Letters: Keep campaign cash in N.B.; homeless deserve better

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Province must pass legislation promoting democracy

Until recently, I was unaware of the fact that our province allows political parties to solicit funds outside our borders. Perhaps other provinces have such a practice. If so, I consider this to be entirely anti-democratic.

If people are permitted to invest funds in parties in provinces other than their own in this way they may be able to influence the electoral results. However, it is not these donors who will suffer the consequences of the actions of these elected officials, but rather the people who have become the victims of people who do not live among us.

As we know, democracy is a fragile institution, but one that must be constantly defended.

New Brunswickers must demand that our current or future governments adopt a law putting an end to this shameful practice. If the current MLAs refuse, they should be voted out at the next election.

Alcide F. LeBlanc

Moncton

More can be done to help homeless

Back in 2015, there was a large influx of refugees into Canada. They were greeted at airports by politicians and volunteer groups with great fanfare. About 500 arrived in Saint John at that time with more coming later. They were housed in a hotel where our volunteer group organized the meals and served the new arrivals. They were safe, fed, and kept warm with a roof over their heads from the moment they arrived. Newcomer services helped integrate them into Canadian society. The new arrivals were in need, and Canada and its citizens stepped up to the plate, with pride. 

There is a new group of people in need. Unlike in 2015, there are no meet and greets by politicians. In fact, politicians avoid them. I am speaking about individuals who have lost their accommodation and now count themselves among the unhoused, who live rough or in tent encampments. One could say they are refugees from governmental, economic, social, and health care systems that have failed them. According to the SJ Human Development Council, there are 234 individuals experiencing homelessness in Saint John. 

In 2015, we had 500+ refugees arrive whose basic needs were met quickly and with pride. Do not the 234 unhoused fellow citizens, deserve the same? The City of Saint John talks about “managed encampments.” Our unhoused citizens deserve better than that. No way would we have put the 2015 arrivals in “managed encampments.” We did it right in 2015 for hundreds and hundreds of people. What is so hard about doing the same for the couple hundred unhoused people here now, who have the same exact need? 

If we could manage in 2015, we could manage this now. What stops us? 

Ralph C Forte 

Rothesay