Premier’s election flirtation cost taxpayers $1.7 million

Premier Blaine Higgs's flirtation with an early election call last fall cost taxpayers more than $1.7 million in expenses that turned out to be unnecessary, according to New Brunswick's chief electoral officer.Kim Poffenroth identified the costs in a letter explaining to the legislature's committee on procedures, privileges and legislative officers why her office is over-budget this year.Higgs opened the door to a snap election call last September and did not rule out the possibility until Nov.