David Alward bids farewell in legislature

When David Alward first entered public life in 1999, widespread use of theinternet was in its infancy and Twitter was something that birds did.

Alward remarked Wednesdayon how much has changed as he bid farewell to elected office in his final speech in the legislature.

"Governing New Brunswick is becoming increasingly difficult in a rapidly changing technological environment," he said, chokingback tears on a couple of occasions in his short remarks.

"Social media channels like Twitter and Facebook means there is now an instant poll on every difficult decision that a government must make."

Alwardled a one-term Progressive Conservative government as premier, falling to BrianGallant's in last September's provincial election after championing the potential development of shale gas reserves in the province despite loud opposition to the idea.

He is resigning as the MLA for Carletoneffective May 22 to become Canada's consul general in Boston.

Alward noted he is one of only five MLAsin the 49-seat legislature who remain from the 1999 election that saw Bernard Lord's Progressive Conservatives wrestle power from the Liberals after a 12-year reign.

"It was an honour to work under BernardLord, and as premier to work with many outstanding ministers and MLAsand I thank each of youfor yoursupport and dedication to the people of New Brunswick.

"There is no secret about the economic, fiscal and demographic challenges that we are facing as a province," said Alward.

"I want to encourageallmembers of the House to continue to work with what you have been elected to do and to continue to build the public trust and confidence."