Holt talks provincial priorities with newly-elected federal government

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt discussed her province’s priorities with Ottawa on Wednesday.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said Wednesday she’s looking forward to working with the federal government to strengthen the province’s economy.

“Oh, we have a long list of priorities for the federal government,” said Holt. “There’s a number of things we want to move here. We’re very excited about this government’s commitment to strengthening our economy and investing in the kind of trade and economic infrastructure that our province needs.”

The Liberal premier was in Moncton Wednesday morning to announce the province will be spending close to $2 million to support access to fertility treatments.

After the announcement, she spoke about Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal’s narrow victory in Monday’s federal election and what it means for people in New Brunswick.

“We’re really interested in their commitments to build because we know, particularly here in Moncton, that we have housing challenges that require good partnership between the federal government, municipal governments and the provincial government,” said Holt.

Holt said the province is looking for tailored programming that recognizes the province has “phenomenal infrastructure” in its ports that they’re ready to partner on.

Health care was another key issue.

“The federal government has been putting significant funds into health care, and we’d like to direct that in different ways, in different places across where the needs are in our health-care system,” she said. “We’re expecting to see a good, flexible open partnership with this new government to help us make sure every New Brunswicker has access to health care.”

Holt said she believes Carney has a real compassion and desire to understand New Brunswick and to learn more about the province.

“I’m optimistic that we will be able to have a great partner in the federal government to achieve what New Brunswickers have asked us to do,” she said. “Get them health care, make sure they have an affordable place to live, move the needle on education and grow our economy.”

While she said she hasn’t spoken directly to Carney yet, Holt adds they have exchanged voice mails and texts since the election victory.

“He’s been pretty busy since the election getting right on the phone with President Trump and now talking to global leaders,” said Holt.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.