The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Premier Susan Holt to cut political salaries after hiking Premier’s Office pay by $91,000 in Budget 2026.

“New Brunswickers are tightening their belts to make ends meet, but Holt is giving raises to the insiders closest to her,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “Holt needs to cut her own office’s payroll instead of growing it while irresponsibly racking up more debt.”

Holt previously called on every department to find savings ahead of Budget 2026.

“Given the current fiscal and economic environment, all departments have been asked to conduct a robust review of all potential efficiencies or cost savings of roughly 10 to 15 per cent as part of this year’s budget planning process,” Holt told media in December 2025.

But overall spending in the premier’s office is up, driven by a salary increase of more than $91,000 compared to the previous year, according to records obtained by the CTF through a freedom-of-information request.

The pay hike also comes as Holt’s government plans to borrow $1.4 billion in Budget 2026, marking the second straight year she has broken her promise not to increase government debt. Since taking office, Holt has added more than $3.6 billion to the province’s debt.

That borrowing is driving up costs for taxpayers. New Brunswickers will pay $851 million in debt interest charges on the provincial debt. That’s about $1,000 per person this year.

“Every dollar spent on higher political salaries is a dollar that isn’t going to tax relief or essential services,” said Drover. “Government needs to live within its means and that starts with cutting back at the top, not padding the payroll to political insiders.”