New Brunswick legislature to dissolve Thursday ahead of Sept. 22 election

New Brunswick Premier David Alward responds to media as he meets Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard in Quebec City on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. (Clement Allard / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick Premier David Alward says the province's lieutenant-governor has granted his request to dissolve the legislative assembly Thursday ahead of next month's election.

Alward met with Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas today to dissolve the legislature before the Sept. 22 vote.

Alward's Progressive Conservatives have 41 members in the legislature, the Liberals under leader Brian Gallant have 13 seats and there is one Independent member.

A number of issues including the economy, shale gas and the proposed Energy East Pipeline are expected to dominate the campaign.