N.B. election spurs interest groups

The provincial election is almost two months away, but the electioneering has already started — and not just by the politicians.

Two different interest groups issued reports Thursday in advance of the Sept. 27 election date, each hoping they can get their issue on the agenda of the parties and on the minds of New Brunswickers.

In Moncton, the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity said they want rules changed so that pay equity applies to more than just public sector workers.

Meanwhile, in Saint John, the New Brunswick Real Estate Association wants the property tax system overhauled.

Geoff Martin, a political science professor at Mount Allison University, said it's essential for interest groups to become more active just before an election campaign.

"You hope by getting public support and increasing public support for a certain issue that that will have an impact on government and on party leaders," he said.

Outdated system

The realtors' group said the current property values system is badly outdated and confusing. It needs to be overhauled, they say, and homeowners with fixed or low incomes need more support.

Jason Stephen, an association member, said he has already met with four major parties to outline the association's concerns.

"It requires a premier to roll up his or her sleeves and say, 'This is an issue,'" Stephen said.'

New Brunswick has five official parties running candidates in the Sept. 27 election: the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party, the Green party, and the People's Alliance of New Brunswick.

He said he understands that municipalities have difficult infrastructure demands.

"But I think the [provincial] government has to show the leadership to sit down and want to work out a solution to this problem."

The pay equity coalition includes the Institut féminin du Nouveau-Brunswick, Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick, and the Canadian Federation of University Women.

The organization will be meeting to discuss pay equity with local MLAs in the coming weeks.

"It's great because together we know that we represent thousands of women in New Brunswick," said Johanne Perron, the coalition's executive director.

"That's really, really positive and women from different walks of life, so that's very exciting for us. I think it means the politicians will have to listen to women's voices."

The election campaign is not officially underway yet, but the election writ will be issued on Aug. 26.

However, both the Liberals and the NDP began unveiling major planks of their platforms this week.