget...and in a free market, the doctor's themselves would be making the $ decisions, lowering costs for patients to affordable levels. Innovation wouldn't be as strangled as it is now, either...further lowering healthcare costs, producing better, faster service.
A real free market doesn't rely on a zero sum, fake budget...and in a free market, the doctor's themselves would be making the $ decisions, lowering costs for patients to affordable levels. Innovation wouldn't be as strangled as it is now, either...further lowering healthcare costs, producing better, faster service.
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: *the doctor's themselves would be making the $ decisions* Exactly, right now they are all saying they are making less money then their southern counterparts.. *lowering costs for patients to affordable levels.* Ask people across the border about this...
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Why don't you ask a doctor in the US if he/she makes the $ decisions as far as patient costs go?
Why don't you ask a doctor in the US if he/she makes the $ decisions as far as patient costs go?
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @David Peters: none of the other than theoretical benefits of full privatization you posit scare people in the least. What scares them is that any move to the 'free market' will end up in $1000 insulin that most cant afford along with many other such 'benefits'.
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @David Peters:
David Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Methinks I will have to put my right to Health Care before the court soon because with only an Old Age Pension to support me I am struggling to pay the emergency room bills and doctor fees etc N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
Job cuts, health care cuts, and more money to big corporations nothing new here...The cons way...
Jake Newman
Reply to @Marc Martin: maybe read the article bud
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jake Newman: That's exactly what the articles said...bud
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Free money & services for everyone - don't worry about debt that's for the future sunny days- The Lib Way
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: But the Cons way work right ? What about Harper riding the big oil industry money for years and still added record dept to Canada ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: And how was the last Lib gov't for NB? As we are talking provincial & not federal here. Seems liked Gallant & Graham were there just to line their friends pockets - but that's ok to you because it wasn't the Cons. Where are all the big giveaways from Higgs?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Wasn't it Higgy who gave away our forest to the Irvings ? By the way when the Cons where in power for 4 years before Gallant the added tons of money on the dept and guess who was the finance minister ? Your Higgy..
.
.
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Not my Higgy. I didn't vote for him. or the Libs. They both need to be sent to the sidelines for awhile. There needs to be a party that cares about the whole province not just half like the current ones
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: *Where are all the big giveaways from Higgs? * You wrote this no ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Yes I did. Since becoming Premier - where are all the giveaways?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Well he didn't do much so far except to remove jobs and bring the province to court costing taxpayers loads of money..
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Ok so no giveaways. And he hasn't gone on a spending spree. He has also failed in some areas - E.g. - nursing home solution.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Archie Levesque:
EVERY area he touches he fails at.
EVERY area he touches he fails at.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks we should give the devil his due After all he did cancel the Francophie Games Much to the chagrin of the SANB N'esy Pas?
Cam Randal
Mr. Higgs should do some research before spouting nonsence. What weed is Mr. Higgs smoking? More immigrants equals more cheap labour for big companies and more poverty in the province! Mr. Higgs needs to spend more time on the CBC website to learn about the real situation.
From the CBC on January 15, 2020 "For newcomers who arrived between 2011 and 2016, the rate is as high as 71 per cent, according to the latest Child Poverty Report Card from the Saint John Human Development Council.
The report found nearly half of visible minority children in the province (46.7 per cent of 7,840) are living in poverty.
For immigrants, the child poverty rate was 57.1 per cent."
David Peters
Reply to @Cam Randal:
I bet that's what those offices are for in Europe and India...a pipeline for cheap labor for NB's gov't backed monopolies. This has been going on for quite a while now.
I bet that's what those offices are for in Europe and India...a pipeline for cheap labor for NB's gov't backed monopolies. This has been going on for quite a while now.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Cam Randal: I agree, they should focus on making people who can work go to work, a lot of people abuse the welfare system.
Stephen Robertson
Reply to @Marc Martin: up, sitting at home living large on $540/ month
Marc Martin
Reply to @Stephen Robertson: Not all of them...but when I pass in front of where they live and they can afford cigarettes, cannabis and liquor..well something is wrong...
