Province	Législature	Session	Type de discours	Date du discours	Locuteur	Fonction du locuteur	Parti politique
Nouveau-Brunswick	52e 	3e 	Discours du trône	15 février 1994	M. Gilbert Finn
	Lieutenant-Gouverneur	PL


Madam Speaker, and Honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly,

I have the honour of welcoming you, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, to the opening of the Third Session of the 52nd Legislative Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick. This Session will be characterized by a balanced budget, no additional taxes, and carefully targeted enhancements of social programs. Most importantly, it will also demonstrate the commitment of an activist government devoted to creating hundreds of job opportunities for New Brunswickers. On behalf of all Members of this Legislative Assembly, we extend congratulations to the newly elected Government of Canada, and especially to those New Brunswickers who were successful in becoming Members of Parliament. 

My Government was most pleased to see the appointment of the Honourable Romeo LeBlanc as speaker of the Senate of Canada. Mr. LeBlanc is the first Acadian to hold this distinguished position, and we New Brunswickers wish him well in this new endeavour. It is with pride that My Government salutes those New Brunswick athletes who enjoyed success in 1993. Our young people won six medals at the Canada Games and a number of New Brunswickers served on our national sporting teams. 

In 1994 New Brunswick will be hosting le Congrès mondial acadien. This is a very significant celebration for our Acadian people, and we look forward to sharing in this experience.

Job creation continues to be the major priority of this Government. New Brunswick has been fortunate in that the provincial economy has fared reasonably well in 1993, compared to the rest of Canada. The unemployment situation remains a concern, but My Government is optimistic that we will see improvements in economic performance and job creation in 1994. A self-sufficient society is the long-term goal. My Government is working to establish New Brunswick as a leading edge province; one that is integrating into the new economy while carrying out the necessary social and fiscal policy reforms that will make this a good place to live and work. In 1994, the Government's agenda will be concentrated in three broad areas: job creation and the economy, social policy and the quality of life, and the fiscal environment and Government institutions. Jobs And The Economy Foremost on the agenda of My Government is a growing economy and the job opportunities which we will achieve through the education and training of our people, the development of our knowledge-based industries, a modernized service sector, and high technology businesses. 

A modernized and highly productive resource sector will help stabilize the work force and create new jobs through value-added activity. Education and Job Training Education and job training are fundamental ingredients of my Government's vision. Early childhood initiatives will be strengthened to ensure that our children enter kindergarten as ready to learn as possible. More parental involvement and improving the quality of teaching will be promoted throughout the system. A greater emphasis will be placed on math and science, computers and high technology-related courses. The Youth Apprenticeship Program will be expanded. Initiatives will be undertaken to facilitate the school-to-workplace transition for high school students. A new Youth Leadership Development Program will be introduced in cooperation with the New Brunswick Youth Council, and will provide opportunities for our young people to work with leaders in the private and public sector. Access to Community Colleges will be expanded. The number of Co-operative Education programs, as well as the number of distance education sites, will be increased. 

New Brunswick's thrust in the electronic information highway will be utilized to offer interactive education courses that can originate provincially, nationally, and even internationally. Prior learning assessment and accreditation for learning outside the formal education system will be introduced. The Literacy Program will be expanded and will include workplace literacy upgrading. A Computer-Based Literacy Program will be established with private sector support. Harmonization of Federal and Provincial student aid programs will be pursued, giving particular attention to student debt load. The apprenticeship system will be modernized, restructuring the certification system, and creating a more adaptable and flexible training delivery method that is supportive of lifelong learning. Strategies will be developed to ensure both employer and employee involvement in training. The growth and development of a training industry in the private sector will be encouraged. 

My Government has endorsed the Bachelor of Nursing as the entry point to the nursing profession. Planning for the transition to a university degree requirement will be undertaken this year, in cooperation with the nursing profession and educational institutions. New courses and additional levels of training for workers in the fisheries sector will be put in place. Courses will be designed to reflect the reality of the fishing fleet and new technology. 

Skill training for people working in the agri-food sector will include utilizing the information highway for updating farmers on the latest production and marketing technology. People value the dignity of work and My Government will continue to provide long-term solutions leading to self-sufficiency. NB Works is teaching all participants valuable lessons about what works and what does not work in self-sufficiency programming. My Government will update its labour market information system to supply user friendly information on occupations, career planning, and supply and demand data. 

