Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouveau-Brunswick 53e 3e Discours sur le Budget 4 décembre 1997 M. Edmond P. Blanchard Ministre des Finances PL Mr. Speaker, it is an honour for me to present the government’s fourth consecutive balanced budget. The 1998-1999 budget is a balanced budget, and it follows our established formula for fiscal and economic success. This government has earned a reputation for living within its means and for paying as it goes. There is no question of the government’s resolve to stay the course. During the past 10 years, we have controlled spending and made government more efficient and effective. We balanced the budget on day-to-day spending, and then we set out to balance the budget on a total budgetary basis. We improved the provincial credit rating and kept the tax burden below the national average. We have met — and will continue to meet — our short-term and long-term fiscal objectives while overcoming the challenges that block our path. We have begun paying down the net debt, which will preserve our social programs in the future. In short, Mr. Speaker, we have kept our promises. We will continue to keep our promises. Fiscal strength and economic growth go hand-in-hand. When the economy thrives, it generates revenues to pay for hospitals, schools, roads and other essential services. That is why we will never let up in our constant efforts to diversify the economy and create more jobs. That is why we will not deviate from our disciplined and prudent fiscal plan. Stable and steady has been our approach, and it has worked well. This is how we have put more New Brunswickers to work. This is how we are building a more secure future for our people and our province. Mr. Speaker, a provincial budget is similar to a family budget. Family members usually speak up about what they want and need. So have New Brunswickers. When preparing the budget, we listened to people’s concerns. It has always been a balancing act to get the best quality services at a price we can afford and at a price we can sustain. We believe that we have met and will continue to meet the challenge. Increased funding for health care and education is at the top of everyone’s list. With today’s budget, the government is re-investing in those priorities. We are making investments in key areas which have immediate and long-term payoffs. Mr. Speaker, in the 1998-1999 budget, we will invest in New Brunswick and New Brunswickers: • We will invest more money — $34 million more than last year — in health care. • We will invest more money — $14 million more than last year — in education. • We will invest $196 million in highway construction — in addition to the Fredericton to Moncton Highway Project. • We will achieve an $18.5-million budgetary surplus in 1998-1999. • And we will keep our promise to reduce the personal income tax rate from 63 per cent to 61 per cent of basic federal tax. Mr. Speaker, this budget will provide affordable, quality programs, and it will move our province forward. The future is positive and the outlook is good, because we have the discipline to stay the course. Mr. Speaker, I will now review our province’s recent economic performance and our economic outlook. New Brunswick’s economy advanced in 1997 at a steady pace. Using year-to-date figures, most key economic indicators show a performance comparable to 1996. • Employment levels in New Brunswick improved steadily as the year progressed. New Brunswick employment increased 3.8 per cent from December 1996 to October 1997. This was the strongest rise of any province and well ahead of the national increase of 1.9 per cent. The unemployment rate has trended downward since early in the year. • Average weekly earnings are increasing more quickly than at any time since 1992. • Despite industry-wide weakness in pulp and paper prices, the value of total New Brunswick manufacturing shipments is comparable to the record level of 1996. Shipments are up for food, machinery, clothing, plastics and wood products. • Foreign exports of goods from New Brunswick are close to volumes reached in the record years of 1995 and 1996. Mr. Speaker, the New Brunswick economy — traditionally one of the most export-driven in the country — is benefiting substantially from the reduction in trade barriers. In 1996, exports of goods and services were worth nearly 64 per cent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to about 58 per cent nationally. For 1997, we anticipate economic growth of about 3.5 per cent in nominal terms, or 2.0 per cent after adjusting for inflation. The Investment Dealers Association of Canada says New Brunswick is expected to lead the way in economic growth for the Atlantic provinces in 1997. To quote from the report, Mr. Speaker: “The government is getting its fiscal house in order and the economic news is positive. All indicators show that the Province has set the table for strong economic growth straight through to the end of the decade.” That is high praise from an independent source, but the Investment Dealers Association is not alone in its assessment of New Brunswick’s prospects. The Conference Board of Canada and major financial institutions such as Scotia bank, the Royal Bank and TD Bank have predicted real GDP growth for New Brunswick ranging from 2.5 to 3.3 per cent in 1998. The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council recently issued an outlook for the Atlantic economy. It predicts a stronger New Brunswick economy in 1998 and forecasts GDP growth of 2.5 per cent. The organization says major highway projects and Sable Island gas spin offs will help. It also says consumer spending should improve as wage growth takes hold. My GDP forecast for 1998 is for growth of 2.6 per cent in real terms. I am confident that the coming year will bring positive economic contributions from nearly all sectors. The most obvious spark plugs will be the Fredericton to Moncton Highway Project, work on other sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, other road-building efforts and the expanded infrastructure program. Employment levels should rise as activity increases on these important projects. Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic as we approach the end of the 20th century. I know New Brunswickers share this optimism because there are many reasons to feel good about the future. We have a stable budgetary and economic situation in New Brunswick. The large projects I have mentioned will put thousands of people to work. Our businesses, both large and small, are becoming more competitive in the global marketplace. Thanks to the 100 per cent input tax credit system under the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), businesses have been given the financial leeway to grow and expand. As businesses take up this opportunity, more and more people are being hired. We have worked hard to diversify our resource-based economy, and we can expect further diversification of our communication, manufacturing and business services sectors. Again, growth in investment and jobs is the logical result. Mr. Speaker, we also can be confident about the national economic picture. Both the International Monetary Fund and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development expect Canada to lead the industrial world with growth averaging about 3.5 per cent in 1997 and 1998. Why is Canada well positioned for sustainable long-term economic and employment growth? The reasons include stable interest rates and the globalization of trade. With the prospect of the federal budget deficit being eliminated next year, the stage is set for steady growth and low inflation. Recent projections show the national economy could outperform expectations in 1998 for the second consecutive year. This could lead to even stronger growth in New Brunswick than the 2.6 per cent we have prudently chosen for the fiscal framework. Mr. Speaker, a report on the 1997 economy and an outlook for 1998 will be produced early in 1998. Mr. Speaker, 1997-1998 is the second year of the four-year period ending in 1999-2000 which requires a balance on all budgetary accounts. A budgetary surplus of $25.6 million was forecast for 1997-1998. During the year, many factors have affected our revenues and our spending. The net effect of revenue and expenditure changes is a decline in the projected budgetary surplus to $4.3 million. Expenditures should come in under budget, and revenues will likely be down from last December’s forecast. I would like to briefly outline the major changes in revenues. Mining royalties are down due to the shutdown at the Potacan potash mine. NB Power revenues are down due to energy costs, a lower dollar and loss of production at Point Lepreau. Equalization, New Brunswick’s largest revenue source, is $93.7 million lower than expected. These declines are partially offset by increases in other revenues. For example, corporate income tax is $67 million higher than anticipated in last year’s budget. When these and other factors are taken into account, our budgetary revenues are expected to be $32.4 million lower and budgetary spending is expected to be $11.1 million lower than originally forecast. While the $4.3-million budgetary surplus is lower than anticipated, it does represent the third consecutive year that New Brunswick has planned to achieve an overall budgetary surplus. Let us not forget that, before 1994-1995, a budgetary surplus was a virtually unattainable goal in this province. Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic that, before the end of the fiscal year, the estimates will be more positive which will result in a better overall fiscal position. Before I turn to the fiscal plan for 1998-1999, I would like to remind New Brunswickers that we had the third-highest budgetary surplus among Canadian provinces for 1995-1996. Also, the $125.4-million budgetary surplus for 1996-1997 represents the third consecutive year that there has been a significant improvement in our finances. According to the Investment Dealers Association of Canada: “This was a remarkable achievement considering the Province had to struggle with cutbacks in federal transfers through this period. Indeed, the Province can be credited for strict adherence to tight budget spending, a crucial factor in its recent financial outcomes.” To support that point, in 1986-1987, transfers from the federal government represented 40.1 per cent of our total budgetary revenue. By 1998-1999, transfers are projected to decline to 36.2 per cent. Fluctuations in equalization estimates and the advent of the Canada Health and Social Transfer have posed great challenges to us. Nevertheless, New Brunswick has made strides in achieving surpluses and becoming more self-sufficient. As you may know, Mr. Speaker, the recent premiers’ conference in St. Andrews directed finance ministers to undertake a review of fiscal arrangements and to report back in 1998. As national chair of the provincial/territorial finance ministers, I am pleased to report that my counterparts and I have started that work. Our concerns about federal transfers will be expressed in that forum. Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to staying the course on its four-year fiscal plan which runs until 1999-2000. As Nesbitt Burns said recently: “By moving to improve its finances earlier than most other provinces, New Brunswick is in good shape to record budgetary surpluses as far as the eye can see.” Mr. Speaker, this government has set goals, established a plan and legislated a balanced budget. The forecast for 1998-1999 achieves our goals, meets the plan and complies with the legislated requirement for a balanced budget. In 1998-1999 the forecast is for a $36.7-million surplus on the ordinary account. This surplus is based on gross ordinary revenues of $4,183.1 million and gross ordinary spending of $4,146.4 million. Turning now to the overall budgetary account, the forecast is for a budgetary surplus of $18.5 million for 1998-1999. Budgetary spending will be $4,463.8 million. Budgetary revenues are expected to be $4,482.3 million. This means the reduction in our net debt will be $18.5 million. Mr. Speaker, the four-year fiscal plan has been updated from the 1996-1997 budget to include changes to expenditures and revenues. The target cumulative budgetary surplus for the four-year period is forecast to be $158.4 million, up from last year’s estimate of $147.1 million. New Brunswick will continue to manage its expenditures and revenues very carefully to strive toward achievement of its long term net debt reduction targets. This is a difficult process which requires careful management and constant diligence. As our economy continues to grow and our debt continues to dwindle, the crucial ratio of debt-to- GDP will drop. Nesbitt Burns says our debt-to-GDP ratio is edging down to third lowest in the country. Continued progress is very important for the Province to maintain its current positive standing with the credit rating agencies. We are proud to have received an upgrade from the Canadian Bond Rating Service last July. As I have often explained, a higher credit rating means a lower borrowing rate, which results in savings for the Province. Interest payments do not keep nurses in the hospitals, Mr. Speaker, nor do they keep teachers in the classroom. While ignoring the debt might be popular in some circles, it would be a short-term solution that, in the long run, would have serious consequences for this province. As a government, we will not force that burden on our citizens for short sighted gain. Mr. Speaker, our spending plans are a critical part of our fiscal plan. During the past 10 years, this government has focused on living within its means, paying as it goes and starting to pay down the net debt. We have made slow, steady progress by managing our finances prudently, and we can now re-invest some of New Brunswickers’ hard-earned tax dollars in key social programs. Total spending for 1998-1999 will be $4,463.8 million, an increase of $76.8 million over the 1997-1998 budget estimate. Growth in spending will focus on these priorities: health care, education, job creation and highway construction. There has been substantial change and refocusing over the last few years in New Brunswick’s health and social services system. Fundamental changes in system design have been completed. We are entering a period of stability where the government plans to make strategic investments in several key areas. These investments will fit within the context of a planned health and social services system, and will occur over a multi-year time frame. Areas identified for strategic investment include long-term care — in particular, the nursing home sector; mental health services; hospital and medical services, and social services. Our spending initiatives will result in increased numbers of health and social services professionals serving New Brunswickers. The government knows that quality health care is extremely important to the values by which New Brunswickers live. Beginning January 1, 1998, the Department of Health and Community Services will provide additional funding for resident care in nursing homes. This funding will enable nursing homes to increase staff by 180 to 220 full-time equivalent positions over the next two years. Mr. Speaker, this is good news for our loved ones who are being cared for in nursing homes. In 1998-1999, the ordinary account budget for the Department of Health and Community Services will grow by $33.8 million when compared to the 1997-1998 budget estimate. This year’s budget is $1,300.2 million. This includes the government’s commitment last May of an additional $12 million in hospital funding which has been added to the base of hospital budgets. Mr. Speaker, in 1998-1999, we will spend 29.4 per cent of the entire provincial budget on health. This means that government spends about 30 cents of every tax dollar on health care. That certainly shows our ongoing commitment to health care and to the well-being of our citizens. Mr. Speaker, there is not, nor can there be, a return to annual budget increases seen a decade ago, when the department’s budget would grow by nine or 10 per cent each year. The government is on a course to ensure that not only are quality services available to New Brunswickers, but that these services are sustainable for the long term. Unlike most other jurisdictions in Canada, New Brunswick has not seen massive one-year reductions in spending on health care and social services. Each year for the last decade, budgets have increased. The result has been more consistency and predictability. A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada clearly indicates that since 1993-1994, New Brunswick has bucked a national trend of reduced spending on health and social services. In fact, while restraint has been required, New Brunswick has increased its budget for Health and Community Services every year for the last decade. Mr. Speaker, expenditure and program details will be outlined by the Minister of Health and Community Services when he presents his estimates. Mr. Speaker, the education of all New Brunswick students is an important priority for this government. Our children are our future. The Department of Education has been working in conjunction with the provincial boards of education to determine how best to improve learning. I am pleased to announce some good news regarding the Department of Education’s budget. Our partners in public education, especially the parents who have volunteered to be members of the new parent-driven governance structure, have told us that our public education system is in need of further resources. For example, people have told us that more attention needs to be paid to remediation, special needs and enrichment; specialized and non-specialized support services; equipment and supplies. They also would like more support for music, arts and physical education. We have listened and we agree. We want to direct extra funds to bring us closer to our goal of enhanced learning for all students. We want to improve and support what happens in the classroom. