FREDERICTON, N.B. – Finance Minster Blaine Higgs is slashing the public service.

4,500 jobs will be cut over the next three years.

Existing public workers will find their wages frozen, sick days scrutinized and non-paid leave is again encouraged at Christmas time is encouraged.  

Government departments and agencies will be restructured and streamlined.

Municipalities will see their grants recuded by 2%.

There is some good news; no increases to the HST, gas tax or income taxes and despite much discussion, no highway tolls.

Also, details are coming soon on gradual reductions to residential property tax rates for apartments, second homes and cottages.  A gradual reduction in business tax rates will come later.