Hundreds march in Moncton for pay equity

Moncton – More than 200 people marched in downtown Moncton this afternoon, calling on the provincial government and all MLAs to quickly adopt legislation on pay equity for the New Brunswick private sector.

The march for International Women’s Rights Day was organized by the Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC), the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity and the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick (RFNB).

“All these people were there to say loud and clear to our current elected officials and to those thinking of running for office that it is high time this province showed its support for feminism and recognized that pay equity is the key to women’s equality,” stated New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity’s Chair, Frances LeBlanc. “The days when women had to depend on men for their financial security are long gone.”

“Thousands of women in the province are kept in poverty because the government does not prioritize investment in social infrastructure. Human rights are relegated to second place when decision-makers take such a stance,” said RFNB’s president, Lyne Chantal Boudreau. “Our movement is growing stronger and we will not give up,” she warned.

The three groups said jobs and financial security are among the top five issues women raised in the course of Resonate, a New Brunswick Women’s Council initiative. “It’s a key issue for women and we will ensure it is resolved,” said Boudreau.

The fight for the equal treatment of women is also being waged in other jurisdictions. The Alliance des femmes de la francophonie canadienne (AFFC) is working on this issue. “It’s rather incredible that in 2020, governments are still refusing to pass laws forcing reluctant employers to treat female employees fairly,” said AFFC’s president, Lily Crist.

“Women in New Brunswick and across the country are not fooled. It is sad to see that political parties refuse to embrace feminism and do not take concrete action. We will be there, alongside these activists, to bring our elected officials and candidates to heel,” she added.