Week of December 20 / Semaine du 20 décembre
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It's a tradition in New Brunswick to do a poem or song in the Legislative Assembly the last day before the holidays. Listen to this unique rendition of "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" // C'est une tradition au Nouveau-Brunswick de faire un poème ou chanson à l'Assemblée législative le dernier jour avant le temps des Fêtes. Écoutez cette version unique de "Au royaume du bonhomme hiver"
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Highlights:
David tabled a bill to amend the Family Income Security Act to ensure all New Brunswickers have enough income to meet their needs with dignity. Current rates of social assistance and the conditions attached to it make this impossible. All three MLAs spoke about the need for a Basic Income Guarantee.
The Greens spoke up in support of fair wages and fair negotiation for the care workers in nursing homes. The MLAs could not support Bill 17 because of the conditions attached to the binding arbitration process.
Kevin was named Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship. This is the first time in NB that a Green MLA has been named chair or vice-chair of a standing committee.
Thanks to a Green Caucus amendment that was unanimously agreed on by the Legislature, the Standing Committee on Social Policy has now been given the authority to call people, papers and documents, when reviewing group homes this spring.
What David Said:
David learned that the Premier questioned Prime Minister Trudeau on the possibility of flexibility on funding for mental health and seniors. He also learned that Higgs is meeting with other Atlantic Premiers in January and he’s open to the possibility of an Atlantic climate summit.
David spoke about the need for the government to establish a year-round ferry service from Campobello Island to mainland NB, especially because this riding does not currently have an MLA.
David commented on the government’s new forestry plan, saying that if the PCs are really committed to increasing market share for private woodlot owners, then the government needs to support David’s Private Member’s Bill that will be coming to second reading in the spring.
What Kevin Said:
Kevin, once again, called for the creation of a Standing Committee on Official Languages in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick.
When Kevin asked, the Premier would not commit to pay equity legislation in the private sector. The Premier did, however, confirm that the government will be looking at legislation that would ensure that owners of all private companies must be named in the provincial corporate registry, so that they cannot hide behind numbered companies or shell companies.
What Megan Said:
The Premier refused Megan’s offer to tour Clinic 554 with her and David Coon over the winter to learn about the full scope of their work.
She spoke about the challenges that international nurses have getting licensed to work in NB, and the importance of updating the current process.
Megan highlighted the important work New Brunswick’s food banks are doing, the need for more affordable housing in the province and the need for a Basic Income Guarantee so that people can have enough to live.
These are only some of the highlights from the week, for more find our MLAs on social media or see all the videos on our YouTube Channel: Green Caucus Vert.
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