The Common Front for Social Justice says poverty is a major concern for many New Brunswickers.
Provincial Coordinator Janelle Leblanc says they spoke to around 100 of them over the weekend, who expressed common themes.
“Low wages, working conditions in general, rent prices, health care, housing and general cost of living, and especially grocery prices. We spoke to immigrants about their experiences with renting and our healthcare system. They were shocked when they went to the hospital recently with their child and waited nine to twelve hours to see a doctor. We spoke to unhoused people who talked about the realities and their concerns. We spoke to seniors who live under pensions and are worried about buying groceries and paying their bills. We spoke to students who have had a hard time finding affordable housing,” Leblanc says.
The Common Front is hoping there are still some politicians listening even though it is summer and many are on vacation, “We’re hoping that some of them are still following what we’re doing and hearing concerns from New Brunswickers and coming from social justice.
Leblanc feels they were making some headway with the provincial government this year, because some of the MLAs were open to adding paid sick days to the Employment Standards Act and changing overtime rates and how they’re calculated, but with the recent cabinet shuffle she says they have to start the work all over again.
“We’re hoping the Ministers are open to hearing us and meeting to talk about what people are going through and solutions or permanent measures to eliminate poverty,” Leblanc adds.
