Brian Gallant defends decisions on ferry cuts, economic growth

Premier Brian Gallant fieldedquestions on Tuesday morningfrom New Brunswickerson Information Morning Saint Johnon topics rangingfrom health care to economic growth.

Gallant, whotook questions from callers and social media for 50 minutes,was first asked about the lack of public transit in Charlotte County and what the province was going to do to help.

He saidthe province is working with local community leaders on a pilot project.

Gallant on Canaport tax deal

8 years ago

Duration 1:15

Premier Brian Gallant responded to questions about how his government is handling Saint John's request to repeal the Canaport LNG tax deal

Gallant also said the federal government has a program that would have to be "tweaked" and the province would match federal money to put in the infrastructure for public transit in the area.

The premier was then asked about a new swimming pool in Fredericton.

• Fredericton seeks talks on new UNB pool with community groups
• UNB pool closure revives idea for Olympic-sized replacement

Gallant said that a request for help from the city wasn't "on the radar." He noted that recreational activities were important, but the province needs to know the city's priorities.

"There are many asks. Unfortunately, there are always many more requests than there are funds to be able to invest in as a province. So, we certainly want to work very closely with the communities to fully understand what their number one priorities are and we always do the best we possibly can to try and move on those," he said.

Talks over Canaport LNG tax deal

Gallant on soda tax

8 years ago

Duration 1:44

Premier Brian Gallant says his government has looked at the idea of a tax on sodas as a way to combat obesity.

Gallant was also put on the spot to explain the delays in responding to Saint John's request to repeal the special tax deal forCanaport LNG.

• Government silence on LNG tax break repeal ends
• Fredericton supports Saint John's LNG tax repeal request

He said the province is working with Saint John to reverse the tax deal but he is also talking to other municipalities about the potential impact the change could have on them.

Gallant noted that reversing the deal would require new provincial legislation, which could be introduced during the fall session.

The premier was also asked to explain how his government planned to keepresidents in the province.

Information Morning - Fredericton17:31Premier Brian Gallant - Part 1

The Premier answers your questions from our Saint John studio. Listen to the first half of this morning's phone-in:

Gallant said the best way to keep people in New Brunswick as well as attract new residents is through jobs and economic opportunities.

He said the provincial governmentis also investing in education to create a skilled work force, including a program to offer free tuition to low-income families.

• Gallant government unveils economic plan

In terms of paying down the deficit, Gallant saidit is a priority and noted that the province pays more annually on debt interest payments than it does on investing in post-secondary education.

He added that budget decisions already madeamounting to $600 million will the province with its plan to have a surplus in2020.

One of those tough decisions to cut services and reduce expendituresincluded the Gagetown Ferry, said Gallant.

"Having to buy a new ferry, even a refurbishment, those are monies we could put into programs that would help us advance education and health care, and of course, try to have economic growth throughout the province," he said.

Gallant was also asked aboutspraying herbicides, the medical marijuana industry anda possible soda tax.

Listen to the full interview below

Information Morning - Fredericton26:55Premier Brian Gallant - Part 2

The Premier answers your questions from our Saint John studio. Listen to the second half of this morning's phone-in: