News Release

MONCTON (CNB) – Four organizations have received approval by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation to establish the remaining regional community inclusion networks.

"I congratulate the successful organizations and thank all those that submitted an application to host a community inclusion network," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, one of the four co-chairs of the corporation. "These networks are an important component of New Brunswick's poverty reduction plan as they will provide an inclusive forum to co-ordinate poverty reduction efforts at the local level."

The community inclusion networks will develop poverty reduction plans and work together to deliver programming tailored to local needs. The corporation will provide financial resources and support to the networks.

With these four chosen, all 12 networks have been established. The hosts for the remaining networks are:

●    Region 4 - Edmundston / Madawaska County / Grand Falls: Atelier RADO Inc.;
●    Region 7 - Miramichi / Surrounding Area: Miramichi Big Brothers - Big Sisters / Boys and Girls Club;
●    Region 9 - Harvey - McAdam - Nackawic / York South / Stanley / Doaktown: Neighbours' Alliance of York North; and
●    Region 12 - Acadian Peninsula - Fondation Communautaire de la Péninsule acadienne.

"Each community inclusion network will be a unique reflection of its community," said Léo-Paul Pinet, corporation co-chair. "Now that all of the networks have been established, stakeholders can move forward with bringing poverty reduction efforts directly to those who need help the most in their communities."

The corporation announced the final community inclusion networks during its June 24 meeting in Moncton.

In addition to approving the last of the community inclusion networks, the board also received an update from the three advisory committees. Members of the Advisory Committee for Health Benefits, the Advisory Committee on Social Assistance Reform, and the Advisory Committee for Social Enterprise and Community Investment Funds have been meeting regularly to discuss how to address the targets and objectives outlined in the province's poverty reduction plan.

Stultz also provided the latest progress report on the poverty reduction plan.  It is available online.

"I am pleased to provide an update on all the good work being accomplished through the province's poverty reduction plan," said Stultz. "Thanks to everyone’s efforts, progress is being made but there is still much to do to ensure all New Brunswickers have the resources necessary to meet their basic needs and to live with dignity, security and good health."

LINK:

●    Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation: www.gnb.ca/poverty