A Moncton-based non-profit recently hosted a political leaders’ forum focussed on socio-economic issues affecting women ahead of the upcoming general election.

David Gordon-Koch – Local Journalism Initiative

The event, organized by the NB Coalition for Pay Equity, brought together Liberal Leader Susan Holt, Green Party Leader David Coon, and NDP Leader Alex White. Progressive Conservative Leader Blaine Higgs was absent, and the Tories didn’t respond a request for comment.

The NB Media Co-op livestreamed the bilingual event from the Delta hotel in downtown Moncton. The forum was co-presented by the NB Multicultural Council, the NB Common Front for Social Justice, the Human Development Council and the New Brunswick chapter of Child Care Now.

Social justice groups have called for socio-economic reforms that could have major implications locally. For example, advocates have pointed to research from the mid-2010s indicating that rates of food security in Moncton are among the worst in Canada.

In response to a question from organizers, all three candidates present at the Oct. 11 event said they would introduce legislation requiring pay equity in the private sector – meaning equal pay for work of equal value, a policy meant to address the gender pay gap. It’s a longstanding demand from social justice groups, who say this could address rates of poverty which tend to be higher among women.

Organizers also asked the leaders about the current $15.30 per hour minimum wage, noting recent estimates stating that a living wage exceeds $24 per hour in every major New Brunswick city. For example, that figure is estimated at $24.07 per hour in Moncton. A living wage is generally defined as the amount needed to “enjoy a decent quality of life and avoid severe financial stress.”

The NDP and Green Leaders both said they would raise the minimum wage to $20, while the Liberal Leader’s response was less direct. Speaking in French, Holt said an increase is needed. She said the Liberals would decide on what that increase would look like following a government study.

David Gordon Koch is a journalist with the NB Media Co-op. This reporting has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Stations and Users (CACTUS).