By The Canadian Press, The Canadian Press on September 19, 2024.
FREDERICTON – A quick look at some of the issues in the New Brunswick election campaign: HEALTH CARE Conservatives: introduce “incremental improvements” Liberals: open 30 community-care clinics Greens: spend more to recruit and retain health-care professionals; establish collaborative family practice teams CRIME AND SAFETY Conservatives: use legislation to force certain people into drug or mental health treatment Liberals: offer wrap-around services for those needing housing and help with addictions Greens: implement a community policing strategy; improve access to mental health care and build supportive housing for vulnerable populations HOUSING Conservatives: no rent cap, but more money for housing; reduce wait-list for a “direct-to-rental benefit” for families and seniors Liberals: remove provincial sales tax from multi-unit builds; introduce rent cap and reform property tax system Greens: introduce rent cap GENDER EQUITY Conservatives: ensure children under 16 must have parental consent before teachers can use their preferred names and pronouns Liberals and Greens: reverse the government’s policy ASYLUM SEEKERS Conservatives: oppose federal plan to allow in more asylum seekers Liberals: more information needed about federal plan Greens: remove barriers for refugee claimants TAXES Conservatives: reduce HST from 15 to 13 per cent by 2026 Liberals: lower taxes on power bills; eliminate carbon adjuster gas tax Greens: reduce HST if budget allows for it This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024. 26