New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant tabled an act supporting the creation of an independent advisory body on women’s issues, a promise his government made when it took office.
“After an extensive consultation process with the Voices of New Brunswick Women’s Consensus Building Forum,” Gallant said on the floor of the legislature, “we will honour that commitment.”
In anticipation of the bill, many attended the house sitting proceedings – which returned after a several-week adjournment – to see it tabled first-hand.
“It’s about time and we’re very happy,” Elizabeth Blaney said.
“It was very exciting to be sitting there today and have the premier announce that there will be a new act that will govern the women’s council in the province of New Brunswick,” Blaney added.
The opposition said it will be taking its time to go through the bill thoroughly, but was complimentary of the motion.
“I think that in a government, especially one that’s looking for openness and accountability, this gives confidence to the people of New Brunswick that they are doing their homework,” Dorothy Shephard, MLA for Saint John Lancaster, said. “They’re proceeding in a fair and competent manner and I really do believe that people will want to see it.”
Many say the bill is a step in the right direction and gives New Brunswick women an independent voice on issues that affect them but add there’s still work to be done.
“It’s also important that the government plays its role and implements the right type of legislation and programs so that New Brunswick will move towards pay equity and equality,” Johanne Perron, executive director for the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity, said.
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