Gallant says Alward’s relationship with Harper is hurting the province

FREDERICTON – Liberal Leader Brian Gallant is maintaining his attack on the record of New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative government Thursday, telling voters Premier David Alward has been too close to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Gallant is blaming Alward’s relationship with the federal Conservatives for changes to Employment Insurance that he says have hurt the province.

He is also accusing Alward of failing to get compensation from Ottawa for cost overruns in refurbishing the nuclear reactor at Point Lepreau.

Campaigning in Mactaquac for Monday’s election, Alward is highlighting his plan for the economy, saying his plan to develop natural resources will give opportunities for skilled workers to remain in the province.

The economy has emerged as a central issue in the 32-day election campaign.

Green Leader David Coon is reiterating his party’s promise to ban fracking for shale gas, while also cancelling all exploration and production licences.