N.B.’s  Election-Eve Budget: Steady on Taxes, Targets Key Spending

New Brunswick’s government broke with Canadian tradition by presenting a pre-election budget without major spending or tax changes. However, future tax reductions were hinted by the Finance Minister. The budget focuses on health care, housing, education, and support for vulnerable groups. Retailers gain limited benefits, notably through a $50 million Enhanced Energy Savings Program offering free heat pumps, insulation, and air sealing. Home improvement stores may indirectly profit from housing investments. Despite a modest 0.7% GDP growth forecast for 2024, the government anticipates a $41 million surplus for the fiscal year.