N.B. election: Higgs promises to help churches increase security [Video]

With exactly two weeks to go until election day, New Brunswick’s three main political parties spent Monday on the campaign trail talking about crime and health.

The Progressive Conservatives pledged to amend the province’s Community Investment Fund so non-profit organizations could apply for money to enhance security measures at their facilities.

The fund allocates $70,000 to MLAs each year for community projects and priorities. PC leader Blaine Higgs said amending the fund was meant for religious and community-based groups.

“Whether it’s installing cameras outside of a local church, improving security at a mosque, or strengthening the locks at a community centre, these changes will help protect vital places where we come to together, where we practice our religion, or support each other in another social setting,” said Higgs at an announcement in Fredericton.

Higgs said Monday’s announcement, on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, was a coincidence.

“This is something concerning our local issues here with …