CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton John Wishart (Photo: TDCB)
On Monday night, John Wishart presented Moncton City Council with the concept of a Task Force on Homelessness.
As a prominent figure in the business community, the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton has heard an overwhelming amount of concern pertaining to homelessness, downtown security and safety.
“Despite the best efforts of several stakeholders including the city, and some improvements in the delivery of services to individuals that are homeless, and the mitigation of some impacts of these individuals on the community, we believe the issue is getting worse,” Wishart told Moncton City Councillors.
He believes mental health and addiction issues in the community remain largely unaddressed.
Wishart proposes that a Task Force on Homelessness be assembled to identify root causes, gaps and solutions. Setting and achieving goals would involve conversations with individuals from various backgrounds.
“For the welfare of the vulnerable in our society and for the protection of our residents, our business community and Moncton’s reputation we need a focused effort including all stakeholders to respond to this urgent need.”
The Chamber of Commerce would like to see a task force that features representatives from all three levels of government, as well as a member of the business community and the social services sector.
Wishart says five individuals have already stepped forward for the co-chair positions.
- Dawn Arnold, Mayor of Moncton
- Greg Turner, Moncton South MLA
- Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP
- Denis Foulem, Owner of Foulem Construction and DuParc Real Estate Group
- Myriam Mekni, the new executive director of Rising Tide Community Initiatives
Time is of the essence for the proposed members, with many residents approaching a tipping point.
“I think the co-leads already understand we need short-term, medium-term and long-term solutions and goals with actions to lead those goals.”
Wishart asked council to support the initiative, noting that all of the councillors stated homelessness as a priority in their platform for the May 10 municipal elections.
The proposed task force received optimistic feedback from the city council but drew concerns from Daniel Bourgeois, Councillor of Ward 2, who would like to see a firm plan with fears that the matter could drag on.
Wishart was hesitant to give any exact dates but reiterated the need for action.
“Everyone that the chamber has engaged so far has stressed the need for the shorter term this is not meant to be a process that takes many months or years the need is now,” said Wishart.
More details could be hammered out in the inaugural meeting for the task force on homelessness. Wishart says it will involve agreeing on a process, reviewing a preliminary list of stakeholders and individuals that should be engaged, as well as setting resources needed, goals and set timelines.
The first meeting for the proposed members is on Wednesday.