David Amos
Reply to @Stephen Robertson: Methinks Higgy's favourite French blogging buddy in Fat Fred City is a shining example of living large on welfare N'esy Pas?
Randy McNally
Well, first of all, on one hand you have your smoke, which enables taxpayers' dollars to disappear without a trace (in two languages) then you got your mirrors where the minute portions of potential wealth and prosperity can be reflected back to a cash strapped populace in an attempt to promote the illusion that something other than a reverse Robin Hood scam is actually taking place. So we can look for fewer high paying jobs for resident NB'ers, more immigration, a free reign for NB Power and of course less regulation.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Randy McNally: LOL. Well put, but I thought the mirrors were used to reflect our wealth and prosperity to Bermuda.
David Amos
Reply to @Randy McNally: Well put Methinks many would agree that you should run for public office N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Randy McNally: However you would have to use your real name on the ballot correct?
Lewis Taylor
My! how things change from being in opposition to Premier.
Terry Tibbs
Pretty lofty ideas there Mr Higgs for a place that offers no affordable housing, very limited healthcare, and crap for education. A place that has driven it's best and brightest away with lack of opportunity.
You sure don't live in the same NB that the rest of us do.
But yet you continue to attempt to buy our votes with our money and stories of greatness?
Good work of you can get it.
John Pokiok
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I have to disagree with you saint john and fredericton just got named two most housing affordable cities in the world. But you probably never lived anywhere else.
Marc Martin
Reply to @John Pokiok: *saint john and fredericton just got named two most housing affordable cities in the world.* I dont know who told you that but its a lot cheaper to stay in Edmundston or Moncton...
John Pokiok
Reply to @Marc Martin: read it this was all over news two days ago
https://bigcountry969.com/two-new-brunswick-cities-are-the-among-the-most-affordable/
https://bigcountry969.com/two-new-brunswick-cities-are-the-among-the-most-affordable/
Marc Martin
Reply to @John Pokiok: I don't have to read, when I live in Fredericton and all my friends live in Moncton and Edmundston buddy, its way cheaper in other cities.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Welcome back to the circus
Layton Bennett
Start by rescinding ever corporate property tax break and make them reapply in televised public hearings.
David Amos
Reply to @Layton Bennett: Dream on
Michael Durant
Is he saying Irving and McCain will have to accept less tax payer funds to subsidize their operations?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Michael durant:
I *think* his grand plan is immigration, where he is guaranteeing the Irvings and the McCains all the minimum wage employees they could ever want.
I *think* his grand plan is immigration, where he is guaranteeing the Irvings and the McCains all the minimum wage employees they could ever want.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: That's actually true lol
David Amos
Reply to @Michael durant: NOPE
Alison Jackson
So, when is Higgs going to tell Irving to start paying back that $40odd Billion in taxes they owe NB?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Alison Jackson: OMG you made me spill my coffee all over myself..ty for the good laugh !!
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: About the same time as the Liberals
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Did the Liberals give away our forests to the Irvings ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: And how are the relations between the Libs & the Empire? They seem pretty chummy too. No pullback to that legislation like they said. They have been in power for more years than the Cons yet the Irvings keep getting sweetheart deals. Until the Libs do something different both parties cater to the Empire
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque:*hey have been in power for more years than the Cons * Since 1999 Cons have been in power 13 years and Liberals 8 years you were saying ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: Since 1896 its been 73 years of Libs vs 48 PC. Whats your pojnt?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: So your blaming it all on the Liberals...48 years of PC added more to the dept of NB then the 73 years of Libs. Whats your point?
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: They own New Brunswick!
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: You blame everything on the Cons. And bring some numbers to back up your case
David Amos
Reply to @Alison Jackson: Methinks that's on the slate on or about the 12th of Never N'esy Pas?
Justin Time
"the worst is when the government has to step in to prop up industry sectors that became uncompetitive because their cost to operate climbed too high." Yet we continue to prop up billion dollar companies and continue to be held hostage.
