Moncton – The clock is ticking—there’s no time to waste. It’s time to invest in feminist economic policies! That was the rallying cry heard loud and clear today in downtown Moncton, where almost 200 people took to the streets for International Women’s Rights Day.
The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity and the New Brunswick Feminist Collective organized the march to remind the government of its commitments and to strengthen collaboration on two key economic issues: expanding pay equity to the private sector and increasing social assistance benefits.
Both organizations stress that with new U.S. tariffs already in effect, now is the time for action. The upcoming provincial budget must prioritize fair wages and decent working and living conditions for women and gender minorities—rather than focusing solely on balancing the books.
The last provincial election marked two historic firsts: New Brunswick elected its first woman premier, and for the first time, a government pledged to expand pay equity to the private and care sectors.
“More than three decades of advocacy have led to the government's commitment on pay equity. It’s time to make it a reality. We are ready to work with the government to ensure the right to pay equity becomes a reality," said Raphaëlle Valay-Nadeau, Chair of the Coalition.
Pay equity means equal pay for work of equal value. In New Brunswick, over 60% of women work in the private sector, yet there are still no laws to stop gender-based wage discrimination. “Every step we take today brings us closer to the legislation that will end pay inequity once and for all,” said Valay-Nadeau.
In addition to pay equity, Premier Susan Holt has also committed to increasing social assistance benefits—adjusting them to reflect the rising cost of living and ensuring that regulations do not penalize recipients. According to the 2024 Child & Family Poverty Report Card by the Human Development Council, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia had the lowest social assistance rates in the country in 2023. Current amounts fall well below the poverty line, leaving recipients unable to cover the soaring cost of rent in major urban centers.
"Social assistance rates must reflect the true cost of living," said Geneviève L. Latour, President of Regroupement féministe du N.-B.. "Nearly 48% of single-parent families in New Brunswick live below the poverty line, and over 80% of those families are led by women. The province must take immediate action to lift women and families out of chronic poverty."
One year ago, both organizations marched through the streets of Fredericton to call for feminist policies. At the time, Premier Holt’s new government committed to that goal. “Now, it’s time to turn words into action!” said Valay-Nadeau.
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