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education’s ordinary account budget will rise by $14.3 million to $634.7 million in 1998-1999. This increase, coupled with declining enrolments, results in a higher expenditure per student. These additional funds will improve the New Brunswick education system by reaffirming the focus on classroom activities. This solidifies our commitment to students, teachers and parents in New Brunswick. When he presents his estimates, the Minister of Education will describe in detail how this budget will improve the quality of education in the New Brunswick public school system. I believe New Brunswickers will welcome these announcements as both socially and fiscally responsible. We agree that health care and education are the cornerstones of our quality of life here in this province. Mr. Speaker, I would like to mention other investments the government will make. For example, municipalities will not have to implement the expected final phase of reductions in their unconditional grants. This decision saves mayors and councils throughout the province $5 million and gives them some breathing room with their budgets. We heard representations and consulted considerably on this issue, so I think it is fair to say municipal politicians and taxpayers will be pleased with the result. We have also heard from student leaders and individual students about the problems they face with mounting debt loads. They are eager to learn, but they do not want to handicap their future to do so. The government appreciates that, all too often, students with the greatest financial need incur the heaviest debt load. This issue requires immediate attention to ensure continued accessibility to universities and community colleges by a significant number of New Brunswick youth. To address this problem, Mr. Speaker, the government will introduce measures to assist students and graduates with low incomes and high student aid debt. My colleagues and I will also continue to urge federal authorities to contribute their fair share to reduce student debt. Details of the provincial measures will be announced shortly. Mr. Speaker, before I talk about the capital budget, road building and other job creation efforts, I want to single out the employees who work on the front lines for all of us every day. I commend the thousands of public servants who work diligently, with skill and dedication, to provide quality services to New Brunswickers. The public service has faced tremendous changes, and our employees have met the challenges admirably. We will continue to offer public servants modest wage increases similar to the past several years. I am pleased to report that negotiations are progressing with two of our larger bargaining groups: the hospital nurses and the teachers. We look forward to successful resolution of issues with these two groups of employees. I would also like to point out that we have signed four collective agreements that will see performance pay introduced. We believe this to be a major step on the road to ensuring that employees are recognized and rewarded for their performance, and that public services of high quality continue to be provided to the people of New Brunswick. This year I have not included a target for reductions in the number of full-time equivalent positions in the public service. In fact, this budget provides for some new positions in community colleges and in the mental health field. My colleagues will provide details later in the session. Mr. Speaker, today I am also tabling the 1998-1999 capital budget estimates. I announced in the 1996-1997 budget that the net capital budget would be kept in the range of $220 million. I also said net capital expenditures would remain at that level for the balance of the four-year fiscal plan. The net capital budget for 1998-1999 is set at $214.1 million. As in past years, this budget will see the construction of roads, health and education facilities. It also dedicates a significant amount of dollars for capital improvements needed to keep existing facilities properly maintained. For example, in the health field, $10.3 million in funding will be provided for capital projects now under way and for some new projects. The Minister of Health and Community Services will provide details when he presents his department’s spending estimates. The $18-million capital budget for education offers funds for urgent and high priority health and safety issues and for the conversion of existing space for the delivery of technology programs. Additions and renovations to existing schools will be carried out. Construction will begin on the second high school for Fredericton which will be built as a public- private partnership project. Also, energy retrofits will be done for many schools across the province. The Minister of Education will elaborate during his spending estimates. Mr. Speaker, announcements related to the capital budget will also be forthcoming from other ministers as the session progresses. Mr. Speaker, the capital budget will build roads and prosperity in our province. It provides for a capital expenditure of $196 million to build and upgrade New Brunswick highways. These highway improvements are necessary for trade and economic development and for the safety of our most precious resource: the citizens of New Brunswick. We do not want to lose any more loved ones to the carnage we have witnessed on some of our outdated, overcrowded highways. We will build on the incredible progress we have already made in