Premier Susan Holt delivered a poignant call to action during her inaugural state of the province speech on Thursday evening at the Fredericton Convention Centre. Holt emphasized the need for transformative changes across various sectors, including education, environment, and the economy, to ensure continued growth and prosperity for New Brunswick. Her speech, underscored by the iconic Bob Dylan song "The Times They Are A-Changin'," was a clarion call for accountability and collective effort to address the province's imminent challenges.
Holt asked her audience to reflect on their actions with a question: what would they do differently if they missed something? This inquiry highlighted her focus on accountability, urging New Brunswickers to hold the government responsible for its commitments. She reiterated her party's priorities, which include increasing the number of residents with a primary care provider and boosting affordable housing starts. These objectives are central to her administration’s vision for a thriving New Brunswick.
The Premier also cautioned about potential economic hurdles posed by U.S. tariff threats. "Status quo is not going to work," Holt declared, stressing the urgency of proactive measures to mitigate these risks. She assured her audience that her government would steadfastly pursue its targets, even in the face of "serious headwinds."
In a bid to foster collaboration, Holt called for collective work in overcoming the province's obstacles. Her leadership style, as reflected in the speech, promotes a culture of shared responsibility and transparency. She stated that "we want New Brunswickers to hold us accountable," further emphasizing the importance of public engagement in governance.
The Canadian Press reported on the speech on January 30, 2025, capturing the essence of Holt's message. As part of broader efforts to facilitate change, Hina Alam from The Canadian Press highlighted initiatives aimed at encouraging retailers to make products more accessible on store shelves. Alam remarked, “We’re asking retailers to make it really clear that they’re on the front of the shelves make it easy for people to make that change.”
