Emerald Gibson is the Green Party of New Brunswick's candidate for the provincial riding of Oromocto-Sunbury. As a lifelong community advocate, Gibson is determined to bring attention to critical issues facing his community, particularly the alarming number of seniors left vulnerable due to insufficient housing and government inaction.
“In New Brunswick, it is disheartening to see our seniors — individuals who have contributed so much to our society — struggling to find adequate, secure, safe housing and being forced into homelessness and to live in shelters that are not prepared to take care of their needs,” Gibson stated. “Under the leadership of Premier Blaine Higgs and Housing Minister Jill Green, our most vulnerable citizens like myself suffer. We cannot allow this to continue. Seniors should not have to worry about losing their homes or finding themselves in shelters and on the streets due to a lack of action from our provincial government.”
Seniors in our community are starving to meet their basic needs, by eating once a day and skipping medications and yet the solutions elude our current leadership
Gibson's candidacy comes when the need for a robust housing strategy for seniors is more pressing than ever. Many seniors in Oromocto-Sunbury are at risk like himself of facing homelessness due to rising costs and the failure of the Department of Housing to provide necessary support and resources. The response from the Higgs government has been inadequate, leaving many seniors without safe and stable living conditions. Gibson, himself is facing eviction on October 1st.
“While the government sits idle, seniors in our community are starving - both literally and figuratively. They are struggling to meet their basic needs, by eating once a day along with skipping medications and yet the solutions elude our current leadership,” Gibson continued. “We need a government that prioritizes human dignity, and human rights that actively works to ensure all citizens have access to safe, affordable, reasonably priced housing.”
Gibson is committed to championing policies that provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for New Brunswick seniors. His plan includes improved funding for senior housing, the establishment of supportive services, actions and a commitment to hold the government accountable for its actions and inactions regarding housing policies. As he embarks on his campaign, Gibson invites the residents of Oromocto-Sunbury to join him in advocating human rights and for a future where every senior has a safe place to call home. “Together, we can demand the change that is so desperately needed and ensure that no one in our community is left behind.”