David Amos
Reply to @Justin Time: YUP
DJ Redfern
Soeaking of boosting immigration, I wonder if Opportunity NB has an office in England or France?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @DJ Redfern: England - no not a chance - France - more likely
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Wasn't the CEO English ?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Marc Martin: They are actively trying to increase the francophone population & not the Anglophone pop. So wouldn't it make more sense to put an office in France & not England?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Archie Levesque: They are not trying to increase the French population, they are bringing a quota of each % represented.
David Amos
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Good point
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
![]()
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks there ain't no opportunity here even for the sneaky bureaucrats within Opportunities New Brunswick N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/06/opportunities-new-brunswick-eliminates.html
#cdnpoli#nbpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/opportunities-new-brunswick-layoffs-1.5183843
![]()
Opportunities New Brunswick has cut 24 full-time positions. (Opportunities New Brunswick)
She said the organization is now working on a plan "to operate properly with less money while aligning with new priorities."
![]()
"Hopefully, in the very near future, we'll have a spot for them," she said.
Wilson said no ONB programs are being shut down as a result of the cuts.
Opportunities New Brunswick received a $40-million budget this year from the Progressive Conservative government, down from the$47-millionbudgeted last year by the Liberals and down from the$44 million it actually spent.
In opposition, the PCs under leader Blaine Higgs frequently scorned ONB's practice of providing outside companies with subsidies to set up in the province and then refusing to reveal how many jobs were actually created.
After a disagreement in 2017 between ONB and the auditor-general over how many of her recommendations the agency was following, Higgs called for the Liberal government to fire CEO Stephen Lund.
The PC throne speech last November said that "success doesn't come from luring one big employer with subsidies, it comes from seeing hundreds of small and medium businesses growing bigger."
![]()
In March, before the first PC budget, Lund said the agency was willing to shift its focus toward small businesses if that's what the new government wanted.
"We take our cue from the premier and we want to do our best to make sure we continue to help these companies grow," he said.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
52 Comments
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks there ain't no opportunity here even for the sneaky bureaucrats within Opportunities New Brunswick N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/06/opportunities-new-brunswick-eliminates.html
#cdnpoli#nbpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/opportunities-new-brunswick-layoffs-1.5183843
Opportunities New Brunswick eliminates 24 full-time positions
Laid-off workers being assigned elsewhere in government, says minister
Opportunities New Brunswick has cut 24 full-time positions. (Opportunities New Brunswick)The provincial government's lead job-creation agency has slashed more than 15 per cent of its workforce.
Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson confirmed Thursday that Opportunities New Brunswick, a Crown corporation set up by the previous Liberal government, has eliminated 24 full-time positions.
It has also not renewed five contract positions that have expired since March.
"The premier has made it clear that we all have to do our part to balance the budget, and ONB is no different," Wilson said in an interview.
Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson confirmed Thursday that Opportunities New Brunswick, a Crown corporation set up by the previous Liberal government, has eliminated 24 full-time positions.
It has also not renewed five contract positions that have expired since March.
"The premier has made it clear that we all have to do our part to balance the budget, and ONB is no different," Wilson said in an interview.
She said the organization is now working on a plan "to operate properly with less money while aligning with new priorities."
Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson says the agency is working on operating 'with less money while aligning with new priorities.' (CBC)
Wilson said of the 24 people whose jobs were cut, 20 have been assigned to positions elsewhere in the provincial government. ONB is looking for spots for the other four before they are laid off in another 30 days."Hopefully, in the very near future, we'll have a spot for them," she said.
Wilson said no ONB programs are being shut down as a result of the cuts.
She said she believes Opportunities New Brunswick "can deliver on government's priorities within its current funding," with a focus on exports, small businesses, reducing costs for entrepreneurs, and "the highest value projects that produce the best results."
Opportunities New Brunswick received a $40-million budget this year from the Progressive Conservative government, down from the$47-millionbudgeted last year by the Liberals and down from the$44 million it actually spent.
Call for transparency
In opposition, the PCs under leader Blaine Higgs frequently scorned ONB's practice of providing outside companies with subsidies to set up in the province and then refusing to reveal how many jobs were actually created.
After a disagreement in 2017 between ONB and the auditor-general over how many of her recommendations the agency was following, Higgs called for the Liberal government to fire CEO Stephen Lund.
