People’s Alliance Party leader Kris Austin says his caucus will support the Throne Speech presented last week by Premier Blaine Higgs.
Austin says the fiscal state of the province should be the top priority for all MLAs in the Legislature, adding he discussed that with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
“Which has thousands of members across this province, some of their biggest complaints was over regulation, licencing, applications, fees,” says Austin. “They’ve talked about taxes, and the heavy burden that taxes play on these small businesses.”
Austin believes eliminating the small business tax, and the double tax on rental properties will help all struggling businesses.
He said Friday he approved of the contents of the speech, especially when it comes to increasing funding for the Auditor General.
“I strongly believe every additional dollar that we give to the Auditor General will return ten back to the taxpayers,” stated Austin.
He described the Auditor General as a true friend of the taxpayer, adding a well funded office would help find efficiencies within government.
Austin also criticized public sector growth, and intends to push for the privatization of NB Liquor and Cannabis NB in an effort to energize the private sector.
“Government holding a monopoly on beer and weed, and becoming a retail outlet for the same is ludicrous to say the least,” says Austin. “The private sector should be the only ones retailing anything, especially these items or any other items with reasonable taxes and regulations.”
The Throne Speech is expected to go to a vote in the Legislature this week.
