Day two of New Brunswick’s provincial election campaign saw the Liberals and Green Party in front of hospitals for new healthcare announcements, while the Progressive Conservatives focused on a previous promise to cut taxes.
The Liberals were pitching a retention payment for nurses on Friday, which altogether would cost $111-million. The Liberals said nurses would receive a $10,000 retention payment in the first year of a Liberal mandate, with $5000 in the second year.
Liberal leader Susan Holt said several nurses have shared stories with her about leaving New Brunswick for better compensation elsewhere, prompting the party’s promise.
“They’re contemplating moving, because their neighbours in Nova Scotia, and P.E.I., and across the country have recognized the challenge of healthcare staffing and have made significant moves to show respect and to retain their healthcare professionals,” said Holt, in Oromocto.
The Liberals said retention payments would go to all nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical …