New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs is under fire from the Opposition following his announcement in the legislature regarding an upcoming visit to the province by French President Emmanuel Macron. The controversy erupted after Higgs attributed the scheduled visit to the success of the tourism minister's trip to France last September, which cost taxpayers $42,000 and drew criticism from Liberal member Jean-Claude D'Amours.

Higgs defended the minister's travel, stating that it yielded tangible results by securing contracts and boosting tourism. However, his remarks linking Macron's visit to the minister's trip were deemed "inappropriate" and a "breach of protocol" by Liberal member Benoit Bourque, who argued that such announcements should be made through the federal government, not casually disclosed in the legislature.

The Opposition labeled the minister's overseas trip as "extravagant," particularly questioning visits to tourist sites like Stonehenge and the Palace of Versailles. Bourque dismissed Higgs's assertion that Macron's visit was related to tourism, labeling it as "scandalous" and suggesting that the premier's remarks were intended to divert attention from criticism directed at the minister.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office later confirmed Macron's visit to New Brunswick, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Canada and France. The revelation underscored the controversy sparked by Higgs's comments and highlighted the importance of diplomatic protocol in such matters.

This incident, reported by The Canadian Press on June 6, 2024, sheds light on the delicate balance between government accountability, diplomatic relations, and the scrutiny of taxpayer-funded expenditures.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Premier Blaine Higgs's announcement regarding French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to New Brunswick highlights the importance of diplomatic protocol and government transparency. While Higgs attributed Macron's upcoming visit to the success of the tourism minister's overseas trip, his remarks sparked criticism from the Opposition and raised questions about the appropriateness of such disclosures in the legislature. Despite the ensuing debate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office confirmed Macron's visit, emphasizing its role in strengthening ties between Canada and France. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for accountability in government actions and the careful navigation of diplomatic relations on the global stage.