The PC throne speech last November said that "success doesn't come from luring one big employer with subsidies, it comes from seeing hundreds of small and medium businesses growing bigger."
Premier Blaine Higgs has called for greater transparency for Opportunities New Brunswick. (CBC)
The People's Alliance, which is supporting the PC minority government on confidence votes in the legislature, has called for an end to what it calls "corporate handouts" in favour of tax cuts and reduced red tape.In March, before the first PC budget, Lund said the agency was willing to shift its focus toward small businesses if that's what the new government wanted.
"We take our cue from the premier and we want to do our best to make sure we continue to help these companies grow," he said.
52 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Mark (Junkman) George
Why stop at 24?
Think about it. Those 24 employees couldn't have been doing much, if they could simply be shuffled along, and the department still operates...............
Think about it. Those 24 employees couldn't have been doing much, if they could simply be shuffled along, and the department still operates...............
David Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: I concur
Richard Riel
So i guess government can hire the whole population , lay them off and assign them to another department . What a wonderful world being a government employee. Lifetime job and pension .
Michel Jones
Reply to @Richard Riel: I assume you are assuming.
David Amos
Reply to @Michel Jones: Methinks you assumed wrong deliberately N'esy Pas?
Eric Johnston
Just think, if they got rid of bilingualism there would be lots of money for the needy. Everyone could get a translation device and not worry about language.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Eric Johnston: what a tool! Not the translation device; you!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks your translation buddy is on vacation N'esy Pas?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Methinks plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/01/pcs-step-back-from-hard-line-on-onb.html
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/01/pcs-step-back-from-hard-line-on-onb.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/jobs-progressive-conservative-opportunities-new-brunswick-atcon-1.4986274
PCs step back from hard line on ONB transparency
In 2017, then-Opposition Leader Blaine Higgs called for the firing of ONB's CEO
· CBC News· Posted: Jan 21, 2019 12:25 PM AT
Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson says she has met with officials at Opportunities New Brunswick who say they are committed to transparency. (CBC)
Progressive Conservative enthusiasm for more transparency at Opportunities New Brunswick appears to be less urgent now that the party is back in power.
The Tories demanded specific job-creation figures from the agency just two years ago — and called for the firing of its CEO when those numbers weren't provided — but are now counselling patience.
The shift in tone comes after Auditor General Kim MacPherson reported again last week that ONB still won't say how many jobs are created at each individual company it subsidizes.
"It's a big job for ONB to make sure they do their best to answer what the AG requires," Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson said in an interview.
She said she has met officials there and they're committed to transparency.
Wilson also brushed aside questions about the agency's CEO, Stephen Lund.
In 2017, then-Opposition Leader Blaine Higgs called on the Liberal government to fire Lund after accusing him of misleading MLAs about MacPherson's recommendations.
Now that Higgs is premier, Wilson said there are no plans to remove Lund.
"All I can say if we continue to look in the past, we're not going to be able to move forward," she said.
"So let's draw that line in the sand and work towards tomorrow, and see how we can make things better."
MacPherson first called for greater transparency at ONB in 2015, when she issued 19 recommendations as part of an audit into tens of millions of dollars of lost loans and loan guarantees to the Atcon group of companies.
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Mary Wilson says there are no plans to remove ONB CEO Stephen Lund, pictured. (CBC New Brunswick)
The bulk of the lost money was $50 million approved in 2009 by the Liberal cabinet of then-Premier Shawn Graham over the objections of civil servants, who warned the investment was risky.
ONB didn't exist at the time and Lund has said the Atcon money would never have been approved through his agency's more rigorous scrutiny.
Among MacPherson's 19 recommendations was one urging ONB to release figures comparing how many jobs are expected and created at each company that received a subsidy.
The Tory MLA suggested that companies shouldn't get subsidies if they weren't willing to let their job-creation results go public.
ONB said last March it could not release company-by-company results because that would reveal commercial, competitive information protected by confidentiality.
Instead, the organization says on its website how many total jobs have been promised and how many have been created. As of Friday, the site said 10,907 jobs have been committed and 4,989 have been created since ONB's inception in April 2015.
