In a recent debate among New Brunswick political leaders, candidates addressed pressing social issues, including addiction, crime rates, and education policies.
The roundtable was hosted by CTV and moderated by Anchor Todd Battis at St. Thomas University in Fredericton.
Addiction Homelessness and Housing
The debate featured a strong focus on the rising challenges of addiction and homelessness in urban areas.
Premier Blaine Higgs emphasized his party’s Compassionate Care Intervention Act, arguing against the establishment of new injection sites and expressing a commitment to provide better facilities for mental health and addiction treatment. Higgs stated, “The days of living on the street on drugs has to end… we need to deal with this in a Compassionate Care Act that helps people help themselves.”
Green Party leader David Coon countered by advocating for proven initiatives like the 12 Neighbours program, which provides tiny homes for those experiencing homelessness. Coon noted the program’s success in Fredericton and called for broader adoption across the province.
Liberal leader Susan Holt highlighted concerns from business owners about safety due to increasing addiction-related issues. She pointed out a waiting list of over 200 individuals seeking residential treatment, criticizing the government for not building new facilities despite the urgent need.
Crime Prevention Strategies
The candidates also discussed crime prevention measures. Coon proposed investing in community policing to foster closer relationships between officers and residents. Holt echoed this sentiment, noting a growing sense of insecurity among New Brunswickers regarding property crimes.
Higgs responded by mentioning plans to hire 80 new RCMP officers and retraining public safety officers to enhance their visibility in communities. He highlighted the need for legislative changes to the criminal code to strengthen enforcement measures.
Education and Policy 713
Education policies were another key topic, particularly concerning Policy 713, which requires parental consent for students under 16 to change their pronouns at school. Coon expressed his commitment to reverting to the original policy, emphasizing the importance of protecting and affirming all students.
Holt stressed the need for ongoing communication between teachers and parents to support students effectively. Higgs defended the changes he made to the policy, stating it was aimed at protecting teachers from being caught in conflicts between parents and students.
The candidates also discussed the urgent need for new school construction to accommodate growing populations. Holt and Coon criticized the current approach, calling for more efficient planning to avoid overcrowded classrooms.
In their closing statements, candidates outlined their visions for New Brunswick’s future. Coon framed the choice as a matter of embracing change versus maintaining the status quo, while Holt called for a shift in priorities and restoring trust in leadership. Higgs urged voters to consider his party’s proven track record, positioning himself as a steady hand during challenging times.
A video of the full roundtable can also be watched online for those who would like to hear the full discussion.
