The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is criticizing New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt for expanding the size of the provincial cabinet.

“Holt is starting her premiership off by insulting taxpayers who are sick of putting more money in the pockets of greedy politicians,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “Holt’s government will be spending more money on provincial cabinet ministers than any other government in Atlantic Canada.”
 

Holt appointed 19 people to her cabinet at Saturday’s swearing-in ceremony. This is more than any other province in Atlantic Canada and up three from the last cabinet of former premier Blaine Higgs.

Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador both have 17 cabinet ministers. Prince Edward Island has 12.

New Brunswick cabinet ministers make $52,614 on top of their base salary, for a total of $137,614. The premier makes $164,000.

“Rather than trying to keep costs down for New Brunswick taxpayers, Holt has just added over half a million in new spending on her first day in office,” said Drover.