New Brunswick finance minister Roger Melanson says he’s happy with what Tuesday’s federal budget will mean for the struggling economy.
“Well obviously, what’s in the budget is the recognition from the federal government that they want to invest in growth, and New Brunswick definitely needs to have investment in trying to grow the economy,” Melanson told Global News.
Melanson highlighted the promised infrastructure spending that was announced in the budget, saying it will stimulate the province to be able to bounce back.
READ MORE: Federal budget 2016: Liberal government projects $29.4B deficit
He is also hopeful it will encourage New Brunswickers to stay in the province rather than move elsewhere for work.
Melanson also seemed understanding of the federal government’s nearly $30-billion deficit, saying it was necessary for the benefit of all Canadians.
He also acknowledged the money that’s been promised to social housing, pose-secondary education and first nations communities.
At the time, Melanson had no qualms with the budget, saying that overall he and the New Brunswick government are pleased with what was tabled, but made it clear that the voice of the province would be heard going forward.
“We’re going to keep very very hard on behalf of New Brunswickers to get out fair share in our federal partnership.”