New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Thursday 5 June 2025
On the final day of the first session of the 61st legislature, members delivered a series of statements. Opposition members criticized the Holt government over collaboration with the opposition, food bank funding cuts, delayed gas price cuts, education cuts, and highway funding, while government members touted justice system modernization, national economic leadership, and legislative accomplishments including the passage of 35 bills. A former MLA and Attorney General, Andrea Anderson-Mason, was welcomed back to the gallery.
Members' Statements
Government treatment of opposition and collaboration
Ms. M. Johnson
Johnson criticized the Premier's commitment to collaborate with opposition parties, expressing disappointment that ministers told her she was no longer the employer but a regular citizen, and citing an email suggesting she was enjoying the perks of opposition.
Report card on Holt government promises
Ms. Mitton
Mitton graded the Holt government on its promises, giving failing marks to solar retrofit programs, private sector pay equity, coastal erosion, systemic racism response, and the caregiver benefit, while giving passing marks on the permanent rent cap, the Standing Committee on Official Languages, and the permanent legislative calendar.
First Ministers' Meeting in Saskatoon
Mr. Arseneault
Arseneault celebrated the recent First Ministers' Meeting, praising New Brunswick's readiness to build a strong nation through trade MOUs with Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador and the ports of Belledune and Saint John, crediting the Premier's leadership.
Food bank funding cuts
Mr. Weir
Weir criticized the Holt government for cutting food bank funding and failing to conclude negotiations with Food DEPOT, leaving people with food insecurity and farmers facing uncertainty.
Shippagan-Les-Îles riding
Mr. Mallet
Mallet promoted his riding's tourism attractions, including festivals, the New Brunswick Aquarium and Marine Centre, the Véloroute de la Péninsule acadienne trail, and natural beaches, inviting visitors to the region.
Delayed gas price cut promise
Mr. Oliver
Oliver criticized the Holt government for delaying its promise to cut gas prices, calling it a 100% broken promise, and alleged the government only addressed rural gas retailer concerns after being lobbied by a Liberal lobbyist.
Justice system digital transformation
Ms. Sodhi
Sodhi highlighted the government's $5 million commitment toward a $32.7-million digital transformation project to modernize the justice system over six years, including a new case management system, electronic filing, and courtroom upgrades.
Education cuts and concerns
Mr. Lee
Lee criticized the Holt government over uncertainty in the public education system, including proposed school calendar changes, jobs lost to cuts, and the elimination of Integrated Service Delivery teams that help vulnerable students.
End of session accomplishments
Mr. M. LeBlanc
LeBlanc praised his government team as the session concluded, highlighting the passage of 35 bills including rent caps, property assessment freezes, and artist status recognition, as well as a permanent legislative calendar and the first Standing Committee on Official Languages.
Highway funding for Woodstock-Hartland
Mr. Hogan
Hogan criticized the government for both towns in the Woodstock-Hartland riding, represented by a PC member, not receiving designated highway funding this year, suggesting a political pattern and questioning whether municipalities must hire Liberal lobbyists.
Routine Proceedings
Introduction of Guests
Hon. Mr. Gauvin
Gauvin, after requesting the Speaker revert to Introduction of Guests, welcomed former MLA for Fundy-The Isles-Saint John West and former Attorney General Andrea Anderson-Mason, now working at UNB, to the gallery.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search New Brunswick Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.