making highway travel safer in New Brunswick. Ten years ago, we had only 94 kilometres of four-lane highway. By this fall, we had 320 kilometres of safe, smooth motoring on four lane highways. By the end of 2001, there will be an estimated 600 kilometres. As well, the inventory of new, two-lane controlled access highways is projected to increase by about 170 kilometres between 1988 and 2001. These are significant achievements, Mr. Speaker. An exciting announcement was made just weeks ago. The existing Canada-New Brunswick Highway Agreement will be extended. The three-year agreement will begin in April 1998. It is worth approximately $300 million on a 50-50 cost-shared basis. The majority of the funding will be primarily focused on improving and upgrading the Trans-Canada Highway between Longs Creek and Edmundston, which is excellent news for people in the St. John River Valley. They will get a better, safer road much sooner than they might have expected. Mr. Speaker, that project will create about 4,000 jobs in this province. You can understand why the Minister of Transportation and I are calling it exciting news. We know, too, that New Brunswick has ready and willing workers to get out there and build those roads. It all adds up to an aggressive construction schedule for highways this year and for the next several years. People will see their tax dollars at work everywhere they spot a crew clearing a right-of-way, a bulldozer moving earth, or asphalt being laid down. Plans for the new 195-kilometre, four-lane highway between Longs Creek and Moncton are progressing well. This is a much needed highway, and it will join the recently completed four lane highway from Moncton to the Nova Scotia border. During the next few years over $600 million will be spent on this major project. It will be built by a private sector partner selected through an open competition. Construction will be completed in 2001, which cannot come soon enough for motorists in this province. The top priority in building this road is the public safety of travellers, but there is no denying that its construction will give the economy a boost. Business, industry and tourism thrive on improved infrastructure, and this will be a real spark plug. We forecast this project will increase the provincial real GDP by as much as 0.7 per cent per year between now and 2001. To put that number in a meaningful context, the equivalent of up to 10,000 full-time jobs will be created during the construction period. It is a huge number and excellent news for people who need work. Mr. Speaker, engineers, heavy equipment operators and paving crews will be building safe, modern highways into the new millennium in this province. Construction of the natural gas pipeline will mean hundreds of pay cheques here. This pipeline will provide alternate energy sources for many New Brunswick industries. The government is also continuing its tireless efforts to diversify the economy by pursuing opportunities in plastics, metal working, call centres, textiles and information technology, among others. My fellow ministers will make announcements in the coming weeks, but I would like to drop a few hints about upcoming projects. In some instances, people can expect to find work and, in others, they can look forward to improved services. For example, New Brunswickers will see: • continued investment in silviculture with related job creation; • tourism development projects at some of our scenic provincial parks; • funding and staff to implement the Clean Air Act; • assistance to low-income people in need of housing repairs; • increased funding for regular training programs at community colleges; • more money for rural policing by the RCMP; • more money for the Arts Development Trust Fund, which provides assistance to our vital artists and arts organizations; • expansion of our tourism marketing program to the Ontario market; • funding commitments for the Francophone Summit in Moncton in 1999 and for the Canada Winter Games, proposed for the Restigouche and Chaleur regions in 2003, both of which should have considerable spinoffs in localized economic activity. These initiatives and others will be dealt with in greater detail during the presentation of estimates. Progress is being made in reducing the tax burden of New Brunswickers. Last year’s budget contained a table comparing the tax burden across provinces. New Brunswick’s tax burden, at 18.6 per cent of GDP, was the fourth lowest in Canada. However, sales tax and income tax reductions have resulted in a further decline in our tax burden. Our tax burden has fallen to 17.8 per cent of GDP, which means that New Brunswick now has the second-lowest tax burden, after Alberta. That is certainly progress, and definitely in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind New Brunswickers of the personal income tax reductions which are being phased in from 1997 to 1999. In my 1997-1998 budget, I announced that the personal income tax rate would fall from 64 to 63 per cent of basic federal tax in 1997. On January 1, 1998, the rate will drop again, from 63 to 61 per cent of basic federal tax. And, on January 1, 1999, we plan to reduce the rate a third time, from 61 to 57.5 per cent of basic federal tax. The bottom line is that, by 1999, New Brunswickers will have experienced a 10.2 per cent reduction in provincial income taxes. To put this in context, Mr. Speaker, a single person without dependents and an income of $30,000 will save about $115 in 1998. In 1999, this individual will pay about $245 less income tax than in 1996. In addition to reducing the personal income tax rate, this government has also funded a number of important and innovative tax credits. One example is our tax credit on new home construction and home renovations for people who are buying new homes or repairing their present homes. This program is making homes and home repairs more affordable for New Brunswickers