As Ray Croc once said, the quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves, and Minister Petitpas Taylor exemplifies this through her dedicated service. Though she is best described as a woman with a strong sense of valor and unwavering integrity, she also embodies the qualities of a true leader.
Her actions speak louder than words, as she continues to make a significant impact in the New Brunswick community and Atlantic Canada as a whole. Minister Petitpas Taylor is not only an advocate but also a champion for those who are often unheard.
Hailing from Dieppe, New Brunswick, as the youngest of a family of ten children, she graduated from the School of Social Work at the Université de Moncton and followed up with a wonderful career working in the mental health field as a frontline social worker for many years in the community.
However, for most of her professional life, she dedicated 23 years to serving at the Codiac RCMP detachment in Moncton, where she provided support to victims of crime, particularly those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of her clientele faced these challenging circumstances, and she found fulfillment in her role as a frontline social worker.
After chairing the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women and volunteering for many other causes that were near and dear to her heart, in 2015, she decided to transition into politics after being approached by individuals who saw her as a potential candidate for election. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe since then has been a profound honor for her, and she considers it the highlight of her career. Her passion for advocacy, honed over two decades of impactful community work, aligns perfectly with her current role in public service.
As a champion of the people, who always stand for justice and freedom of the people, she was asked on what led her transition into politics, and what motivated her to accept that suggestion?
“If you had asked me 30 years ago if I saw myself as a politician, I would have said no. It was not part of my plan because I genuinely enjoyed collaborating directly with people. I have always been known as someone who works at the grassroots level with those in need. However, around 2013 and 2014, I became disheartened by the state of politics and the decisions being made. When I was asked to run for office, I thought to myself, ‘Ginette, you can either sit on the sidelines and complain or you can get involved.’ So, I decided to roll up my sleeves. I believed that I possessed the qualities necessary to represent my community effectively: I genuinely care about people, I am empathetic, and I am driven to bring about positive change. That is why I decided to get involved. I have no regrets; it has been a challenging but rewarding experience that I do not take for granted, and one that I am committed to continuing in order to serve my community.”
She talked extensively on the initiatives to improve governance in New Brunswick and while reflecting on her past eight years in government, said “I have been fortunate to serve in various roles. Initially, I was content as the Member of Parliament for Moncton, Riverview, and Dieppe. However, upon winning my seat, the Prime Minister entrusted me with additional responsibilities. I served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, Minister of Official Languages, and (minister responsible) the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Presently, I hold the positions of Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.”
“Throughout these years, I have spearheaded significant initiatives nationally”, she continued. “As the Minister of Health, I focused on ensuring access to essential services and securing federal funding for healthcare across Canada. We also revamped the Canada Food Guide, a crucial public policy endeavor that faced opposition from various lobby groups. Despite challenges, we prioritized a science-based approach for the guide.”
“During my tenure as Minister of Official Languages, we introduced the first new legislation in 50 years to help uphold and protect our two official languages. This accomplishment holds significant importance for me. In my current roles, my primary focus is on providing quality services to our veterans promptly. Additionally, as the Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, my utmost priority is representing my constituents effectively in Ottawa and securing necessary resources for our community.
“I take pride in the investments we have secured for our region over the past eight years, addressing identified priorities at all government levels. I remain committed to advocating for the people of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and ensuring their voices are heard in Ottawa.
When it was remarked that the Moncton area has seen significant growth as a result of immigration in recent years, Minister Petitpas Taylor remarked: “It is gratifying to hear your positive feedback regarding the improvements in our community. Moncton’s status as the fastest-growing urban city in Canada reflects our efforts to attract immigrants and make our community more welcoming through strategic investments.
“With an increasing influx of immigrants to our community, it creates a ripple effect, enticing more newcomers to choose our area as their destination and not just as a temporary stop. I emphasize the significance of leaders assimilating into the local fabric. While we often stress the importance of immigrants integrating into our community, it is equally vital for us to embrace and immerse ourselves in the diverse cultures and energy they bring. This mutual integration benefits everyone involved, underscoring the shared responsibility we all bear in fostering a harmonious environment.
To ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents in the province, Minister Petitpas Taylor emphasized that “the primary responsibility” belongs to each province and territory in providing healthcare services to their constituents, but she also acknowledged the significant role of the federal government in collaboration with provinces and territories, highlighting recent investments in healthcare funding to address the needs expressed by provincial authorities and the “importance of recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses.”
Minister Petitpas Taylor also underscored the need to streamline credential recognition processes for foreign-trained healthcare workers and stressed the shared responsibility between federal and provincial governments in delivering timely and accessible healthcare services to Canadians and residents of New Brunswick.
Regarding her plan to support Black-owned businesses and address economic disparities within their community, she highlighted her previous experience as the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), where she engaged with various Atlantic Canadian stakeholders, including Black and women entrepreneurs.
She acknowledged the systemic barriers faced by these communities and emphasized the federal government’s commitment to providing financial support through initiatives like the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Program, administered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE). Interested individuals can access funding through the FACE website (www.facecoalition.com), with a focus on supporting Black entrepreneurs.
In response to addressing systemic racism and discrimination within government institutions in the province, the Minister said, “the importance of acknowledging its existence is a crucial first step”. She also raised as an example the problem of the overrepresentation of Black Canadians in the justice system, leading to the launch of such programs as the Black Justice Strategy to address systemic issues and barriers.
The Minister also emphasized the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents in New Brunswick, highlighting the government’s commitment to combating discrimination and promoting equality.
Talking about what role she envisions education playing in addressing systemic inequality and fostering inclusivity in New Brunswick, Minister Petitpas Taylor made it understood that education is fundamental and “foundational” to our society, especially in Canada, as it serves as a catalyst for knowledge dissemination and societal change.
“By educating our youth, we empower them to educate others, creating a ripple effect of awareness and progress. In the context of New Brunswick’s recent history with immigration, particularly in places like Moncton, where international students from Université de Moncton were once the primary immigrant presence, it is heartening to witness the growing number of individuals choosing to call New Brunswick, and Atlantic Canada as a whole, their home.
“This influx of immigrants has not only contributed to the region’s economic development but has also enriched the cultural tapestry and vibrancy of our communities. Embracing immigration is crucial for our collective growth and prosperity, as demonstrated by the significant contributions made by immigrants across various sectors within our society. As we navigate an aging population and declining birth rates, immigration stands out as a vital pathway for sustaining our population and ensuring a dynamic future for our country, province, and municipalities.”
On a final note, what are the primary areas that needs improvement in your constituency and how do you plan to address it?
“This is a significant question that I am constantly reflecting on, especially in the aftermath of the global pandemic.”
“Canadians and people worldwide have faced challenges due to COVID-19, and as we transition into a post-pandemic phase, affordability remains a pressing concern. Many individuals struggle to make ends meet, particularly when it comes to purchasing groceries. Ensuring affordable housing is also crucial, given Moncton’s population growth.”
“Our government’s focus remains on addressing all of these issues, and as the Member of Parliament for Moncton Riverview and Dieppe, I am committed to keeping affordability and housing (issues) at the forefront. Personal experiences, such as assisting a constituent in need of a kidney transplant, have reinforced my dedication to public service and the impact it can have on people’s lives.
“Every day, my office strives to support our constituents, even if success is not always guaranteed.”
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