Gallant clarifies promise to create 5,000 jobs in New Brunswick

FREDERICTON, N.B. – New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant clarified a promise on Thursday that he made during the election campaign about job creation.

He said when he promised to create 5,000 new jobs during his first year as premier, it did not necessarily mean an increase in the total number of people working.

Thursday was Gallant’s first question period as premier, but it was Opposition Leader Bruce Fitch who asked the opening question.

“We’re going to offer the premier a do-over. Mr. Speaker, would the premier like to change the promise that he made in his platform of creating 5,000 new jobs in the first year of his mandate?” he asked.

“There was never a promise of a net gain of 5,000 jobs,” Gallant said.

Gallant clarified with reporters that his promise to create 5,000 new full-time jobs is based on a report from Jupia Consultants.

Fitch said Gallant needs to be clearer on his commitments.

“It’s a promise broken. If it’s not a promise broken, it’s certainly a commitment that was made without the proper details,” he said.

A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada predicts New Brunswick will gain 1,600 net jobs this year.