Controversy over the Gallant government’s recent legislative decisions continue after budget estimates for the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour were postponed on Friday.
Although the Liberals have given no indication as to why the estimates were pushed back one clue may be what happened during the Department of Education estimates. Serge Rousselle, the minister of education, was unable to answer opposition questions about the new Education and Economy Fund. Post-Secondary Education is investing approximately $190 million into this new fund. The Progressive Conservatives said that the budget estimates for Post-Secondary Education were pushed back to finalize details of the new fund.
“On Wednesday the Education Minister could not answer the simplest questions about the Premier’s new education and economy fund,” said Leader of the Opposition Bruce Fitch in a press release. “Can you imagine the public outrage when the PETL Minister has to admit she knows nothing about this fund, who is managing it, who is the decision maker on $190 million from her department?”
The Aquinian attempted to get an interview with someone from the Liberal government, but were unsuccessful.
This is just the latest in a string of controversies for the Liberal government.
Two weeks ago the government moved to adjourn for six weeks. This means that while committee work on the budget will continue, any other legislative work will be stalled. Private members bill will not be heard, and question period will only happen 26 times this session, the lowest number since the McKenna government, which had no opposition.
Fredericton-South MLA and provincial Green Party Leader David Coon said the changes to the legislative calendar will leave some bills to die on the floor.
“I have four [private members bills] there waiting to go to second reading, for debate and vote, and the official opposition has one,” said Coon. “So that’s five proposed laws. Of my four there will only be enough time to debate one of them, and vote on one of them.”
Coon said the new calendar will not just affect his ability to be a good leader, but will also affect his ability to be an effective MLA.
“I have very limited time now to bring forward concerns that I hear at community meetings,” said Coon. “Now with only 12 days…that really limits my ability to bring [up] issues important to [my constituents.]”
Fitch acknowledges the new dates make it harder for him to do his job as well, but he said that having more opportunities to be in his riding has given him a better sense of what New Brunswickers think of the Gallant government.
“Not being in the house, I get a chance to spend time with my constituents more than if I was [in the house,]” said Fitch. “You get the feedback, and you hear people say, ‘This government doesn’t want to work. They don’t want to answer the questions. They want to run and hide.’”
Some pundits, as well as politicians of all stripes, have said the government’s new legislative calendar is an attempt to not have a repeat of the onslaught of public criticisms that Gallant faced after last years budget.
When asked if they’ve spoken to the Premier, Coon said he told him this was a bad idea. Fitch also approached the Premier.
“I went and shook the Premier’s hand, after the budget passed,” said Fitch. “He would not speak to me.”