as well as protecting jobs in the housing industry. By mid-November, 2,700 cheques had been issued. We have offered a variation on the popular Get Connected program again this year. If you buy an Internet-ready home computer or Internet connection package in New Brunswick between September 2, 1997, and December 31, 1997, you can receive a rebate of the HST paid, up to a maximum of $500. There is little doubt the offer is popular with people buying computers who want to jump aboard the information highway. By mid-November, 3,000 New Brunswickers had applied for refunds. Mr. Speaker, the government is spending $25 million on the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit and the New Brunswick Working Income Supplement. These programs provide monthly, tax-free payments to 50,000 low-income families with children under age 18 living at home. As an example, a working couple with a family income of $20,000 and two young children is receiving $250 per child under the New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit and another $250 under the Working Income Supplement. They will have $750 extra cash in their pockets annually. The payments, which began in October, should make it a little easier for that family to meet its children’s needs. Other New Brunswickers will benefit from changes, announced in September, to the household income policy of the Department of Human Resources Development. This was formerly known as the economic unit policy. We have exempted our most vulnerable clients from the policy. These exemptions will result in a $6.6-million investment in helping New Brunswickers on social assistance. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I have listened to New Brunswick seniors. Some have told us they need help to pay the HST on their home heating bills. On average, most families will gain under the new tax system. However, the government is sensitive to the needs of those seniors who struggle to live on limited incomes. I am pleased to announce the details of a measure of relief for low-income seniors to lessen the impact of increased heating costs. The Low-income Seniors’ Benefit will provide eligible seniors with a $100 annual payment. This payment will be provided to New Brunswick seniors who currently receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). If both spouses receive GIS, only one payment will be available. About 45,000 low-income seniors throughout the province will be eligible to apply for the $100 payment. Application forms will be available in the new year from the Department of Finance, on the Internet and at Service New Brunswick centres and revenue offices. This is a worthwhile investment in the quality of life of our older, low-income citizens. We are pleased to offer a helping hand to those who need it most. Mr. Speaker, as I announced this fall, qualifying properties owned by charitable and not-for-profit organizations will receive more generous property tax relief, starting January 1, 1998. These organizations, which are currently enrolled in our value-in-use program, offer relief of poverty, services to youth, the elderly or the disabled, and services to local communities. Examples include food banks, transition houses, arenas, seniors’ clubs and service clubs. There are thousands of volunteers in New Brunswick who are maintaining these facilities and working hard to ensure the viability of these organizations. Our property tax reform package, which is worth $2.5 million, will support these volunteers and the contributions they make to their communities. Mr. Speaker, in the 1996-1997 budget, I announced an important property tax initiative to protect the viability of our airports, major cargo ports and rail right-of-way. We are continuing to assess the impacts of the property tax system on our transportation infrastructure. I am pleased to announce today that the government will examine the impact of the property tax on our small harbours in an effort to help ensure their viability. The federal government is turning many of these small harbours over to local authorities. This could result in a significant tax burden on local port authorities responsible for their operation. Within the next year, the government will announce specific property tax changes to reduce the tax burden on many of these facilities. Mr. Speaker, this measure will complement the efforts of citizens and communities to maintain these facilities. It will also help protect jobs in the fishing industry and other industries in this province. To conclude with a look ahead, Mr. Speaker, the 1998-1999 budget is about staying the course and keeping our promise to follow a steady, responsible approach to fiscal management. It is the approach that has allowed us to offer dividends such as the reductions in the personal income tax rate. It is the approach that encourages job creation and economic growth. More than anything, this budget is about protecting and improving the programs and services that New Brunswickers have told us they care about the most — health care and education. It is about allocating tax dollars to take care of people, young and old. It is about investing in quality social programs at an affordable and sustainable price. This budget is also about building roads, building prosperity and building confidence in the future of our province. In doing so, there is no question of the government’s resolve to stay the course, to live within its means and to pay as it goes. The government will continue to follow its successful fiscal plan which has discipline and prudence as its hallmarks. Mr. Speaker, the 1998-1999 budget invests in the future of all of our citizens. As a people, we have reaffirmed our commitment to universal health care, quality education, safer roads and more employment opportunities. We are building a better New Brunswick, a New Brunswick focused on the future, built on the successes of the past.