News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Housing sector stakeholders from across the province are taking part in a one-day virtual workshop today to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing New Brunswick and consider how to work together to address the housing crisis.

“Our housing crisis needs an all-hands-on-deck approach to find improvements for our residents,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Jill Green, who is also minister responsible for housing. “Today’s workshop provides an exciting opportunity for representatives from across the housing spectrum to discuss the unique and collective challenges facing our province and start thinking of creative solutions.”

To spur discussion, participants will hear from leading experts who will share their experience and knowledge on the current state of the province’s housing sector.

The workshop is in partnership with the New Brunswick Real Estate Association and features guest speakers, including economist Herb Emery and Marcel LeBrun, founder of 12 Neighbours Inc.

“I am very excited to be part of today’s workshop and share in the important discussions taking place,” said LeBrun. “Housing is a complex issue and requires a collaborative approach which is what today is all about.”

To help ensure a fair representation of the province’s housing sector, participants were selected from community groups and organizations and from the public and private sectors. Special attention was taken to ensure representation from urban and rural communities, First Nations, anglophone and francophone communities, tenant groups, homeowners, developers, landlords, newcomers, researchers, housing advocates, the skilled trades and private employers.

Participants will be invited to a second phase of discussions in-person during the Housing Futures Summit in May.

“I look forward to today’s discussions and am eager to hear from participants on their ideas for working together on tangible solutions during the housing summit,” said Green.

The summit will support the creation of a housing strategy expected to be released in June 2023.

Information on provincial housing programs and support is available online or by calling a housing navigator at 1-833-355-3262.