“We have come a long way since the pandemic began in March 2020 but we still have some way to go before we can say Covid-19 is behind us. The number of new cases being identified daily is very concerning. No one wants to see the province fall under emergency orders again, but it is a possibility if the spread of the virus in not contained.

The Liberal Opposition has always trusted and followed the advice of Public Health regarding Covid-19. We hope to see recommendations from Dr. Russell and her team on what best practices to adopt to protect our province from another wave. We need recommendations on things such as masks and vaccinations that are based on science and take into consideration New Brunswick’s specific challenges.

Children will soon be returning to the classroom, students will be going back to universities and the flu season is fast approaching, there needs to be a plan in place to keep New Brunswickers safe. It has been over three weeks since the last Covid-19 press conference, where is the leadership from the Higgs Government? There are over 100 active cases in the province, but the Premier and the Health Minister see no need to provide an update or guidance to the public.

With immunization rates increasing at a snail’s pace, I urge the government to look at other ways to promote vaccination. While there has been an effort to advertise the vaccine and promote its benefits, the vaccination rates prove that this initiative is not sufficient. Other jurisdictions have developed more compelling strategies, such as lotteries, to increase vaccinations, it’s time for the Province to consider similar ideas.

New Brunswickers have sacrificed a lot over the last year and a half. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, we can’t give up now. I urge every New Brunswicker to please keep doing your best to limit the spread of the virus, and if you have not yet been immunized, please make an appointment today.”

Roger Melanson 

Leader of the Official Opposition