N.B. Opposition accuses premier of ignoring potential for ‘province-building project’

The New Brunswick Official Opposition says Premier Susan Holt is ignoring possible natural resource development in the province.

Premier Susan Holt says New Brunswick is at the forefront of multiple “nation-building” energy projects following this week’s first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon, while interim Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie says the governing Liberals are ignoring natural resource development within the province.

“She’s interested in national building project. How about a province-building project?” said Savoie about Holt during Friday’s question period.

Savoie said the Liberals and Holt have historically stood in the way of natural resource development in New Brunswick, mentioning pipelines and shale gas exploration.

Holt responded to Savoie’s comments during question period, saying the Progressive Conservatives weren’t effective on developing natural resources while in power.

“He’s said they always supported this development. But did they get it done? No,” said Holt. “Our government is pragmatic. We’re looking at what’s in front of us and what opportunities will benefit New Brunswick.”

Holt has heralded federal support for prioritizing the Eastern Energy Partnership as a success from the first ministers’ meeting. The partnership would transmit hydro and wind power from Atlantic Canada and Quebec to Western Canada and New England.

Holt also said there were positive conversations with Quebec Premier François Legault about extending a natural gas pipeline from Quebec City to New Brunswick.

“We have opportunities to take advantage of the resources that Canada has already developed and already unlocked for the benefit of our province as well,” said Holt. “We’re looking at what we can do tomorrow, where’s the investment opportunity, what’s going to benefit New Brunswickers, and how we can use our strengths to succeed nationally and internationally.”

At the first ministers’ meeting, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith indicated she was focused on developing potential oil pipeline routes from her province to northern British Columbia and Hudson Bay to avoid any route through Quebec. Holt said she was interested in what role New Brunswick could play as an eastern market if a pipeline did go to Hudson Bay.

“With a $600-million deficit, you’d think she’d get on board and develop our resources here,” said Savoie, about Holt. “They would rather pipe a pipeline in because of their NIMBY policies, their ‘not in my backyard’ policies, that say it’s OK for Alberta to profit from its natural resource development but not New Brunswick.”

Friday was the last day of the first session of the 61st Legislature.

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