
N.B. Greens say they’re open to deal to support Progressive Conservatives
FREDERICTON — New Brunswick’s political intrigue continued Thursday, with the Green party leader raising the unlikely prospect of a deal that could hand power to the Progressive Conservatives.
Green Leader David Coon said his party would negotiate with both the Liberals and Tories about a potential agreement to support a throne speech and budget, keeping a minority government from being defeated.
Coon’s proposal, in the wake of Monday’s deadlocked election results, is modeled after the arrangement in British Columbia, where the Greens hold the balance of power in an NDP-led minority government.
Coon said it may be easier for Blaine Higgs’ Tories to achieve a deal because the Greens’ three seats would ensure a majority, while Premier Brian Gallant’s Liberals would be one vote shy of a majority. The Liberals would need to find at least one other member of the legislature to support them on votes of confidence.