Daniel Allain (submitted photo)

The MLA for Moncton East says social problems have been his number one priority since getting elected in 2020.

Provincial cabinet minister Daniel Allain commends the business community for seeking action on homelessness and crime.

Four business groups held a news conference in downtown Moncton on Friday and demanded the city and the province take immediate action to address these social issues.

Several recommendations were made including creating a plan to reduce rising crime in the downtown, providing adequate shelter and support services and to establish a mental health and addictions court in Moncton.

“I’ll make sure that these requests will be discussed with caucus at cabinet within the next couple of weeks,” stated Allain.

As for a mental health court, Allain noted the province is currently working on that issue.

“I’m hopeful that very soon we will have more on that specific request for a mental health court.”

In terms of funding and the large provincial budget surplus, Allain adds the budgetary process is underway and Finance Minister Ernie Steeves will be releasing a capital budget shortly.