In a written statement, ONB vice-president Heather Libbey did not respond to a question about company-by-company job figures.
Instead, she said MacPherson's report "validates that ONB continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving access to and proactively disclosing how it manages and invests public funds."
Wilson, a first-term MLA elected last September, at first defended ONB's decision to provide only aggregate numbers, calling it "all of their information that New Brunswickers would want to see."
But over the course of a 10-minute interview, she warmed to the need for more transparency.
"We have to be careful on those corporate handouts, absolutely," she said.
She said she will be reviewing the issue in the months to come.
ONB discloses how much money it has handed out to each company, but last year it said it surveyed recipients and found 70 per cent did not want their individual job numbers released.
Even so, MacPherson returned to the issue in her report released last week, writing that she was "disappointed further progress has not been made on this important recommendation."
MacPherson said last week 12 of the 19 recommendations to ONB have now been implemented, up from her count of four in 2017.
![]()
Auditor General Kim MacPherson reported again last week that ONB still won't say how many jobs are created at each individual company it subsidizes. (Michel Corriveau/Radio-Canada)
"There's progress, but yet we would have liked to have seen 100 per cent implementation, and I definitely think that's what should have happened, given that we're now 2019," she told MLAs last Wednesday.
The call by Higgs for Lund's firing stemmed from a disagreement over how MacPherson counted implemented recommendations.
ONB claimed in 2017 it had implemented 15 recommendations, only to be contradicted by MacPherson's count of four.
ONB vice-president Paul Fudge said last year they had put in place most of the extra monitoring MacPherson wanted, but, in a few cases, some files "were missing a piece of paperwork." ONB considered that an implemented recommendation but MacPherson did not.
After the auditor general contradicted Lund's count in 2017, Higgs declared, "Stephen Lund should lose his job over this. He should be fired."
But Wilson said, "in fairness, they are working very hard to make things better, accountable, transparent. I don't see any major changes coming in the near future."
The minister said in the coming months the Higgs government will launch an all-party review of ONB's mandate and will look at other ways to "energize" the private sector by lowering taxes and reducing red tape.
CBC's Journalistic Standards and PracticesThe Tories demanded specific job-creation figures from the agency just two years ago — and called for the firing of its CEO when those numbers weren't provided — but are now counselling patience.
The shift in tone comes after Auditor General Kim MacPherson reported again last week that ONB still won't say how many jobs are created at each individual company it subsidizes.
"It's a big job for ONB to make sure they do their best to answer what the AG requires," Economic Development Minister Mary Wilson said in an interview.
She said she has met officials there and they're committed to transparency.
- Opportunities NB boss won't say if companies hitting job-creation targets
- Opportunities NB boss defends response to Atcon fiasco
- ONB won't make job creation numbers public, says CEO
Wilson also brushed aside questions about the agency's CEO, Stephen Lund.
In 2017, then-Opposition Leader Blaine Higgs called on the Liberal government to fire Lund after accusing him of misleading MLAs about MacPherson's recommendations.
No plans to remove agency's CEO
Now that Higgs is premier, Wilson said there are no plans to remove Lund.
"All I can say if we continue to look in the past, we're not going to be able to move forward," she said.
"So let's draw that line in the sand and work towards tomorrow, and see how we can make things better."
MacPherson first called for greater transparency at ONB in 2015, when she issued 19 recommendations as part of an audit into tens of millions of dollars of lost loans and loan guarantees to the Atcon group of companies.
ONB didn't exist at the time and Lund has said the Atcon money would never have been approved through his agency's more rigorous scrutiny.
Among MacPherson's 19 recommendations was one urging ONB to release figures comparing how many jobs are expected and created at each company that received a subsidy.
I recall our premier stating that over many years, there's been huge money handed out on corporate handouts, and again, where's the accountability? Are jobs being created? Job creation is the number one thing we're looking for, and that's my job going forward.- Mary Wilson, Economic Development MinisterIn January 2017, Lund got into a lengthy and tense exchange with then-PC MLA Kirk MacDonald at a legislative committee hearing. Lund refused to give MacDonald job-creation results for several companies MacDonald listed.
