I’ve just returned from the streets of Moncton, where the faces of New Brunswick’s homelessness crisis aren’t hidden in statistics or government press releases – they’re huddled in doorways and makeshift shelters, visible reminders of a problem that’s grown too urgent to ignore.
The provincial government has finally acknowledged the severity of this situation. Social Development Minister Jill Green announced yesterday the formation of an “emergency-style” task force to tackle homelessness across New Brunswick. This move comes as winter approaches and communities struggle with increasing numbers of unhoused residents.
“We’re treating this with the same urgency as we would a natural disaster,” Green told reporters at the Fredericton announcement. “This isn’t just about providing temporary shelter – it’s about creating sustainable solutions for our most vulnerable citizens.”
The task force brings together representatives from eight government departments, including Social Development, Health, Justice, and Public Safety. What makes this approach noteworthy is its whole-of-government structure, signaling that homelessness isn’t merely a social services issue but a complex challenge requiring coordinated action.
According to the most recent point-in-time count conducted last spring, approximately 1,500 people experience homelessness in New Brunswick on any given night – a 28% increase from the previous count in 2021. The numbers are particularly concerning in urban centers like Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton.
Carol Savoie, who works at Moncton’s Harvest House shelter, told me the situation has worsened visibly over the past year. “We’re turning people away almost every night. The housing crisis, addiction issues, mental health challenges – they’ve all converged to create a perfect storm.”
The task force will first focus on immediate needs: expanding emergency shelter capacity before winter and identifying vacant buildings that could be quickly converted to provide housing. But Green emphasized longer-term goals as well, including addressing the affordable housing shortage and improving mental health and addiction services.
Not everyone is convinced this approach will yield results. Opposition critic Robert McKee questioned the government’s commitment, pointing to previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard announcements before. What’s different this time is the question on everyone’s mind,” McKee said during question period at the legislature.
Housing advocates like Jean LeBlanc from the New Brunswick Coalition for Tenants Rights cautiously welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for concrete action. “Task forces can study problems to death. What we need is rapid implementation of solutions we already know work – rent controls, significant investment in public housing, and better income supports.”
The task force announcement comes amid growing public concern. A recent survey by Corporate Research Associates found that 67% of New Brunswickers now rank homelessness among their top three concerns, up from 42% just two years ago.
Mayor Dawn Arnold of Moncton, where tent encampments have become increasingly visible, expressed mixed emotions about the provincial initiative. “We’ve been calling for greater provincial involvement for years,” she said. “While I’m glad to see this response, our communities needed this level of urgency two years ago.”
The province has allocated $5.4 million to support the task force’s initial work, but critics note this falls well short of what’s needed for meaningful intervention. By comparison, British Columbia recently committed over $600 million to address similar challenges in a province with roughly six times New Brunswick’s population.
Walking through downtown Saint John yesterday, I spoke with Mark, who has been living rough for nine months after losing his apartment when rent increased beyond what his disability payments could cover. “They can form all the committees they want,” he said, adjusting the tarp over his makeshift shelter. “But will I have somewhere warm to sleep next month? That’s what matters to me.”
The human cost extends beyond those experiencing homelessness directly. Business owners in affected areas report declining foot traffic, while hospital emergency departments face increasing pressure from unhoused individuals seeking basic medical care and temporary shelter.
Green acknowledged these ripple effects but emphasized the human element. “Behind every statistic is a New Brunswicker who deserves dignity and support. This isn’t just about addressing visible homelessness – it’s about building communities where everyone can thrive.”
The task force will deliver its first action plan within 30 days, with implementation to begin immediately thereafter. Green has committed to quarterly public updates on progress and outcomes.
As I left Moncton yesterday, a light snow had begun to fall – an early reminder of the harsh winter ahead. For the province’s growing unhoused population, this new task force represents either a turning point or another unfulfilled promise. Only time – and committed action – will tell which it will be.
