Saint John is a city with heart, resilience, and potential—but it is also a city facing serious challenges. One of the most pressing issues is food insecurity. Today, we have sixteen food banks operating in our region. When I began volunteering over four decades ago, there were only a couple. The growth in demand is a clear sign that more and more families are struggling to meet basic needs.
Food banks are doing incredible work, and I want to thank every volunteer who shows up day after day to help. But we must go beyond simply providing food—we need to ensure that the food we offer is nutritious and supports long-term health. Good nutrition is essential, especially for children and youth who are growing and learning.
At the same time, we need to address the root causes of food insecurity. That means building more affordable housing—and building it faster. Housing must be well-insulated, safe, and accessible. Children need stable homes, and they also need more support through recreation, mentorship, and education.
Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to break the cycle of poverty. Yet Saint John has by far the fewest post-secondary opportunities in Atlantic Canada. Moncton and Fredericton each have around 8,000 more university students than Saint John. Imagine what our city could look like if we had 8,000 more students living and studying Uptown—revitalizing our downtown, supporting local businesses, and inspiring young people in our neighbourhoods.
Universities receive a sizable portion of our tax dollars, yet Saint John sees little return. For 70 years, we have paid more in taxes than other cities, while much of our industrial and education-related funding is controlled by Fredericton. This imbalance has held us back.
To truly make Saint John better, we must fight for control over our industrial tax revenue and post-secondary funding. We need to invest in education, purpose, and opportunity—because all people need a reason to get up in the morning, something to strive for, and a community that believes in them.
It is frustrating to see young people in Saint John losing out on their potential. But it is not too late. With the right support, we can change the trajectory of our city. Let us prioritize nutrition, housing, education, and purpose—and build a Saint John where everyone has the chance to thrive.
