This government’s reliance on private sector investment to lead the economy out of the Covid-19 pandemic is a recipe for failure.
“If the pandemic has shown us anything, its that the public sector investment is crucial in leading the way forward,” says Daniel Legere, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour, “Government can stimulate the economy while addressing the long-standing inequalities that have been exposed by the pandemic; issues such as poverty, income and gender wage gaps, the lack of a living wage and the economy’s dependence on precarious and unpaid work.”
In recognition of the inherent weakness of the private sector to economic shocks, like the pandemic, government should choose to expand public services and employment to provide further security to workers, and as a means of protecting the New Brunswick economy and labour force from future crises.
The NBFL sent a detailed brief, in June 2020, to the members of the All-Party Cabinet Committee on Novel Coronavirus. A copy of the brief can be found here. It goes into much more detail on how New Brunswick can put people at the centre of our economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several statements included in the Speech from the Throne raise concerns. For example:
“Currently, our province faces a number of challenges
in health care, including the lack of human resources
and non-optimal use of resources. Your government has
a plan and is taking steps to tackle these issues and
others facing the health-care system.”
“Rather than lead the economic recovery, I worry that this government will do the opposite and cut into vital public services,” adds Legere, “After the failed announcement to close several rural emergency rooms overnight, Premier Higgs should have learned that public consultation is crucial in developing a way forward in health care, and in all public services for that matter.”
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The New Brunswick Federation of Labour is the central voice of organized labour in the province. It represents over 38,000 members.
For information, please contact:
Daniel Legere
President, New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 857-2125 / (506) 381-8969