News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The third progress report on the poverty reduction plan, Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan, was released today by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.

"Considerable work has been done by the 12 community inclusion networks created in the province in the last two years, as part of Overcoming Poverty Together," said Healthy and Inclusive Community Minister Dorothy Shephard. "The networks have partnered with various local organizations to develop and implement a large number of community projects, such as literacy programs, early childhood programs, community gardens and community transportation services."

The update, which covers the period from April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2013, consists of a general report on the Overcoming Poverty Together; a report on the activities and projects undertaken by the community inclusion networks; and a report on the priority action plan established at the onset of the initiative.

Highlights:

●    More than 1,150 meetings have been organized by the community inclusion networks and their partners;
●    More than 9,100 New Brunswickers were involved;
●    The corporation invested close to $1.3 million in activities and projects undertaken by the community inclusion networks, leveraging more than $3 million by the communities; and
●    The total value of all projects exceeded $4.3 million.

"The plan was created following a comprehensive public engagement exercise," said Léo-Paul Pinet, president of the corporation. "This non-partisan initiative – built on the collaboration of governments, business and non-profit sectors as well as people who live or have lived in poverty – provides all New Brunswickers with the necessary resources to meet the basic needs and to live with dignity, security and good health. Every individual and every community is entitled to build their capacities."

“I am happy to announce that the process to renew the Overcoming Poverty Together is now well underway.” Shephard added. “Residents of New Brunswick will hear more about it this coming fall as we continue to work together to rebuild New Brunswick."

The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation that co-ordinates and implements the Overcoming Poverty Together strategy. Its board of directors has 22 members representing government, business, non-profit community organizations and people who have experienced poverty.