Opposition MLAs continued their attacks on the Holt government’s decision to cut provincial veterinary services.
While farmers and their supporters rallied outside the legislature Wednesday, Interim Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie had some harsh words for Premier Susan Holt and her government.
“This is the second time they have come to this legislature to try to send a message that the decision to close provincial vet services and privatize provincial veterinary service is not the right way to go,” Savoie said.
“They have met with the minister and have walked away from discussions because this government is just not listening.”
Agriculture Minister Pat Finnigan said he met with the farmers and their supporters and understood the passion they showed.
“I know as a farmer myself I have no doubt that they are here because they strongly believe in making their voice heard,” he said.
Finnigan added he understood the concerns and fear expressed by livestock farmers about accessing veterinary services.
“But I also know that change is never easy and never 100 per cent predictable,” he said in response to Savoie. “But I can tell you today that we will continue to have a strong veterinary service in New Brunswick.”
Savoie didn’t back down, though.
“The Holt government in its arrogance and political calculations feel they can get away with this because farmers only represent a small portion of the vote in this province,” Savoie said.
After suggesting Finnigan’s heart wasn’t in defending the cuts, Savoie turned his sights to Premier Susan Holt.
“The premier clearly does not care because this is all political calculation for her,” Savoie said.
“She doesn’t care what this is doing to farmers. She doesn’t care what this is doing to the provincial vets. She doesn’t care what this is doing to workers in the lab and certainly does not care about food security and animal welfare.”
Holt said the government is working with New Brunswick veterinarians in the private sector to ensure services are in place that will meet the needs of farmers.
“We will look after the food security of this province,” she said, before taking a shot at the previous government under Blaine Higgs.
“We will make sure that the veterinary services that have struggled under the previous government will be strong and supported.”
