N.B. government spending $423 million on Department of Justice and Public Safety

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020.

The New Brunswick government will spend $423 million on the Department of Justice and Public Safety over the next two years.

The money will be used to help strengthen public safety, modernize justice services and ensure programs remain sustainable, according to a Wednesday announcement from the government.

Policing expenditures

The province has allotted $7 million to support RCMP contract policing. The money will go towards:

• body-worn cameras
• provincial radio system
• negotiated salary increases

The government says it also plans to fully fund the Serious Incident Response Team by spending $1.1 million to enhance accountability and include support for Indigenous representation.

“Investing in public safety means making sure our law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need, while also strengthening accountability and improving how services are delivered,” said Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin in a news release from the province. “These targeted investments will support policing, enhance enforcement and modernize our justice system so we can better respond to the needs of New Brunswickers today and into the future.”

The province has also increased funding for Technical Inspections Services by around $1 million to hire more electrical inspectors and improve permit and plan review capacity.

New Brunswick hopes to continue to modernize the justice system, which includes virtual bail hearings and the introduction of the Addictions and Mental Health Court Program in Moncton.

“These initiatives will help ensure people get the support they need while improving outcomes for individuals, families and communities,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Rob McKee.

Increasing fees

There will also be an increase in fees related to several provincial acts, which the government says will better align with the cost of delivering services. The province adds many of the fees have not been adjusted in years.

“Through our pre-budget consultations, we were clear with New Brunswickers that there would be difficult decisions ahead, and adjusting fees was one of the options on the table,” said Gauvin. “This step helps ensure we can continue delivering the quality services people rely on every day.”

The province says most new fees will come into effect on July 1 and New Brunswickers will see an increases under the following acts:

• Motor Vehicle Act
• Liquor Control Act
• Emergency 911 Act
• Gaming Control Act
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act
• Electrical Installation and Inspection Act
• Plumbing Installation and Inspection Act
• Elevators and Lifts Act
• Judicature Act
• Small Claims Act
• Recording of Evidence Act
• Probate Court Act

The government expects the increases to generate $45 million in additional revenue each year.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.