Election Day 12: Liberals promise to improve labour laws, PCs pledge to reduce surgery wait times

Job opportunities, a $15 minimum wage and cutting surgical wait times were among the issues on the minds of New Brunswick's party leaders on Labour Day.

During a stop in Saint John, Liberal Leader Brian Gallant pledged to create more jobs and modernize the provinciallabour laws so New Brunswickers have thesame protections as Canadians in other parts of the country.

"Ensuring that workers in New Brunswick are well-supported and protected will help us continue to grow the economy in a way that ensures fairness for everyone," Gallant said in a statement.

Meanwhile in Moncton, Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs talked health care reform.

Standing in front of the MonctonCity Hospital, Higgssaid a PC government would cut wait times for hip replacements, knee replacementsand gynecological surgeries by 50 per cent.

The PC leader also said his party wouldrecruit more doctors by getting rid of what he described as an antiquated billing system. He said more nurses would be trained and retained in the province by making sure there is a fair exam for all nursing students.

Higgsadded that his party would improve theElectronic Patient Record model, making it easier for patients to move around the system tofind the right care.

Labour Day picnics and barbecues

All five leaders were on the campaign trail Monday as New Brunswickerscelebrated Labour Day.

NDPLeader Jennifer McKenzieattended a Labour Day picnic at Fisher Lake in Saint John Monday afternoon.

She planned to canvass for a$15 minimum wage in the Saint John Harbour riding with party volunteers.

Green Party Leader David Coon walked in theN.B. Exhibition parade in Fredericton and then served food at the Fredericton District Labour Council's Labour Day picnic at Officers' Square.

Coon plannedto attend the opening ceremonies of the exhibition before attending theUNB-St. Thomas orientation week corn boil.

People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin also attended theFredericton District Labour Council's Labour Day picnic at Officers' Square before he continuing to do more canvassing inhis riding of Fredericton-Grand Lake.

Higgsplanned a visit to the BirchmountLodge seniors residence before attending a rally while Gallant wastravelling to Moncton later Monday afternoon.

The election is Sept. 24.