FREDERICTON - New Brunswick's Green party leader says he would implement a tax on soft drinks and direct that revenue to fund food and wellness programs in schools.
David Coon expanded upon a provincial election platform commitment today to tax junk food, saying the tax would also apply to sugar-laden beverages.
He says the Greens would restore trades and skills-based courses in middle and high schools, introduce citizenship studies and expand apprenticeship classes as well.
NDP Leader Dominic Cardy also focused on education today by promising to help ease the debt burden students face after graduating.
Specifically, Cardy says he would introduce a plan to help graduates pay off their student loans within eight years by bringing in post-graduation bursaries and eliminating the interest on student loans.
He estimates the plan would cost $1.8 million in its first year and rise to $3.7 million by the fourth year.
