New Brunswick’s outgoing premier is reflecting on his past 14 years in public office.

Blaine Higgs resigned as Progressive Conservative leader after last week’s election loss.

In a statement posted to social media Tuesday, he said the election was a deep disappointment.

But Higgs said he leaves office knowing the party has left New Brunswick in a much stronger position.

“This relates to our improved financial position, major reduction in interest payments and record spending in all categories especially health, social development and education,” said the outgoing premier.

“Much needed population growth and thus [labour] force enhancement has brought increased challenges in health care and housing availability.

“Additionally, we now have a growth of job opportunities here at home, increased private sector investment and a very different national view of New Brunswick’s place in confederation.”

The former Irving Oil executive was first elected as the MLA for Quispamsis in 2010 and went on to serve as finance minister in the David Alward government.

Higgs was named Progressive Conservative leader in 2016 and the party went on to win the next provincial election in 2018.

“There will always be improvements to make and this can be best achieved by building on each other’s successes,” he said in his statement.

“[My wife] Marcia and I leave government with a very heavy heart, not because a less hectic lifestyle is not appealing, but because our motives were genuine for our community and our province.”

Susan Holt will be sworn in as the province’s first female premier on Saturday.