Premier Brian Gallant was the last speaker to take part in the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Political Leaders Speaking Series’ Friday at the Wu Conference Center.
The non-partisan event asked attendees to leave candidate material outside of the room but that wasn’t the case as one attendee suggested during the question and answer period that Gallant and his team is using American-style ads to attack Blaine Higgs, the leader of the Opposition.
“I think it’s very important for New Brunswickers to know the contrast between the political parties but I can vow to you today that we will not attack anybody personally. We will not attack anybody’s personal characteristics, we will not attack their families, none of that will happen,” said Gallant.
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Gallant spent nearly three-quarters of an hour touting his governments agenda, to improve healthcare, invest in infrastructure, create jobs, retain talent and lower taxes for small business.
“Businesses prosper when communities prosper and we really need to foster a growth economy. We need to be able to grow because when businesses are successful everybody is successful,” said Krista Ross, the CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
The leaders of all five parties had an opportunity to take part in the speaker series. It was an opportunity for those individuals to hear firsthand from the stakeholders within New Brunswick’s business community. It’s hoped issues raised at the events will be addressed on the campaign trails.
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Another issue raised had to do with the Gallant government’s deficit and recent findings in the auditor generals report, which suggests the Liberals are spending more cash than they’re bringing in.
He also touched on hospital wait times and the lack of family doctors.
“We are also very cognizant of the fact that we also need to try to alleviate pressures off our healthcare system,” said Gallant.
In addition to the speaker series, the Chamber is soliciting questions from members to ask candidates during debates in the greater Fredericton Area ridings.
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