On Tuesday, Premier Susan Holt’s administration presented a somewhat unclear agenda for the upcoming session of the New Brunswick legislature, while also acknowledging the frustration expressed by residents in the Tantramar region regarding a proposed natural gas power facility.
Just two hours prior to the throne speech, Holt spoke to around 60 demonstrators who are urging her to halt N.B. Power’s plans for the plant.
“We too have numerous questions regarding this project, just like you do,” Holt communicated to the crowd gathered at the legislature under a cloudy and drizzly sky.
“We are reviewing the data submitted, examining the case, and inquiring about potential locations.”
The premier did not make any promises, including whether her administration will mandate a thorough environmental impact study of the project, which critics are calling for.
Reflecting on internal dialogues, Holt posed rhetorical questions: “Is this project suitable for that process? Can we subject it to such scrutiny in accordance with our policies and procedures? Are we receiving the necessary information from the proponents and partners?”
Premier Susan Holt’s second speech from the throne highlighted several previously announced initiatives and accomplishments from the past year, with the opposition asserting that it did not introduce many new commitments.
N.B. Power is in the process of seeking authorization for a 500-megawatt natural gas facility featuring 10 turbines, which they claim would serve as backup power to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy sources.
According to the utility, the plant would contribute to an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.
Michael Miller and Marilee Reimer were among the approximately 60 protesters opposing the gas plant in front of the legislature on Tuesday. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
However, critics remain unconvinced, citing misleading assertions about Indigenous investment in the project alongside other environmental issues.
Holt commended the demonstrators for voicing their concerns and participating in the democratic process.
Some of the protesters, however, felt disheartened by her remarks.
“I heard a lot of talk about democracy and other topics that are sidestepping the issue,” stated Joel Miller, a Tantramar resident.
“I’m not convinced they won’t proceed with the construction of this gas facility.”
On Monday, Holt promised that her government would “accelerate the necessary changes” during the new legislative session.
The throne speech delivered on Tuesday by Lt.-Gov. Louise Imbeault mainly recapped initiatives that the government has already initiated and ongoing work, such as the establishment of collaborative care clinics and the formulation of a new decade-long education strategy.
“We must persist in challenging the status quo, embrace bold ideas, and think expansively as we collaborate to reach our objectives,” Imbeault stated, reading from the speech prepared by Holt’s administration.
“This is not always straightforward, as the world keeps evolving around us, but with resolve and tenacity, change is achievable.”
Among the few definitive new promises made in the speech:
- The government plans to introduce legislation aimed at simplifying the administrative process and paperwork for child-care providers as the province aims to establish 3,600 new designated spaces by March 2026.
- The long-anticipated reform of the property tax system is expected to yield “significant solutions” that will begin implementation in the 2027 tax year, which is later than the previously projected timeline of early 2026.
- The Liberals are set to propose a “New Brunswick Free Trade Within Canada Act” that would further eliminate internal trade barriers, although details on its implementation were sparse.
Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie remarked that the throne speech on Tuesday lacked innovative ideas. (Tara King-Stewart/CBC)
Leaders of opposition parties indicated that the absence of new initiatives contradicted Holt’s statements.
“What they’ve done is essentially postpone decisions and delay action,” said Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie.
“It’s change at a glacial pace,” remarked Green Leader David Coon, emphasizing his point.
Holt informed reporters that significant decisions are forthcoming, including difficult choices needed to address a budget deficit currently estimated at $668.7 million for this year.
However, she indicated that specifics about these decisions would be revealed in the budget speech scheduled for next March, not in this week’s throne speech.
Coon commented that Holt’s remarks to the gas plant protesters lacked depth and served merely as a means to placate opponents without making any commitments.
“It’s simply her approach to managing dissent,” he stated.