The Tory MLA suggested that companies shouldn't get subsidies if they weren't willing to let their job-creation results go public.
ONB said last March it could not release company-by-company results because that would reveal commercial, competitive information protected by confidentiality.
Instead, the organization says on its website how many total jobs have been promised and how many have been created. As of Friday, the site said 10,907 jobs have been committed and 4,989 have been created since ONB's inception in April 2015.
In a written statement, ONB vice-president Heather Libbey did not respond to a question about company-by-company job figures.
Instead, she said MacPherson's report "validates that ONB continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving access to and proactively disclosing how it manages and invests public funds."
More transparency needed
Wilson, a first-term MLA elected last September, at first defended ONB's decision to provide only aggregate numbers, calling it "all of their information that New Brunswickers would want to see."
But over the course of a 10-minute interview, she warmed to the need for more transparency.
"We have to be careful on those corporate handouts, absolutely," she said.
- A breakdown of the auditor general's report
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- Frequent school reforms hurt student performance, auditor general finds
She said she will be reviewing the issue in the months to come.
ONB discloses how much money it has handed out to each company, but last year it said it surveyed recipients and found 70 per cent did not want their individual job numbers released.
Auditor general upset over lack of progress
Even so, MacPherson returned to the issue in her report released last week, writing that she was "disappointed further progress has not been made on this important recommendation."
MacPherson said last week 12 of the 19 recommendations to ONB have now been implemented, up from her count of four in 2017.
The call by Higgs for Lund's firing stemmed from a disagreement over how MacPherson counted implemented recommendations.
ONB claimed in 2017 it had implemented 15 recommendations, only to be contradicted by MacPherson's count of four.
Minister doesn't see major changes coming
ONB vice-president Paul Fudge said last year they had put in place most of the extra monitoring MacPherson wanted, but, in a few cases, some files "were missing a piece of paperwork." ONB considered that an implemented recommendation but MacPherson did not.
After the auditor general contradicted Lund's count in 2017, Higgs declared, "Stephen Lund should lose his job over this. He should be fired."
But Wilson said, "in fairness, they are working very hard to make things better, accountable, transparent. I don't see any major changes coming in the near future."
The minister said in the coming months the Higgs government will launch an all-party review of ONB's mandate and will look at other ways to "energize" the private sector by lowering taxes and reducing red tape.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos
Methinks everybody must wonder if the people mentioned in this article have bothered to read the comments about it N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Methinks plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose N'esy Pas?
![Harold Fitzgerald]()
![David R. Amos]()
David R. Amos
Harold Fitzgerald
@David R. Amos
I think anyone that starts every post with Methinks, does other readers a favour. No need to read them. Still annoying but you can skip over them.
I think anyone that starts every post with Methinks, does other readers a favour. No need to read them. Still annoying but you can skip over them.
@Harold Fitzgerald Methinks you must understand why I don't mind being ignored by an irrelevant snobby Gringo N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Methinks some folks may find this worth reading N'esy Pas?
https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/featured/how-nova-scotia-has-sold-its-soul-to-cater-to-tax-avoidance-schemes-morning-file-tuesday-november-7-2017/#1.%20The%20Paradise%20Papers,%20Appleby,%20and%20Nova%20Scotia%E2%80%99s%20welcome%20to%20tax%20avoiders
"Lund, for his part, has his own interesting history:
About that NSBI job… the position used to be held by Stephen Lund, who before coming to work for NSBI worked at Butterfield Bank in Bermuda. At the helm of NSBI, he oversaw the extension of $9.1 million in payroll rebates for Butterfield Bank to expand in Halifax, but somehow neglected to mention he once worked for the bank. Lund left NSBI in August 2013, heading back to his old stomping grounds and took charge of the Bermuda Business Development Agency. But he abruptly left that job in April for unspecified personal reasons, and headed back to Nova Scotia. Lund was gobbled up by the Irvings and now works as Vice President of the Halifax Shipyard, where he uses his expertise in ladling out public funds to private corporations to design war ships, I guess.
