A survey conducted for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton is reporting people in the area are generally positive about their quality of life.
However, CEO John Wishart says work still needs to be done on issues like public transit, and poverty.
64 per cent of those surveyed believed poverty is about the same, or worse than it was 10 years ago.
“There’s the perception, and it’s true that Greater Moncton’s economy is doing well, especially relatively well to the rest of the province, that’s all good, but as a business community we can’t forget those that aren’t along for that ride,” says Wishart.
The report card shows one in four households in the area had to make the choice between buying food or other life necessities.
In terms of cost of food and groceries, 58 per cent said they were affordable or somewhat affordable.
Wishart says the business community can help address poverty by creating jobs, and by pressuring governments to provide services at the lowest cost to those in need.
He acknowledged this is a more active role on these issues than the GMCC has taken before, but argued there’s that says the business community can’t lobby for things like better social services, and better healthcare.
