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Common Front for Social Justice |
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Common Front For Social Justice 96, ave Norwood, #208 Moncton, NB E1C 6L9 Tel.: 851-7084 fcjsnb@nbnet.nb.ca |
We had predicted someone would freeze
As I was reading Saturday's Times and Transcript paper, I came across an article saying that NB Power had cut off the electrical power to a social welfare recipient who was sick. That person's toes had turned black from frostbite and he died five days later.
Some time back, discussions took place at the Legislative Assembly regarding the issue that no power should be shut off in the winter months. I guess that New Brunswick politicians didn't support this proposition. Unfortunately, someone died . Who's to say that he didn't die from expose to the cold? The paper reported he had frost bite, his legs were purple, etc. This happens while NB Power Executives get big salaries and raises. Poor people can't pay off their rising electric bill arrears. There has been too many raises in power rate! Welfare checks are much too low.
Tragically, someone had to die! Now that a death has happened, maybe our decision-makers will listen to us when say that we can't pay the power bills. And the rates will soon be going up again since NB Power keeps demanding more money and our Liberal government lets that happen.
Our provincial government is not giving social assistance recipients enough money to live on. They cannot cover their basic needs, no matter how hard they try. New Brunswick welfare recipients are not getting enough money to eat properly, pay their rent and their energy costs. Some of them are in danger and our government has the obligation do not have the right to ignore this.
Johanne Petitpas
Common Front for Social Justice