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Details lacking in New Brunswick budget

"In terms of the privatization of management of the Extra-Mural Program, we don't feel government listened to the people." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President

Fredericton (01 Feb. 2018) — The coming weeks will be key in reaching an informed opinion on the 2018-19 budget, as details were scarce in the announcement made by Cathy Rogers, the Finance Minister of New Brunswick.on January 30.

Many unanswered questions about New Brunwick public spending

While spending will increase in health care, education and tourism, exactly how remains to be seen.

"While there's some positives to be taken away, we're waiting for more concrete information on the specifics of how this budget will impact New Brunswickers," said Susie Proulx- Daigle, President of the New Brunswick Union (NBU/NUPGE).

On the health care side, investments will be made to reduce surgery wait times, improve mental health care as well as to improve special care homes and to keep seniors in their homes longer.

Rogers emphasized this budget was a reflection of government listening to New Brunswickers, however, the NBU/NUPGE took issue with this statement.

Government ignores concerns of New Brunswickers over health care changes

"In terms of the privatization of management of the Extra-Mural Program, we don't feel government listened to the people," said Proulx-Daigle. "The deal was done behind closed doors without input from stakeholders, and we saw seniors around the province come out strongly against this plan."

"In this instance, it didn't seem as though government listened to what the people were saying on a major shift in our health care system," Proulx-Daigle said.