New Brunswick premier seeks flexibility for federal infrastructure funding

The premier of New Brunswick says he’s hoping for flexibility in the federal budget to allow smaller provinces and communities to take full advantage of new infrastructure spending.

Brian Gallant says it’s important to recognize that the infrastructure needs in a small province or community are very different from those of big centres like Toronto.

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“That flexibility is key to us,” Gallant said Monday.

“The governments of the Atlantic provinces, and even the communities, may not be able to match at the same rate as other larger provinces and some of the larger cities across the country. So I think it’s important that the programs take that into account.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The governments of the Atlantic provinces, and even the communities, may not be able to match at the same rate as other larger provinces and some of the larger cities across the country. So I think it's important that the programs take that into account."

Gallant said he has discussed the issue with the prime minister, and recently with regional ministers during a meeting in Fredericton.

While Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has stated she’s looking for $1 billion in infrastructure funding for her province, Gallant isn’t putting a figure on what he’s seeking when federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduces the Liberal government’s first budget Tuesday.

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“As long as the programs have flexibility for the smaller provinces and smaller communities to participate, then we know that in New Brunswick we have great projects on the go that would allow the federal government to make some significant investments,” Gallant said.

Deficit is the right approach according to Gallant

There are expectations the federal deficit will be much larger than expected, but Gallant says that’s the right approach to take right now.

He said the previous Harper government was intent on achieving balanced books no matter what.

“Decisions were being downloaded on the provinces, meaning that the federal government’s finances were getting better but it was hindering (provincial) finances and economy,” Gallant said.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed last week in New York that the eligibility age for old age security will be returned to 65 from 67 years.

Gallant said that’s welcome news in New Brunswick where the province is trying to address an aging population.

“It will allow people to retire and have the right type of funds to retire. It also will help younger people to be able to access the workforce because some people will be retiring sooner,” Gallant said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It will allow people to retire and have the right type of funds to retire. It also will help younger people to be able to access the workforce because some people will be retiring sooner," Gallant said.