Moncton City Council has heard first-hand from the province’s commissioner on systemic racism about newcomers.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting this week, Dr. Manju Varma told city council that Moncton must be honest with new arrivals over what it can provide which is how a welcome mat is created.

“There’s no point putting out a welcome mat full of fake promises or false promises, and then yanking that welcome mat out from underneath people when they arrive.”

Varma said she spoke to 47 individuals and groups earlier this year who are new to the city and she often heard that New Brunswickers are friendly but don’t want to be friends.

“I heard things like New Brunswickers are driveway friends. In other words, they wave to you from the driveway or they’ll come and help you shovel snow but they never invite you into their homes.”

City council adopted the report and will form an action plan to address systemic racism.