MONCTON, NB – Premier David Alward says his first two years in office have certainly had their share of challenges, but he’s proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish so far.

He points to fallout from global economic crisis and the fiscal mess left by the previous Liberal government…

“I think we’ve made a good start to that, but we certainly have a lot more work to do.” 

The premier counts reforms to the education system among his government’s success stories….

“How we’ve been able to restructure the school districts to make them more efficient, more effective and ultimately improve education for our children.”

Alward says his government remains focused on the future, but if there is anything he wishes they could have done a better job on, it’s in selling the benefits of natural gas development….

“I think we could have done a better job early on…. I think right now, people have a perception which isn’t necessarily reality.”

Alward says he sees tremendous potential in shale gas if it can be developed in a safe- and responsible way.

“You only have to look at what’s going on across Canada right now and there are four provinces that are seeing their prosperity blossom and grow significantly:  BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador.   And what is the common theme with all of them?   It’s natural resource development.” says Alward

Going forward, Alward says his main priorities will continue to be growing the economy, job creation and getting the province’s finances back on track…

“If we don’t make those decisions well today, we’re not going to be able to afford the programs that people need tomorrow.” says Alward.