Lund left Irving for a job as CEO of Opportunities New Brunswick, which is that province’s equivalent of NSBI. I can’t imagine how he reflects upon a career trajectory that took him from working for one of the world’s largest hedge fund banks in sunny Bermuda to an obscure posting in podunk and cold New Brunswick, but that’s his business. Still, there in New Brunswick, he’s managed to make himself the subject of a legislative controversy."
Shawn Tabor
@David R. Amos good job Dave, just wish that the folks can see what is truly going on and has been going on for many years. This is just one problem that has to be addressed and there is much more work that has to be done. Where their is smoke their is fire.
David R. Amos
@Shawn Tabor Thanks Shawn at least Mr Lund and his buddy McKenna know there is one Maritimer they can't laugh at eh?
Greg Clouston
Shocker...
David R. Amos
@Greg Clouston Nope
Richard Dunn
I can guarantee you that ONB will be much more accountable than they were under Gallant.
Jacques Poitras, and his liberal bias, is becoming even more annoying......if that is possible.
Jacques Poitras, and his liberal bias, is becoming even more annoying......if that is possible.
David R. Amos
@Richard Dunn "I can guarantee you that ONB will be much more accountable than they were under Gallant"
Dream on
Dream on
Lou Bell
If you have to chase after companies and give them immeasurable concessions to come , THEY'RE NOT WORTH IT !!
Pappy Prevost
@Lou Bell very true just like Irving given everything it does not benefit us
Lou Bell
@Pappy Prevost Did Atcon benefit US ???
Lou Bell
@Lou Bell And you know who they were tied to !!!
David R. Amos
@Pappy Prevost True as well
Lou Bell
Darn ! McKenna got us again ! Them high payin' call centers , our promised " bread and butter " .
Pappy Prevost
@Lou Bell it work is it not . i knowpeople make 18+ an hr there
Lou Bell
@Pappy Prevost I know people ( a lot ) making less than 15 dollars an hour ! And excuse me , but even 18 dollars an hour is not a Middle Income salary !
David R. Amos
@Lou Bell Methinks 18+ an hr is higher that the average income in New Brunswick N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
And here I thought Mr. Higgs was going to be our saviour. Silly me.
It seems he will be a back-pedaling premier just like the rest of them.
It seems he will be a back-pedaling premier just like the rest of them.
David R. Amos
@Fred Brewer Mais oui
Dianne MacPherson
The Auditor General is held in HIGH regard by taxpayers !!!
12 of 19 recommendations isn't good enough, Mr. Higgs !!
Opportunities NB has been getting away with a
half-*** performance for years ....time to bring the
hammer down !!!
WHEN will the Bureaucracy in this Province ever be
FULLY held to account ????
12 of 19 recommendations isn't good enough, Mr. Higgs !!
Opportunities NB has been getting away with a
half-*** performance for years ....time to bring the
hammer down !!!
WHEN will the Bureaucracy in this Province ever be
FULLY held to account ????
David R. Amos
@Dianne MacPherson "WHEN will the Bureaucracy in this Province ever be
FULLY held to account ????"
Survey Says?
FULLY held to account ????"
Survey Says?
June Arnott
Typical politician. No cooperation when you’re the opposition then get in power and the stalling and lies begin.
In order to change the public’s perception of politics, the lies must stop
In order to change the public’s perception of politics, the lies must stop
David R. Amos
@June Arnott Methinks you should tell that to Banksters, lawyers and cops too N'esy Pas?
Samual Johnston
typical...
David R. Amos
@Samual Johnston YUP
Gabriel Boucher
This shenanigan has been going on for decades now. Why would anyone suddenly think that this Premier would do otherwise under the banner of the PCs? We should know the end result of this by now. The PCs and Liberals don't care about the public. They only care about multi-million dollar industries and lining their pockets with taxpayers money. Blaine Higgs is simply a puppet on a string serving big businesses, and that's all NBers needs to know. It's time that NBers stop hoping for change in the 2 main parties and start acknowledging that those parties will not change their ways in the years to come, no matter who the leading candidate is.
David R. Amos
@Gabriel Boucher I wholeheartedly agree sir.
Harold Fitzgerald
@Gabriel Boucher
Yet another people that finally realized he should have voted People's Alliance!
