Government documents
Reviews are underway in the departments of Health, Education and Early Childhood Development, Social Development, and Transportation and Infrastructure to identify efficiencies in service delivery.
"New Brunswickers who are being asked to contribute a little more in this budget need to be assured that we are committed to spending their tax dollars prudently," said Higgs, "Various efficiency measures have been rolled out across all departmental budgets to offset inflationary and service demand pressures and to allow for select new investments."
Savings are allowing for a select number of new investments totalling $70 million to be made in 2013-14 including:
● $16 million in 2013-14 as part of a five-year, $80-million investment in innovation in order to jump start the economy;
● the establishment of the new Energy Institute;
● increases for a number of poverty-reduction initiatives including social assistance rate increases and improvements;
● additional funding for special care homes, specialized care beds, and community residences and funding for the nursing home renovation and replacement plan;
● the continued roll-out of the diabetes and mental health strategies; and
● increased funding for early childhood development.
News articles
Income tax increase will cost some thousands more, CBC News, 28 Mar 13