The New Economy, Businesses, and Infrastructure Economic opportunity for a well educated and trained population is required in order for New Brunswick to achieve its vision of self-sufficiency. The future will be led by the new economy; the electronic information highway, business expansion, modern infrastructure, and effective global trading relationships. New Brunswick stands at the forefront of an exciting new economic development opportunity. The electronic communication infrastructure in place throughout the Province will permit the full development of the information highway, leading to improved services for our citizens and the creation of new business and job opportunities. New Brunswick is becoming a producer of educational software. Centres of excellence will be established to train our people to produce and sell this software. The information highway will be used to advantage to develop and expand into the electronic education market. Knowledge-based software products will be actively pursued. A number of initiatives will be undertaken to establish high technology land and property information systems. A computerized Personal Properties Security System will be put in place. A Provincial Land Net System will also be developed, merging several land-related systems into one, and resulting in opportunities for the private sector geomatics industry. Amendments to the Quieting of Titles Act will be placed before you. A Boundaries Confirmation Act will be introduced. 

A number of initiatives will be undertaken to attract new businesses and industries to the Province. New Brunswick's bilingual assets, quality of life, education systems, and state-of-the-art communication system will be promoted nationally and to off-shore markets. A competitive tax structure will be a continuing focus of the Government's tax policy. The Government will be strengthening its development assistance initiatives to small and medium size businesses. The New Brunswick Entrepreneurship Program will be aggressively promoted with the objective of creating a significant number of new businesses. The new Community Development Bond Program will be fully implemented, and amendments to the Co-operative Associations Act will be introduced which will pave the way for cooperatives to participate in this program. This Government and its Atlantic partners will undertake discussions with commercial banks to help make more capital available to our entrepreneurs and businesses. 

Our Province's tourism industry has been highly successful and credit must go to the various service sectors that make up this important industry. Additional resources will be allocated to further advance our three-year Tourism Strategic Plan. Traditional assistance programs will be made more accessible to the tourism sector. New Brunswick beaches will be upgraded and made more market ready. Winter tourism activities will be promoted. 

New Brunswick is an exporting province and My Government will aggressively encourage our industries and businesses to take full advantage of new global trading relationships. The Trade Assistance Program will be strengthened. Trade and investment opportunities will be aggressively pursued in Europe, North America, and the Far East to take advantage of international trade agreements. My Government will seek to remove internal trade barriers between the Provinces of Canada. Bilateral negotiations with Quebec will continue in order to remove those barriers to goods, services, and labour that still exist. A cooperative initiative with the Federal Government, "Action North", has been developed to focus and accelerate economic development and job creation efforts in northern New Brunswick.

The Diversification Initiative and the Northern Business Development Program are designed to create more business opportunities, a more diverse economic base, and more quality jobs. The number one infrastructure priority of this Government is the upgrading of the New Brunswick portion of the National Highway System. An official response to the White Paper on Highways will be tabled this year, following the receipt of the report of the Select Committee of the Legislature. New policies will be announced for highway standards, truck weights, highway signage, and a system of roadside rest areas. My Government has signed an agreement with the Government of Canada to participate in its infrastructure program in partnership with municipalities and the private sector. A number of priority initiatives to improve the Province's infrastructure and services, and create immediate employment opportunities, will be announced over the course of the year. All major obstacles have been removed to allow the New Brunswick-Prince Edward Island Fixed Link Project to proceed. 

Job opportunities for New Brunswickers in the construction phase, and in indirect employment through industrial benefit agreements and other business activities, are being aggressively pursued. More participation by private sector investors in capital and infrastructure projects that have been traditionally financed by the public sector will be sought. New financing models are evolving that seek to form public-private partnerships to finance, construct, own and operate capital and infrastructure projects. Resource-Based Economic Development Our traditional resource industries continue to play a significant role in the provincial economy. These sectors will however have to be upgraded to produce more exportable value-added products that fit the global markets driven by the new economy. 

New opportunities will be developed in the fisheries sector. There will be expansion of inland and marine aquaculture sites and the introduction of new species. Development efforts will be intensified to identify and harvest underutilized species that have commercial value. Efforts will be pursued to establish a balance between the high technology fishing fleet and limited fishing resources. My Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will work with the Federal Government to help reduce the negative impact of declining fish stocks. A sustainable development program to restore contaminated shellfish areas for the commercial fishery and aquaculture sites will be continued. 

The agriculture industry is the economic mainstay of rural New Brunswick. Initiatives to protect and improve farmland and expand production in selected field crops, horticultural commodities, and red meats, will be introduced. Stabilization of the agri-food industry, and adaptation to new trade rules under the new GATT Agreement will be a priority focus. A major expansion in potato production will be launched. The forest industry is crucial to the health of the New Brunswick economy. A more secure supply of wood for our wood-using industries is a continuing priority, as is the allocation of saw logs and pulpwood to achieve the maximum utilization of wood supply. The renewal of forestry, mineral, and other economic development cost-sharing agreements with the Federal Government will be actively pursued. Upgrading of the mineral industry to generate more value-added activity will continue. 

A new Mineral Exploration Stimulation Program will be initiated to assist prospectors. My Department of Natural Resources and Energy will also be increasing its efforts in the provision of geoscience information, with emphasis on the Bathurst region. More value-added and export sales activities for fisheries, agriculture, forestry, and mineral products will be promoted. Emphasis will be given to processed products to meet new consumer trends, establishing food industry alliances for successful competition in the global marketplace, and developing new, innovative products. 

Employment Reform New Brunswickers want to work. Innovative means of expanding employment opportunities will be implemented. Job sharing and other such initiatives will be introduced in our public sector hiring, and the private sector will be asked to launch special measures which will favour greater sharing of the jobs we have. My Government will establish with the Government of Canada a strong supplement to the highly successful NB Works. This program will provide work opportunities for those New Brunswickers for whom training is not a viable option. Work will be voluntary and beneficial to the individual and the Province. 

Social Policy And The Quality Of Life The best social program is meaningful employment, but the road to self-sufficiency also requires health and other social services which allow people to live in dignity and to raise a family in a high quality social, cultural and natural environment. The current fiscal situation presents unprecedented challenges, but this Government is determined to maintain a strong health and social service system for our citizens. The Family, Social and Health Care The United Nations has declared 1994 the International Year of the Family and My Government wishes to recognize the importance of this resolution. We urge all New Brunswickers to help us create a greater awareness of the values, the role and responsibilities, and the important contribution of the family as the basic unit of today's society. 

My Government's commitment to children will be demonstrated through important enhancements to day care and income assistance supports. Family violence persists and My Government intends to enhance treatment services for abused women and adult survivors of sexual abuse. Court-based trauma counselling will be initiated. 

Amendments will be introduced to the Family Services Act clarifying powers relating to the protection of children. A provincial family violence database will be developed to track cases through the criminal justice system. The enforcement of family support orders will be aggressively pursued, particularly in those situations where children are involved and where the greatest financial need exists. Acceleration of the Family Support Order Program will be achieved through the identification of all situations where parental support is lacking. 

Enforcement of orders between government jurisdictions will be strengthened. An adoption and post-adoption program will be developed to minimize family disruptions, reduce the waiting period for final adoption orders, and ensure that birth parents receive pre-placement counselling. 

A new social assistance policy will be introduced as well as new social welfare legislation. The responsibilities assigned to My Department of Income Assistance will be redefined in keeping with its new mandate of employment-related services as well as income support. Public views expressed on issues raised in the discussion paper "Creating New Options" will contribute significantly to new program design. Specific measures of income support for families in greatest need, particularly those with housing affordability and child care support problems, will be introduced. 

A new policy framework for child care services will be implemented with the goal of developing a child care delivery system that is of high quality, affordable, and accessible. Providing access for parents in need of child care, and training for day care operators and workers, will be key features. An Integrated Justice Information System that spans police, prosecutions, courts, corrections, victims, and witnesses, will be initiated. The fines collection process will be streamlined to eliminate the court process for uncontested ticket offenses, and the number of fines collection centres will be increased. 

Changes to the Legal Aid Program will be introduced, providing a new model for service delivery. The development of an efficient and affordable health care system will be pursued in which New Brunswick citizens, health service providers, and governments share the responsibility. A number of healthy public policy initiatives will be introduced after consultation with health care providers and the insurance industry. This comprehensive package will include amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act and initiatives relating to fire protection, bicycle safety and other preventive health measures. 

Organized breast cancer screening services will be introduced, providing women of designated target groups the opportunity to participate in a high quality screening program. A Mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine will be leased to provide service for New Brunswickers out of the Moncton Hospital and Saint John Regional Hospital on a scheduled basis. My Department of Health and Community Services will work with the College of Physicians and Surgeons to develop changes to policies, regulations and legislation aimed at zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and other forms of professional misconduct by physicians. 