Yet another people that finally realized he should have voted People's Alliance!
Rod McLeod
I assume no accountability means no productivity.
David R. Amos
@Rod McLeod Nope
Matt Steele
ONB is just a huge slush fund that is used to funnel taxpayer cash to political buddies . There is a different govt. in power , but nothing will change other than the names of the political friends who receive the cash . In four more years or less , there will be another new one term govt . N.B.ers are sending a message with all these one term govt. ; but politicians just don't seem too get it !
Tim Locke
@Matt Steele
The only time the Liberals and Conservatives will listen is when they both lose.
The only time the Liberals and Conservatives will listen is when they both lose.
Lou Bell
@Tim Locke Actually , having a minority government for either party isn't winning. After 3 or 4 years of " constantly looking over their shoulders" , many politicians will need surgery to repair that " crick " in their necks !
David Peters
@Matt Steele
This slush fund is simply too big for the powers to be to leave it to chance of an election...
This slush fund is simply too big for the powers to be to leave it to chance of an election...
David R. Amos
@Tim Locke YUP
David Peters
Once again, how is this fair to a business who starts and works with their own capital?
David R. Amos
@David Peters It ain't
Harold Fitzgerald
NB a bilingual, broken hell hole. So glad I got out. You can too. Mexico is 27C tonight. Not one French or English ambulance attendant.
David R. Amos
@Harold Fitzgerald Methinks it may be cold but I don some wool and spend time among folks I can trust Down there you are just another Gringo to be fleeced N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
@Harold Fitzgerald Methinks you will likely get things backwards as usual and send your hero Pastor Austin a purple Valentines Day card saying "Weather is here wish you were beautiful" N'esy Pas?
Craig O'Donnell
So these companies don't think we should be able to see the actual results in job numbers caused by investment paid for from the everyday taxpayers' wallet? Cut them off!
David Peters
@Craig O'Donnell
...or better yet, rid of the crooked practice altogether. End all forms of corporate welfare.
...or better yet, rid of the crooked practice altogether. End all forms of corporate welfare.
David R. Amos
@Craig O'Donnell Exactly
David Peters
This article misrepresents what the PC MLA said, she said the companies weren't reporting their jobs numbers.
The headline could read, "Gov't backed companies refuse to give job numbers"
The headline could read, "Gov't backed companies refuse to give job numbers"
David R. Amos
@David Peters Methinks many bureaucrats, politicians and bankers etc who know Mr Lund and the Irving Clan would agree that the headline is right on the MONEY N'esy Pas?
Invest NB officially launched
20 September 2011
SAINT JOHN, MONCTON, CAMPBELLTON (CNB) – Invest NB’s business plan framework and board of directors were announced today by Premier David Alward at the Crown Corporation’s official launch.
Alward, Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud and Invest NB chief executive officer Robert MacLeod together visited the cities of Saint John, Moncton and Campbellton for three distinct launch ceremonies.
"To promote our pro-business environment, Invest NB will make informed, strategic decisions to capitalize upon our strengths," said Alward." The measurements included are representative of Invest NB's focus to invest public money to create high-salary jobs and to develop the economy."
The board members are:
● Denis Losier, president and chief executive officer, Assumption Life;
● Helena Cain, vice-president, Customer Care, Sales and Strategy, Bell Aliant;
● James M. Baumgartner, president and chief executive officer, Moneris Solutions Corp., pending confirmation from his corporation;
● H. E. A. (Eddy) Campbell, president and vice-chancellor, University of New Brunswick;
● Michael Campbell, vice-president and general counsel, McCain Foods Ltd.;
● René Collette, director of Business Development, TD Bank Financial Group;
● Lily Durepos, business owner and executive, Alliance Assurance;
● Martin LeBlanc, president and chief executive officer, Caprion Proteomics;
● Bill Levesque, deputy minister, Business New Brunswick, ex-officio;
● Denis Mallet, general manager, FPM Peat Moss Co. Ltd.; and
● Jeffrey S. Mitchell, senior vice-president and director of research, Strategic Advisors Inc., pending confirmation from his corporation.