Federal transfers will rise next year to over 2.6 billion dollars which comprises one-third of the provincial budget.
Saint John M-P Rodney Weston blames the previous Liberal Government under Premier Shawn Graham, in large part, for a financial mess by spending more money than it took in, driving up the debt.
Weston concedes the province still finds itself in a difficult financial situation in spite of higher federal transfer payments, adding he doesn't envy the challenge faced by Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.
