In this episode, we speak with Peter Jongeneelen from ACORN. We delve into the realm of tenant rights and housing laws, shedding light on some promising developments for renters. We discuss the latest housing strategy unveiled by the Government of New Brunswick, exploring its implications and notable features. While the strategy offers hope and potential improvements for renters, we also address a noteworthy absence: the absence of a rent cap. Tune in as we dissect this pivotal aspect of tenant rights, decipher the government's approach, and assess its impact on the housing landscape. Join us for a vital conversation on the ever-evolving world of housing policy and its significance for tenants.

Hi Everyone!

This was a more ambitious episode for the podcast. With my guest, Nicki Lyons-MacFarlane, a trans non-binary person and queer and trans rights advocate in Fredericton, we are incorporating clips from news stories about Policy 713 and reacting directly to statements made by Premier Higgs and Education Minister Hogan about trans youth. 

Working on this episode has definitely given me a lot of respect for the journalists whose stories on this topic we have pulled from - they make it look easy! In hindsight, I wish I had done a better job setting up our clips to make a better listening experience for you. I so deeply appreciate you all being on this journey with me as I’m learning how to podcast and expanding the scope of the show.

Below are the news stories we reacted to in the episode:

Reminder that the Rally for Policy 713 will be at La Station Workspace THIS SUNDAY! 

Where: 232 Botsford St, 2nd floor

When: Sunday Sept 10, 1-5PM

 Thanks and enjoy the show. 

This year, the provincial government of New Brunswick made changes to Policy 713, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy. This policy came out in 2020 to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth in schools. However, the same government that initially passed the bill placed it under a controversial review and altered the language in such a way that the rights of trans youth in schools have been eroded.

My guest is Pascale Joëlle Fortin Daigle, of Hello Gender. We discuss the following changes that were made in the bill:

1. Teachers now need parental permission before they can use a young person's preferred name or pronoun.

2. Trans youth who do not want to come out to their parents must visit a school counsellor to "make a plan" to come out. (After recording Hogan has since said that children will be encouraged rather than forced into a counsellor's office, however, the emphasis around making a plan to come out to parents remains).

3. Language protecting the right of trans kids to participate in extracurricular activities that align with their gender identity has been removed.

Trigger Warning:

There is mention of suicide at the following timestamps. Please listen with care and prioritize your safety:

We also share about Well & Fair's first-ever Community Event. In partnership with Hello Gender, we are hosting a Rally for Policy 713 on September 10, 2023. We will be raising our voices and celebrating trans joy. I hope you can make it.

In today's episode, we talk about a Solutions Lab, being hosted by OStrategies which goes beyond research and is committed to prototypes and action. This Lab seeks to address barriers to housing, especially for those faced with addictions, mental health issues, and violence. We are still early in the process and my guests Cory Herc and Bryn Ferris share what they've learned, how they learned it and the importance of bringing the whole sector together to address homelessness. If you want to reach out to find out how you can be a part of this Solutions Lab don't hesitate to email [email protected]

In today's eye-opening episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching reality of tent cities and their impact on the unhoused. Join us as we uncover the startling findings from scientific research on involuntary displacement and its grievous consequences for vulnerable individuals. From increased overdose deaths to loss of vital support services, the toll is staggering. We shine a spotlight on Moncton's housing crisis and the complex web of responsibilities between municipalities and provincial governments. With public pressure to address homelessness as a criminal problem, we explore the challenges faced by the city and examine potential solutions. Don't miss this crucial conversation on the urgent need for change.

In today's Facts & Footnotes we read through the Final Report for At Home/Chez Soi, created by The Mental Health Commission of Canada. They researched whether Housing First would help address homelessness in Moncton - and it does! This study shows that the human solution is the affordable solution. Let's go through the report together.

On today's episode, we talk to Marc Belliveau, executive director of Harvest House about his video campaign created to humanize his clients and all people experiencing homelessness in our community. We also talk about the full scope of the program offered at Harvest House that helps vulnerable people get back on their feet.

Hi Everyone,

You might remember from a couple of weeks ago we put out a teaser for bonus episodes that could be found on Patreon. Well, the team at Well & Fair has decided we don't want to put the episodes behind a paywall. It does not align with the larger mission of the podcast.

So we are course-correcting now and releasing the full episode this week. We have a lot of these Fact & Footnote episodes planned and in the process of being scripted - those will be available free of charge in the same stream as the main show. A lot of thought and love went into the monologue and I hope you get something out of it.

Thanks

On today's episode, Olivia Huyn from the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic talks about the process of asylum and the gaps in our social safety net.

On today's episode, we talk to the three members of the Green Party Caucus of New Brunswick: Megan Mitton, David Coon and Kevin Arseneau. We discuss the Housing Minister's plan (or lack thereof) to address the housing crisis in New Brunswick. They share the impact that the housing crisis has had on their constituents, propose policy solutions that could work to keep vulnerable people in their homes, and share concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the decisions to both put the rent cap in place and then abolish it.

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