New Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie Steeves speaks at a press conference prior to delivering the provincial budget in the legislature in Fredericton on Tuesday March 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Stephen MacGillivray
FREDERICTON – New Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie Steeves tabled a $12.2-billion budget for 2023-24 on Tuesday. Here are some highlights:
– A projected surplus of $40.3-million surplus on total revenues of $12.19 billion and expenditures of $12.15 billion.
– $3.3 million for New Brunswick Cancer network programs, and $6.4 million to expand pharmacist assessment and prescribing services.
– $8.8 million to cover an increase in operating costs for home support agencies.
– $3.7 million aimed at reducing rates of inmates reoffending through training of provincial jail staff and case managers.
– $44.9 million to increase wages for personal support workers in care homes.
– Conservation and energy efficiency programs are allocated $10 million.
– Public libraries get $1.8 million to increase staffing.
– $4.5 million for Crown land silviculture to plant, cut and tend forests.
— An additional $2 million for promoting the province.
– Preventive maintenance for the province’s bridges will cost the government $1.5 million.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2023.
