Election Day 24: Booze sales at corner stores and sports tax credit

Three of the five political parties in New Brunswickmade campaign promises Saturday on the first day of advancepolls.

PC Leader Blaine Higgs was in Blackvilleto announce a tax credit for children's sports, arts and culture programs. The credit would allowparents to claim fees paid to register kids in artistic, culturaland recreational or developmental activities.

The credit would allow a family to claim up to $500 per child for programs involving physical activity and $250 per child for other programs involving arts, culture and recreation.

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Higgsalso promised to eliminate the controversial policy 711, whichlimits what school cafeterias, after-schoolfundraisersand extracurricular activities can sell when it comes tolow-nutiritionfoods. Itincludesa ban on chocolate milk, coated granola barsand sports drinks.

"Brian Gallant is focused on taking chocolate milk away from our kids,"Higgssaid in a press release. "I'd rather accomplish the same thing by giving our kids better access to organized sports activities and the character building experience that come from participating in activities with peers."

Herbicide ban

Meanwhile, People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin plans to ban the spraying of herbicides on Crown lands.

"It is long past time for us to stop poisoning ourselves and our wildlife," he said in a press release.

Austin plans to replaceherbicide sprays with more environmentally friendly methods, such asmechanical thinning.He believes this will boost employment in rural parts of the province.

"Thisis a major issue and we are just one week away from having the ultimate say in whether spraying continues or whether we put a stop to it," he said."Let's choose to put a stop to it."

Liberals to allow booze sales at corner stores

Speaking in Dieppe, Liberal Leader Brian Gallantpromisesto expand New Brunswick's Liquor Control Act toallow retail outlets such as convenience storesto sell beer, wineand alcohol, as well aspermit people to bring their wine to more restaurants.

"To create more opportunitieshere in New Brunswick, we will give consumers more choice and flexibility," he said in a press release.

Gallant promises to work with local breweries and producers to update their laws to allow for growth.

NDP leader heading to bingo

New Democratic Party Leader Jennifer McKenziespent the day working with her local team in Saint John. She will speak with reporters and thenattend an event at Union Street Bingo in Saint John.

Green Party Leader David Coon was not on thecampaign trial today due to a family commitment.

New Brunswickershead to the polls on Sept. 24.