My Government believes that a modern, planned health care system should support new or different roles for service providers. Building on the community-based alternative delivery models at McAdam and St. Joseph's in Saint John, consultation will commence with health care providers about new opportunities for role enhancement in various settings including well baby clinics, cold and flu clinics, and the implementation of the Nursing Resources Advisory Committee report. Implementation of the ten-year plan for mental health reform to deliver community-based acute and long-term care services to mentally ill persons will continue. This will include community crisis response and extended support services to nursing homes, special care homes and alternative housing. 

Seniors play a key role in our families and communities. Preventive programs are being implemented to encourage older adults to move away from a sedentary lifestyle and a reliance on prescription drugs, toward better eating habits, more exercise, and more involvement in community affairs. My Government is encouraged by the commitment that the new Federal Government has displayed in addressing Aboriginal concerns. 

This Government is prepared to consult further with Aboriginal leaders and the Federal Government on the merits of entering into a comprehensive process to address a range of issues that fall under the heading of Aboriginal and treaty rights. Work will continue on the implementation of the Employment Equity Program in Parts II and III of the New Brunswick Civil Service. Further labour market participation of women and other special target groups will be encouraged through scholarship programs and other initiatives. Environment and Land Use A clean environment and sustainable land and resource use are essential to the maintenance of a quality of life that is unique to New Brunswick. 

Implementation of New Brunswick's Sustainable Development Strategy will move forward and emphasis will be placed on the stewardship of our land and the protection of our rural environment. Initiatives will be undertaken to afford greater protection of drinking water through better regulation and improvements to the Watershed Protection Program. The Clean Water Grant Program for municipal water and waste-water systems will be targeted to improving the system at the community level. 

New policies will be put in place covering septage haulage and disposal, and the broad issue of septic waste management. Following public consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment Review and Clean Air Strategy discussion documents, My Government will introduce legislative and regulatory amendments required to implement these policy thrusts. A formal environmental Compliance and Enforcement Policy will be introduced and waste management initiatives will be developed for hazardous materials, waste oil collection, and waste tire disposal. Increased composting and recycling efforts, and other innovative waste reduction actions will be promoted. Further advances will be made on completion of the Regional Solid Waste Management network. 

Amendments will be introduced to the Clean Environment Act, Municipalities Act, and the Municipal Finance Corporation Act to facilitate cooperation between regions and strengthen local representation on Solid Waste Commissions. Administrative amendments to the Pesticide Control Act will be introduced. Longer term initiatives on the promotion of integrated pest management as well as overall reductions in pesticide use will be pursued. Sustainable development activities in the fisheries, aquaculture, and agricultural sectors will be undertaken. 

The monitoring of aquaculture activities will continue to be a priority. In the agricultural sector, programs will be advanced to improve the productivity of land as well as the management of agricultural by-products. New Brunswickers have a deep interest in the conservation of wildlife resources and recognize a need to establish better policies for good stewardship and the maintenance of traditional benefits. 

My Government will work with citizens to develop a new wildlife policy this year as well as a strategy for implementation and legislative reform. More efficient use of our land and rural environment is a priority. Following receipt of the report from the Select Committee of the Legislature, My Government will proceed immediately to implement the recommendations of the Report of the Commission on Land Use and Rural Environment. 

New land use policies will be developed in 1994 and priority will be given to the issues of ribbon and strip development, commercial and industrial siting, the management and protection of coastal zones, and flood plain protection. A new agricultural land use policy will be introduced and the issue of topsoil removal will be addressed. Action will be taken on a number of other settlement, resource, and environmental land use issues. 

My Government will be asking you to consider amendments to the Community Planning Act during the Session to allow implementation of a number of those initiatives. Culture and Recreation Culture and recreation are important elements in our quality of life. New policies for heritage, sport and recreation, and provincial parks will be completed and implemented, with public consultation. Partnerships with communities, organizations, and the private sector for the future development of these highly valuable resources will be a key feature. New Brunswick's parks, outdoor recreation, artistic, historical, and other cultural attractions have unparalleled tourism marketing potential. Active promotion of these facilities in partnership with the other Atlantic Provinces, the private sector, and other institutions will be pursued. 

A system of community-based multiple use trails throughout New Brunswick will be initiated. The Province will coordinate the development of the various trail sections in partnership with communities and organizations throughout the Province. The formation of a New Brunswick Trails Council, and their participation in the development of a provincial trail system, is welcomed. Job creation will be an integral part of the trails initiative, and the Government will provide funding assistance to communities and organizations through the Environmental Trust Fund and other programs. 

The acquisition of abandoned rail right-of-ways remains a priority. These routes will provide the cornerstone for a provincial trail system, in harmony with other possible uses. The Government will assist and encourage a major community-based initiative to develop the New Brunswick portion of a new and exciting Trans Canada Trail. 

