Politics: Brunet and other northern mayors discuss issues with Liberal Leader Ignatieff

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James Mallory
the Northern Light

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BATHURST - Mayor Stephen Brunet is pleased with how a meeting went last week between three northern mayors and federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.

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Stephen Brunet

Last Thursday in Edmundston, prior to a Liberal Party fundraiser, the Opposition leader met with the mayors of Bathurst, Campbellton, and Edmundston with Miramichi Mayor Gerry Cormier unable to attend. The meeting, organized by Madawaska-Restigouche Member of Parliament Jean-Claude D'Amours, addressed economic development in Northern New Brunswick.

"He was very open," said Brunet of Ignatieff. "He spoke to us at length after we spoke. All three of us put in some ideas and then he spoke to each idea very well. He just picked up on it very well and then in his speech after during the supper, he talked about the very things we talked about."

Mayor Brunet said the 45 minute meeting between Ignatieff and the mayors covered topics from forestry, mining and jobs.

"We talked about natural resources and how we need some research and development to figure out where we're going to go with our trees. We know there's different companies in the area setting up for pellets, briquettes and we have to also study how we can grow trees and the type of trees they need for these industries," he said

"We also talked about the mining industry and the need for some government jobs to come up our way, because we realize that traditional jobs in natural resources are dwindling. And we talked about infrastructure needs that we still need, the gas tax money to keep coming."

Brunet said relaying the concerns of Northern New Brunswick is important even though Ignatieff is not in power.

"He's still the elected leader of the official Opposition "¦ and he's still in the House (of Commons) in Ottawa and they still have power and influence. Whether it's those in opposition we speak to or those in government at the moment, it's very important to get that message across for northern New Brunswick."

Brunet will be in Ottawa himself when he's off to Ottawa this Wednesday to meet with Keith Ashfield, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency. Brunet will represent the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on behalf of the Cities of New Brunswick.

"Again, we're going to bring similar ideas and look for help for our communities," concluded the mayor.