Blaine Higgs, the New Brunswick Progressive Conservative Leader, has promised to provide more funding for security measures to synagogues, mosques, churches, and community organizations. He plans to allocate money for the installation of surveillance cameras in order to ensure the safety of public spaces, especially places of worship and community gatherings. Higgs stated that with the increasing concerns about safety, taking action to enhance security is crucial in the ever-changing world. If re-elected as premier for a third term, his party will take “harder and harder lines on crime” to address these issues.
In addition to providing funding for security cameras and stronger locks on doors, a re-elected Tory government would amend the terms of the Community Investment Fund to allow non-profits to apply for funding for security measures. The fund currently provides $70,000 every year to each legislative assembly member to support community projects and priorities. The Tory party is also planning to reject all new applications for supervised drug-injection sites and introduce legislation to compel individuals with severe drug addiction into treatment. This tough-on-crime agenda is part of their platform leading up to the provincial election in New Brunswick.
Amidst the election campaign, the Liberal and Green parties have also been making announcements about health care initiatives. Liberal Leader Susan Holt had an event in Saint John, N.B., followed by lunch at the city’s market, while Green Party Leader David Coon held a news conference about “local health-care decision-making” alongside deputy leader Megan Mitton in her Sackville, N.B., riding. As the campaigns intensified, a Mainstreet Research poll released revealed that the Liberals are leading with 36 percent support, followed by the Tories at 32 percent. The Green Party received 11 percent support, while the People’s Alliance party lagged far behind at one percent. The election is scheduled for October 21.
The Mainstreet Research poll, conducted through an automated telephone survey of 906 adults between October 1-3, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level. The results indicated a close race between the Liberals and the Tories, with undecided voters potentially playing a significant role in the outcome. The election campaign in New Brunswick is heating up as the various parties unveil their platforms and make pledges to address pressing issues such as security, health care, and drug addiction treatment. The political landscape in the province is evolving as voters prepare to cast their ballots on election day.
As the election approaches, all parties are ramping up their efforts to attract voters and secure their support. With promises of increased security funding for religious institutions and community organizations, as well as initiatives to address drug addiction and health care, the parties are striving to address the concerns of the electorate. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, with the Mainstreet Research poll indicating a tight race between the Liberals and the Tories. With only two weeks left until election day, the candidates will continue to campaign vigorously to sway undecided voters and secure their place in government.