The Fiscal Environment And Government Institutions New Brunswickers know that the economic development of our Province, as well as the maintenance of our social programs, will be jeopardized unless public spending and government structures are restrained and reorganized. My Government's determination to achieve fiscal stability is reflected in balanced budget legislation. Despite the setback caused by slow growth and recent reductions in federal equalization payments, this Government will adhere to its three-year plan to balance the budget on the ordinary account. It is our hope that in 1995-96 New Brunswick will become Canada's first pay-as-you-go province. 

The growth of an underground economy is having a negative impact on legitimate businesses, employment opportunities, and the provincial tax revenue base. Vigorous measures will be undertaken to reverse this pattern. The size of the New Brunswick Public Service will continue to occupy the attention of this Government. Further reductions will be made to reflect program changes through the use of technology and other efficiency adjustments. Legislative amendments will be introduced to eliminate a number of boards and commissions. Membership on a number of functioning boards will also be reduced. Legislation to create one Labour and Employment Board will be presented to merge the functions of six boards that currently exist under other pieces of legislation. Amendments to the Public Service Labour Relations Act will also be brought forward for your consideration. The process to identify programs and services that could be delivered more efficiently through the private sector will continue. 

Emphasis will be given to those units that could be operated by the private sector in a cost efficient manner, while providing equal or better service to the public. A number of specific service delivery units within government will be evaluated for possible designation as Special Operating Agencies. These units will be given more flexibility to operate under semi-autonomous rules and with a fixed time limit to become more financially self-sufficient. 

A major effort is underway to reduce overlap and duplication of federal and provincial programs. Emphasis will be directed to securities regulation, environmental impact assessments, social housing, services to business, student aid, and one-stop shopping services for the unemployed. 

My Government will maintain its aggressive approach to Atlantic regional cooperation in the knowledge that this will contribute to the overriding goal of greater provincial self-reliance and efficiencies in public service delivery. The agenda will continue to emphasize movement toward an integrated barrier-free regional market and the development of low cost, high quality public sector institutions and services. Municipalities, universities, and hospitals are not currently bound by the Public Purchasing Act. All Atlantic Provinces have agreed on the merits of public purchasing by these entities being subject to similar provisions. Measures will be introduced by My Government to ensure adherence to these provisions. Municipal and other forms of local government are also concerned about public service structures and costs. 

My Government will continue to work in partnership with both urban and rural communities to review cost-effective servicing, help eliminate duplication, and make regional service groups more accountable locally. The Local Government Restructuring initiative and action on the recommendations of the Commission on Land Use and Rural Environment will address many of these concerns. Greater efficiencies will be sought through a more integrated provincial-municipal policing system. The Government will work closely with municipalities and other local government organizations to reorganize the delivery of police services, and establish a mixed policing regime that integrates the RCMP and municipal police forces. A number of legislative amendments will be introduced by My Government to clarify the eligibility of candidates for local elections. Amendments to the Schools Act and the Municipal Elections Act will be presented. 

My Government will be asking you to consider amendments to the Elections Act and Political Process Financing Act, to accommodate the transition from the old electoral districts to the new. The Co-operative Associations Act, the Assignment and Preferences Act, the Creditors Relief Act, and the Control of Municipalities Act will also be presented for amendments. The people of New Brunswick have a vitally important role to play in fiscal policy and the reform of government institutions. New methods to consult the public in the preparation of annual budgets will be explored. My Government has introduced stakeholder forums in the areas of social assistance, education, and health. Citizen participation will be introduced as part of the process to develop new land use policies. My Government will continue to involve the public extensively in the public service decision making process. The past few years have been difficult for many New Brunswickers, and most citizens understand the unsettled economic and fiscal situation that Canada is facing. 

My Government wishes to take this opportunity to express thanks and appreciation to the people of New Brunswick for their cooperation, assistance, and understanding during these times. The Government remains optimistic that the economic situation will show improvements in 1994. 

My Government has presented to you an agenda that not only gives priority to job creation and the economy, but is also designed to ensure security for social programs while undertaking fiscal and public service reform. The Government is confident that the program laid before this Assembly today will ensure that New Brunswick remains in the forefront of a revitalized socio-economic structure for the 1990s. 

The Public Accounts for the period ending March 31, 1993, will be presented to you, together with the Statement of Estimated Revenues and Expenditures for the coming year. 

I pray that Divine Providence will guide you in your deliberations, and will continue to bless the people of New Brunswick.