E-NEWS FEBRUARY State of the province focuses on natural resource development, job creation and innovation Premier David Alwards state of the province address sent a strong message to New Brunswick business people and workers about the governments plan to create jobs in the oil and natural gas, forestry, and knowledge sectors. “It is time to bring our greatest resource, our people, home to work, and we cannot do this without providing opportunities for our local businesses and for our workers,” said Alward. “We have a clear plan to create jobs by growing a domestic oil and natural gas industry in New Brunswick, re-establishing our forestry sector as a leader in North America, and planting the seeds for growth in our knowledge sectors that will drive our economy for generations.” With a new royalty regime in place and some of the toughest environmental rules and regulations the industry has ever seen, Alward said the time is now to seize the opportunities in shale gas development that have helped to build the strongest economies in North America. Low-income homeowners getting energy upgrades through Efficiency NB program Low-income homeowners are benefiting from energy efficiency upgrades to their homes under a new program offered by Efficiency NB. The Low Income Efficiency Program was announced in July, and renovations are now being completed in homes throughout the province. Our investment in this initiative will have immediate and long-term benefits for low-income homeowners, said Environment and Local Government Minister Danny Soucy, minister responsible for Efficiency NB. On average, the homes completed will have significantly lower monthly heating costs and a long-term annual saving of almost $1,200. Those interested in the program may contact Efficiency NB at 1-866-643-8833. 2014-15 budget freezing taxes, reducing deficit, making strategic investments The provincial government tabled its 2014-15 capital and operating budgets February 4th. They reduce the provincial deficit, freeze taxes and provide strategic investments in programs, infrastructure and innovation. The operating budget includes a clear, multi-year plan to return to balanced budgets by 2017-18. Our government has a strong record of smart fiscal management and, as a result, we are well-positioned for economic growth over the next two years, said Finance Minister Blaine Higgs. This budget will focus on putting our resources to work to create jobs and help small businesses, seniors and our most vulnerable, without raising taxes. For 2014-15, the provincial government is projecting a deficit of $391 million, down from $564 million at third quarter in 2013-14. Revenues are expected to increase by 4.3 per cent in 2014-15 from 2013-14 third-quarter estimates, surpassing $8 billion. Despite expense pressures, spending is budgeted to grow by less than two per cent in 2014-15 and is $2 million less than what was projected in the multi-year plan presented in last years budget. With expenses tracking at $201 million under budget in 2013-14, the provincial government is on pace to come in under budget on departmental spending for the third consecutive year. Toll-free information line launched for drug plan A toll-free telephone line to provide more information on the New Brunswick Drug Plan is now in operation. “Residents with questions about the plan and how it will affect their families are invited to call at 1-855-540-7325,” said Health Minister Hugh Flemming. “This information line will be an important resource as we move closer to May 1 when New Brunswickers can begin receiving coverage under the plan on a voluntary basis.” The information line is being operated by Medavie Blue Cross, which is administering the drug plan on behalf of the government. The bilingual service is available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. “Insurance is complex and it is understandable that people have questions,” said Flemming. “In addition to this new information line, the public can also visit the Department of Health website for information on premiums for Phase 1, the drug formulary and frequently asked questions.” www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/NBDrugPlan.html Province to improve care for expectant mothers and babies A new provincial program that aims to improve care for expectant mothers and babies is being launched. Health Minister Hugh Flemming made the announcement in the legislative assembly. The New Brunswick Perinatal Health Program will gather information on births and maternal and newborn health such as the frequency of caesarian sections as compared to vaginal deliveries, neo-natal intensive care admission rates and prenatal screening tests. The information will be analyzed and used to develop standardized guidelines for maternal and newborn health care across the province. Particular areas of interest are caesarian section rates and neo-natal intensive care admission rates. The World Health Organization suggests that caesarian sections should be used in no more than five to 15 per cent of all births. Caesarian section rates have been increasing in New Brunswick and are now at 28 per cent. “I thank Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, Dr. Frank Sanderson, Dr. Kim Butt, the New Brunswick Medical Society, the Nurses Association of New Brunswick, the regional health authorities and the many other stakeholders for their dedication to improving the health of mothers and babies through the establishment of this program,” said Flemming. “This group has worked tirelessly to advance this cause and I commend them for their efforts.” The New Brunswick Perinatal Advisory Committee has been established to provide advice and support the work of the program. The program is expected to begin in the spring of 2014. Small business to benefit from improved investor tax credit program The province’s 16,000 small businesses will have better access to new investment capital thanks to improvements to the Small Business Investor Tax Credit tabled in the legislative assembly. The program encourages residents, and now New Brunswick corporations, trusts and holding companies, to invest in businesses in the province. “Potential investors have told us that they would like to see the credit more widely available to encourage greater investment,” said Economic Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “Some individuals have their capital invested in professional corporations, trusts and holding companies. The tax credit will now be available to these investors, which will translate into more support for small businesses in the province.” More information about the Small Business Investor Tax Credit Program is available online. www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/finance/taxes/credit.html Provincial government investing $1 million to expand skilled trades program for high school students The provincial government is investing $1 million over three years to expand the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program, which gives high school students early training and employment in the skilled trades. This year the program will expand to 28 high schools across New Brunswick and continue to grow each of the following two years,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “It is a great example of how our government is working with industry and high schools to connect young people to skills and jobs in New Brunswick. The program connects employers with potential apprentices, enabling high school students to get a jump start on a career in the skilled trades. Applications for students will be accepted in March. Interested students and employers are encouraged to contact the program directly. nbtap.ca/wp/ New Deer Island ferry to be built in New Brunswick Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM), based in Saint John, has entered into a partnership with the provincial government to build a new, 24-car ferry for Deer Island. It will replace the John E. Rigby in the spring of 2015. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams said he was pleased the provincial government was able to secure the work in New Brunswick. Our partnership with CFM will also include other New Brunswick-based suppliers in northern New Brunswick to stimulate jobs and economic activity, Williams said. Through this initiative, we are upgrading our fleet while building industry capacity in the province. The new vessel will incorporate operational efficiencies to lower maintenance and fuel costs and will enhance the Fundy Isles ferry service. New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame announces 2014 inductees The names of the individuals who will be inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame later this year were announced February 28th. “We are proud to announce that these six distinguished athletes and builders are to be inducted into the hall of fame,” said Jean-Guy Poitras, chair of the board of governors. “We are excited to have St. Stephen host this years event and look forward to honouring these worthy New Brunswickers.” The members will be inducted into the hall of fame when it holds its 45th annual induction ceremony at the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen on June 7. “Each of these new inductees is truly inspiring,” said Jamie Wolverton, executive director of the hall of fame.“By celebrating their achievements in sport, we aim to inspire all New Brunswickers.” The new members are: Gordon Gordie Clark of Saint John Rhéal Cormier of Cap-Pelé Jason Dickson of Miramichi Dave Durepos of Fredericton Nancy Morrison of Quispamsis David Sullivan of Fredericton Tickets for the induction ceremony may be purchased at the St. Stephen town hall or at the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, 503 Queen St., Fredericton, 506-453-3747.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 17:55:52 +0000
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