Numerous promises on the campaign trail

BATHURST, FREDERICTON, TRACADIE-SHEILA - The premier says a re-elected Liberal government would create 2,700 jobs in northern New Brunswick.

Shawn Graham says his party's strategy emphasizes development of the modular fabrication and component construction industries.

He says training in those fields would be increased at community colleges in the north.

Graham also promised to ensure proper infrastructure at rural airports and the ports in Dalhousie, Belledune and Bas-Caraquet.

Also on the campaign trail, the Conservative leader says he'll boost funding for amateur sports on an annual basis if his party is elected.

David Alward says a PC government would increase amateur sports funding for the next four years, starting with a 25 percent hike in the first provincial budget.

NDP leader Roger Duguay says his party would appoint an efficiency officer in the hopes of cutting government spending by $75 million a year.

Duguay says the goal is to reduce spending to balance the budget without making cuts to health and education.

The efficiency officer would report to cabinet on ways to eliminate duplication and waste in government departments and agencies.

The People's Alliance of New Brunswick says it will make realistic commitments that can be kept, rather than what party leader Kris Austin believes are reckless and irresponsible promises made by other parties.

Austin says the Alliance won't try to compete with splashy promises being made by the Liberals and Tories.