PC MLA Ross Wetmore Announces Support for Government, Avoids Early Election
In a surprising turn of events, Progressive Conservative MLA Ross Wetmore has declared his support for the government and promised to vote in favor of key legislation, effectively thwarting the possibility of an early election. Wetmore, who represents Gagetown-Petitcodiac, revealed that he has reviewed a list of approximately 20 bills set to be introduced in the coming months and has found no reason to oppose any of them.
The proposed legislation covers a wide range of departments, including post-secondary education and labour, social development, transportation and infrastructure, and agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries. Interestingly enough, these are the very departments that the six rebel Tory MLAs once oversaw as cabinet ministers. Wetmore emphasized that the upcoming bills are a collaborative effort among the six MLAs and expressed confidence in their smooth passage.
Notably, these MLAs had previously defied Premier Blaine Higgs on a critical vote in June when they chose to side with the Liberal opposition. The vote called for further consultations on the government’s changes to Policy 713, which supports the inclusion of LGBTQ students in provincial schools. Premier Higgs has since suggested the prospect of calling an early election due to the potential hurdles posed by the six MLAs.
However, Wetmore believes that an early election is unnecessary, assuring that the backbenchers fully support the forthcoming legislation. While they may have questions, their primary objective is to ensure the bills are thoroughly scrutinized. Wetmore’s commitment goes a step further than another rebel MLA, Daniel Allain, who specified that only confidence votes, such as the budget, would receive his support.
Wetmore and PC MLA Andrea Anderson-Mason had previously gone against Premier Higgs in June by voting with the Liberals on Bill 46, which aimed to curtail the decision-making powers of anglophone school boards. This move, however, did not succeed, and Wetmore believes there is no indication that the bill will resurface.
Despite the tension between the rebel MLAs and Premier Higgs, Wetmore declined to assign sole responsibility to the premier for the possibility of an early election. He also mentioned that no official discussion has occurred since June, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue within the caucus.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Premier Higgs will proceed with an early election or if the support of MLAs like Wetmore will be sufficient to avoid such an outcome. The government’s focus, as Higgs has expressed, is to continue delivering results for the citizens of New Brunswick. The upcoming months will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of the province, determining the course of legislation and governance moving forward.
