All Candidates Forum on Poverty Organized by Saint John Make Poverty History Group

This blog was submitted by Fern Bennett from the Saint John Make Poverty History Local Group:

Saint John held an all-candidates’ forum that specifically discussed the issue of poverty on April 19, 2011. It took a bit of maneuvering, but by the local MPH group teaming up with the Human Development Council, Vibrant Communities, and UNB Urban and Community Studies Institute, we managed to get all the candidates to commit, secure a lovely venue, and provide light refreshments. Saint John Radio 103.5 broadcasted the event. People from all income levels attended…well maybe not the ultra wealthy J…  It was a very polished and orderly event; however, my goal of ‘enlightenment for all’ may not have been achieved.

Needless to say, all of the candidates expressed a desire to address national poverty. However, I think we failed to get across the fundamental differences between the parties’ approaches and expose inherent flaws in corporate capitalism. If a party or individual believes free markets and economic growth will eventually see benefits trickle down to even the poorest they will work toward policies that favour big business. However, what’s happening with that approach is a widening gap between the rich and poor, and an eroding of our already flawed social safety net.

For example: We are building prisons at a time when Stats Canada shows a decrease in crime. Moreover, research indicates frontend investment in recreation is a more cost effective measure for crime reduction, not to mention more humane! I’m afraid our prisons will become affordable housing for people with learning disabilities, low literacy, mental health issues, and/or addictions.

We need to figure out how to get every elected politician to come to an understanding of how our economic policies disadvantage many more people than the small numbers that benefit from corporate welfare and free market policies.

Many thanks to the great Saint John MPH team, the Human Development Council, Vibrant Communities, and UNB Urban and Community Studies Institute. At least, we are doing something to advocate for economic and social justice.