Common Front anticipates more investments in the next provincial budget for people living in poverty

Moncton – The New Brunswick Common Front for Social Justice (FrontNB) is expecting more investments in social assistance and affordable housing, and improvements to working conditions in the 2024-2025 provincial budget tabled tomorrow, March 19, to help people in poverty with the rising cost of living.

Tens of thousands of New Brunswickers are facing financial stress and anxiety due to low fixed incomes, an unlivable minimum wage, and the soaring cost of basic necessities. In 2022, New Brunswick had the lowest social assistance rates, the second highest food insecurity rates and the highest rent increase in Canada. Over the past two years, homelessness rates doubled in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John.

“Poverty persists in New Brunswick due to precarious working conditions and underfunded social programs, social housing, public services and health care. New Brunswickers are being priced out of living in this province and are struggling to survive, many of whom are historically and statistically more likely to live in poverty: women, racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, seniors, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities”, said Janelle LeBlanc, Provincial Coordinator.

The FrontNB recommended structural changes for a stronger and more prosperous New Brunswick in their pre-budget consultation brief. Some of the recommendations include raising the social assistance rates immediately to reach the highest Market Basket Measures for New Brunswick, continuing to invest in affordable housing and increasing the minimum wage to a living wage, from $15.30 next April 1 to an average of $20 an hour across the province.

“As of now, the lack of permanent measures to help New Brunswickers with the rising cost of living is concerning. The Government of New Brunswick must ensure good working and living conditions for a New Brunswick without poverty. We proposed concrete changes to make a positive difference in people’s lives and in the province, and we look forward to these recommendations being included in the provincial budget,” added Janelle LeBlanc.