I have been advised that the former Premier and Shediac Bay-Dieppe MLA, Brian Gallant has announced his resignation to pursue other career opportunities.

On behalf of the Liberal party and the Liberal Caucus, I wish to thank him for his service to our province.

Brian Gallant can be justly proud that his government met all its financial targets and was able to balance the books of the province while growing the economy and introducing transformational change through initiatives like the Free Tuition program. Investments in infrastructure, education and early childhood development, daycare and poverty reduction, to name a few have served our province well and made a real difference in the lives of many New Brunswickers.

I join with his former colleagues and friends in offering my best wishes as he undertakes the next exciting chapter of his life.

The decision on the timing of a by-election is of course the Premier’s decision.  And, when the Premier calls that by-election the Liberal Party of New Brunswick will be ready for it.

Since becoming Leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, I have been travelling throughout New Brunswick meeting with New Brunswickers and listening to their concerns, insights and ideas. I will continue to do so. As the Leader of the Party I have the responsibility to ensure the party is fully prepared for the next general election. I will be meeting with the Riding President and executive of Shediac Bay-Dieppe, offering my support and rallying the troops to prepare for a by-election in the riding. As I have indicated at the outset, it is ultimately my intention to represent the people of the Miramichi.

In the case of Shediac Bay-Dieppe, I am humbled that many individuals, including many Liberal members in the riding, have reached out to me and encouraged me to offer as a candidate in the riding when the seat became vacant.

Once again, I wish to thank Brian Gallant and his wife, Karine, for their service to the people of Shediac Bay-Dieppe, to the Liberal Party and to the province of New Brunswick.

Kevin Vickers

Leader

New Brunswick Liberal Party