On October 21st, 2024, the New Brunswick Liberal Party won the 2024 provincial election, taking a majority with 31 of 49 seats. The Premier-designate, Susan Holt, will become New Brunswick’s first female Premier. The new Cabinet will be sworn in on November 2nd, 2024. 

Energy-related campaign commitments: 

Premier-designate Holt made several energy-related commitments during the campaign period. These commitments are outlined in the Party’s Platform. Energy-related policies include commitments to: 

  • Deliver an energy plan that provides affordable, reliable, clean energy for New Brunswickers and New Brunswick businesses.  
  • Eliminate the 10% provincial sales tax on home energy bills, saving the average household $192 per year, with some saving over $700 
  • Immediately cut the Higgs Gas Tax, saving New Brunswickers about 4 cents a litre at the pumps every time they fill up 
  • Increase support for home energy retrofits, free heat pump program, and introduce a provincial program for solar retrofits. 
  • Ensure all government buildings are net zero and that our vehicle fleet, including school buses, are electrified by 2035. 

Regarding the commitment to “deliver an energy plan,” it is unclear whether this will be different or in addition to New Brunswick’s existing energy strategy: Powering our Economy and the World with Clean Energy: Our Path Forward to 2035.  

The commitment to “cut the Higgs Gas Tax,” this refers to the province’s carbon adjustor price. On October 25, 2024, this carbon adjustor price was 4.35 cents per litre of gasoline and 4.85 cents per litre for diesel. The carbon adjustor price fluctuates but is determined using a formula to capture additional costs incurred relating to the federal Clean Fuels Regulations.  

The Platform does not take a position on the federal carbon pricing backstop plan, which New Brunswick is subject to.  

The Platform also made a significant commitment about New Brunswick’s electrical grid and generation, but further details are needed: 

  • While we move to a 100 percent non-emitting grid, we will work with the federal government to ensure big emitters bear the brunt of the price on carbon. 

It is unclear what a “100 percent non-emitting grid” means, and the timing associated with the goal is not defined. Importantly, it is expected the federal government will not require provinces to meet this specific obligation in its forthcoming Clean Electricity Regulations. For example, NB Power could still use natural gas generation beyond 2035, albeit on a limited basis.  

Furthermore, the commitment to “big emitters bear the brunt of the price on carbon,” is unclear and the Government of New Brunswick already has its own Output-Based Pricing System, which requires the province’s largest emitters to pay an increasing price on carbon dioxide emissions.  

Another important policy commitment outlined in the Platform relates to improved relationships and agreements with Indigenous partners in the province:  

  • Commit to rebuilding relationships with First Nations based on a nation-to-nation relationship that establishes trust and a shared understanding of treaty obligations. We will renegotiate tax agreements to ensure all parties have a fair deal; and, 
  • Our government will adopt a collaborative approach with municipalities, Regional Service Commissions, not-for-profit organizations, First Nations, and industry to create local solutions to combat climate change and nature loss. 

Growing collaboration and partnerships with Indigenous stakeholders and other communities can help energy project developments, while ensuring more New Brunswickers benefit from investments. 

More information: