2014 New Brunswick Election Campaign Kicks Off

In just four short weeks New Brunswick voters will head to the polls and cast their votes in the 2014 provincial election. Keys issues with this campaign are jobs and the economy.

The 32-day campaign is expected to show which party can improve the economic fortunes of a province that is mired in red ink and sported the second highest unemployment rate in the country at 10 percent in July.

Alward has faced some backlash as he tries to develop the province’s natural resources through a new forestry plan that increases the amount of wood that can be cut on Crown land and the creation of a shale gas industry. Despite the opposition, Alward has pressed ahead, saying that not proceeding with shale gas exploration would be too risky for the province’s economy.

Before the campaign formally began, Liberal Leader Brian Gallant focused many of his promises on the economy and cutting a deficit forecast to be $387.3 million this fiscal year.

Political scientist Don Desserud says voters are getting tired of a two-party system and may be ready to put their vote elsewhere. He said Alward has no assurance of getting a second term. The former Liberal government led by Shawn Graham became the first one-term government in New Brunswick's history when it was defeated four years ago.

New Democrat Leader Dominic Cardy says there is a lot of government waste and hopes voters give him a chance to do something about it.

The Green Party and People's Alliance of New Brunswick are also fielding candidates.

This year's Provincial Election is slated for September 22nd. Will you be casting your vote?