New Brunswick Premier Higgs Defends Controversial Policies in Heated Election Debate

Blaine Higgs faces criticism from opponents over gender identity policy, health care, and housing amid re-election bid.

Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs was criticized by Liberal Leader Susan Holt and Green Party Leader David Coon during a debate focused on his government's policies.
A key point of contention was Higgs's 2023 policy requiring parental consent for students under 16 to use preferred pronouns, which led to internal government dissent and ministerial resignations.
Higgs touted his fiscal achievements, including six balanced budgets and a $2.5 billion debt reduction, promising a sales tax cut if re-elected.
Opponents argued that health care has worsened under Higgs, with long wait times and a reliance on costly travel nurses, while Higgs defended his record and called for better collaboration between health networks.
Housing shortages were highlighted, with Holt criticizing New Brunswick's slower building rate compared to neighboring provinces, and Coon proposing tax incentives for affordable housing development.