Holt lays out policy goals but acknowledges tariffs will hit N.B. hard
Premier Susan Holt delivered her first state of the province address on Thursday night in Fredericton, outlining a series of targets that she hopes her government will be judged on. In a departure from tradition, Holt presented 15 measurements in health care, affordability, housing, education, and the environment, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and transparency.
Acknowledging the uncertainty caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Holt expressed concern about the potential impact on New Brunswick’s economy. She warned that the province could lose thousands of jobs and experience a significant decline in GDP if the tariffs are imposed, highlighting the challenges facing the province in the coming year.
Despite the economic challenges, Holt remained optimistic about the future, unveiling a set of ambitious targets aimed at improving various aspects of life in New Brunswick. These targets include increasing the number of people with access to healthcare providers, improving literacy and math assessments in schools, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions relative to GDP.
One of the key goals outlined by Holt is to improve air quality in government buildings, a measure for which the government currently lacks data. Despite this challenge, Holt emphasized the importance of setting targets and working towards achieving them, even in the face of uncertainty.
Following the address, Holt spoke to reporters about the importance of setting goals and remaining focused on the needs of New Brunswickers. She stressed the need to adapt plans as conditions change but affirmed that the goals set out in her address will remain the guiding principles for her government moving forward.
In conclusion, Premier Susan Holt’s state of the province address highlighted the challenges facing New Brunswick while outlining a clear vision for the future. By setting ambitious targets and emphasizing accountability, Holt aims to lead the province through uncertain times and towards a brighter future for all residents.
