FREDERICTON – Future governments in New Brunswick would be required to reduce their deficits by $125 million annually under new legislation introduced Wednesday.
The bill would also require governments to remain in the black once they record a surplus.
In February, New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative government delivered a budget that projected a $391.1-million shortfall for the 2014-15 fiscal year.
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Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says the bill would also fine cabinet ministers $2,500 each if the government fails to reduce the deficit or maintain a surplus.
Higgs says the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act would also require political parties to provide the cost of their election promises or publicly disclose that they have no estimate prepared.
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Parties who fail to comply with the act could lose their annual operating allowance they get from the province.
The Liberals and the NDP both say they will support the legislation.
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