Gloating about a surplus is callous, says New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities

On August 30, New Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie Steeves provided a budget update. He gloated that not only did the province have a surplus, but that after increased costs, it was $100 million more than previously estimated.

Correct us if we’re wrong, but when most citizens in a province are struggling with inflation, food insecurity, lack of medical services, lack of appropriate care as persons with disabilities or as seniors or lack of housing (and more so, affordable housing), should one really be gloating about a huge surplus?

After all, except for that one-time grant of $20 million from the federal government, the rest of that $100 million came out of our pocketbooks. So, here’s a suggestion, Minister Steeves and Premier
Higgs, give it back!

A large percentage of New Brunswick residents are being forced to live in a serious deficit mode right now, borrowing until their credit runs out. Seniors, persons with disabilities and those on social assistance – they are all living well below the deep poverty line. Those trying to survive on minimum wage are barely any better off.

The government has literally created a massive budget surplus on the backs of New Brunswick residents, and Minister Steeves, you dare say “Money doesn’t always fix everything.” Well, Minister Steeves, when people are facing food insecurity, not having enough money for rent, medications or necessities, we would argue that they would all disagree with your callous statement. Those things most certainly can all be fixed with money.

In the same interview, Minister Steeves said, “If there’s something worthy of spending money on, and of using that surplus, then we’ll use it.” Does the Minister not see the people of New Brunswick who are barely surviving as “worthy”?

Raises to keep nurses and doctors in our province, or a better future for in-home personal support workers or resident attendants in nursing homes – are those also not worthy?

Just this month, two respite care homes that were promised in Southern New Brunswick were cancelled. Are we therefore to assume the families impacted are simply not a worthy investment?

There are so many areas where this money – the money of the people of New Brunswick – could be used to make life more tolerable right now.

Minister Steeves, start making an immediate difference by investing in New Brunswickers. Invest in health care and take care of the sick. Make our schools safer. Increase subsidies for persons with disabilities who are struggling simply because they were born with or developed a disability – these represent 26.7 per cent of your voting base. Look after those who got us here, the seniors in New Brunswick.

Today is that rainy day the government has been saving for, and it’s time to invest the surplus in the residents of New Brunswick.

And, please, if you require more assistance on how to use our money effectively, reach out to us. We would be more than happy to assist you.

Shelley Petit is the chairperson of the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities.