12 DECEMBER 2012

Green Party Leader David Coon has written Premier David Alward to request that he establish a Select Committee to hold hearings across the province to hear from New Brunswickers how the emerging new economy can be encouraged. And the Green Party Leader is suggesting the leaders of parties not yet holding seats in the Legislature be invited to participate as"ex-officio" members so they might ask questions of witnesses and provide input into the committee report.

 "Ensuring sustainable livelihoods for New Brunswickers requires a new approach because our economy has fundamentally changed," said Green Party Leader David Coon. "There is a new economy growing within the shell of the old one.   It is primarily local and it is one where individuals are increasingly creating their own enterprises. To a very great extent, these initiatives are green. We need to learn how to best support those people who are already engaged in building the new economy, and encourage others to do the same," said Coon

A report entitled, "Proposals for Legislative Reform" written by political scientist Don Desserud for Premier Alward, proposed that parties other than those holding seats in the Legislature be appointed to select committees dealing with major policy issues such as economic renewal and electoral reform .

 "The economic shift we are experiencing poses such a significant challenge to the future well-being of New Brunswickers, that all parties must work together to develop a long-term strategy to transition to the new economy. The creation of a Select Committee on the New Economy is one way we can all work together for the common good," said Coon.