Premier Blaine Higgs Says Housing Crisis And Homelessness Are Top Priorities

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has identified addressing the housing crisis and homelessness as a top priorities for his government. In a recent interview with CHCO TV's Vicki Hogarth, he stated, "We have a major issue in housing in our province, and it's not just about affordability, it's also about availability." Higgs acknowledged that the lack of affordable housing and rental options is a significant problem in many parts of New Brunswick, particularly in urban centers like Moncton and Fredericton, but he is also aware that it is becoming more and more of a crisis in more rural communities. St. Stephen opened its first warming station for unsheltered people in December 2022 to deal with the growing homeless population in the town of just 4,000 residents. 

To address this issue, Higgs has proposed several solutions, including the creation of a new provincial housing authority. He explained, "We need a housing authority that can take a comprehensive view of the situation, not just in urban centers, but across the province. We need to look at all aspects of housing, including social housing, affordable housing, and market housing."

Higgs created a Minister Responsible for Housing in late 2022, and appointed Jill Green to this position in his Cabinet. Higgs insists the province needs to work with municipalities and community organizations to identify opportunities for new housing developments. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, "We need to bring everyone to the table, from developers to community groups, to find ways to address the housing crisis."

In addition to addressing the lack of affordable housing, Higgs has also prioritized efforts to reduce homelessness in the province. He has pledged to work with community organizations and service providers to provide more support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness.

"We need to look at the root causes of homelessness, including mental health and addiction issues, and provide the appropriate supports to help people get back on their feet," Higgs stated. He also highlighted the importance of providing stable and affordable housing options to prevent homelessness in the first place.

Higgs acknowledged that addressing the housing crisis and homelessness will require significant investment and cooperation from all levels of government, as well as private sector partners. However, he expressed confidence that his government is committed to finding solutions.

"We know that the housing crisis is a complex issue, but we are committed to working with our partners to find solutions that work for everyone," Higgs said. "We need to take bold action to ensure that everyone in New Brunswick has access to safe, affordable housing."