UNB Varsity Reds Men's Hockey Team Wins the University Cup... Again!

I am so proud of this team!!

As sports minister, I was so happy to see the University of New Brunswick men’s hockey team and their incredible coach Gardiner MacDougall stop by the Legislature today so my colleagues and I could celebrate their amazing season.

The Reds’ perfect season ended with winning the University Cup in Toronto on the weekend. For 2023-24, the Reds had a combined exhibition, regular and post-season record of 43-0, and have gone 47-0 dating back to last year's playoff run and national championship. And if that wasn’t history making enough, the Reds had shutout wins at the nationals, becoming the first team in the tournament's history to win without allowing a goal.

The Reds have now won 10 national championships, nine of which were secured under the leadership of Coach MacDougall.

Since taking over the head coaching job at UNB in 2000-01, Coach MacDougall has won nine national titles, tying him with former University of Toronto coach Tom Watt for the most in Canadian university hockey history.

He also won his 600th game this past season and is the coach with the most wins in Canadian university history. Coach MacDougall has not only built a team but has built a dynasty.

The Reds are the most dominant team in the history of university men’s hockey in this country.

We are all so proud of you!!

Union of the Municipalities Reception

A great night catching up with the hard-working mayors, councillors and administrators at the Union of the Municipalities of New Brunswick reception in Fredericton tonight. It was a good opportunity for MLAs to hear more about the challenges and successes of our municipalities. Our municipal leaders do incredible work. Thank you.

Budget 2024-2025: Stronger Than Ever, Let's Keep Building!

Today in the legislature, our government tabled the 2024-25 budget, delivering the biggest health care budget in New Brunswick’s history as well as outlining investments in other priority areas such as health care, housing, supporting vulnerable populations and education, including:

• Nearly $3.8 billion, the biggest health-care budget in New Brunswick’s history

• $50 million to continue the Enhanced Energy Savings Program

• $42.9 million for enrolment growth and rising operating costs in school districts

• $29.7 million in wage increases for the human services sector

• $370+ million in relief to NB taxpayers

• $58.3 million in additional support for social assistance clients

• $68.9 million increase for Housing NB

For more information on the 2024-25 budget, visit: www.gnb.ca/Budget