Tobacco Tax Windfall Should Help Smokers

The Opposition Liberals say revenue generated from the Alward government's hike in the tobacco tax should go towards the cost of a smoking cessation program for New Brunswickers addicted to nicotine. In its reply Friday to the Speech from the Throne, the Liberals also called on the government to immediately reverse its decision to delay a hike in the minimum wage, abandon any plans to introduce a two-tiered wage system, and publicly disclose what cuts it is considering in the upcoming budget. Interim Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau used his speech response in the Legislature to ask the Tories to support proposals the Liberals plan to present in the upcoming session. That includes spending the extra $25 million in new revenue the Alward government found earlier this year by increasing the tobacco tax by 45 per cent. "We know that chronic disease is one of the biggest contributors to the growing costs of health care," Boudreau said. "We propose this session that money raised by government through this tax be put towards the cost of a smoking cessation program for New Brunswickers addicted to nicotine. "That investment would go a long way to helping reduce our costs for chronic health care." Boudreau also called for full public disclosure of internal departmental reports that identify cuts to be considered for the upcoming budget, so New Brunswickers can have their say in how to balance the province's books. "If you want New Brunswickers really involved in the budget process, make those reports public," Boudreau said. "Table them in the legislature before we break for Christmas." The Shediac-Cap-Pelé MLA also reiterated calls for the immediate reversal of the Alward government's decision to delay the minimum wage increases. As well, the Liberals are calling on government to abandon its plans to introduce a two-tiered minimum wage system in New Brunswick. For the second straight day, the Liberals also called for a special legislative committee tasked with consulting the public on shale gas development in the province. The committee would host a series of public hearings and allow New Brunswickers to further weigh in on regulations the government brings to the table for shale gas development. The Tories delivered its second speech from the throne since taking power earlier this week, pledging to continue to search for savings while growing the economy. Alward's government also promised to begin reforming municipal government over the next two years - without forcing municipalities to merge - develop an action plan to improve access to family doctors and health clinics and make New Brunswick a leader in early childhood development. Boudreau's speech on Friday also attacked the Tories at length for social service cuts that the Opposition believes have targeted the ordinary New Brunswicker. "We understand that the recession hurt us. It hurt everybody," Boudreau said. "And while many places are actually far worse off than we are, we understand also that our province's deficit has to be trimmed. That means making some difficult decisions. We get that. "But there's a smart way to do this. A way that focuses on job creation. A way that considers investments in things like education and training that will pay for themselves in the long run."