New Brunswick election: Fewer events, promises mark Tories different campaign – New Brunswick [Video]

New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative leader has been noticeably more absent on the campaign trail compared to his two main opponents — and has made significantly fewer election promises.

Since the Sept. 19 election call, there have been at least 10 days on which Tory Leader Blaine Higgs has had no public events. Higgs, who is vying for a third term as premier, was also absent from the second leaders debate, held Oct. 9.

“Maybe that’s to keep you guessing,” he said with a laugh at a news conference last week when asked about his availability, or lack thereof.

On Saturday, the Tories released their platform with no fanfare and no advance notice. It is two pages long and contains 11 promises, including a two per cent cut to the harmonized sales tax, at a cost of $450 million a year. It also promises to continue to “respect parents” — a …