FREDERICTON (GNB) – The adoption of Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan has helped Charlotte County make great strides when it comes to creating inclusive communities and supporting youth.

Thanks to the efforts of community leaders and volunteers, 56 community projects were created in the region since the plan was implemented.

“What I see today is that mobilization comes from all levels to address the issue of poverty and economic and social inclusion in Charlotte County”, said Ed Doherty, minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation. “The diversity of the projects is a terrific example of the change of culture in the way poverty is addressed. I commend all the residents of Charlotte County for their initiative.”

Vibrant Communities Charlotte County is the organization established as the Community Inclusion Network for the region. Its main regional priorities for 2016 to 2018 include:

  • increasing access to affordable transportation options for low-income families;
  • increasing access to safe, affordable housing for low-income families;
  • increasing access to learning opportunities that reduce the likelihood of children, youth and adults living in poverty;
  • increasing access to healthy food in the county;
  • promoting community economic development in the region; and
  • continuing to develop the network to provide support for poverty reduction.

Doherty was in the region to kick off a tour of the province’s Community Inclusion Networks. In addition to addressing issues such as community transportation and training initiatives with local stakeholders and community leaders, he also visited the Boys and Girls Club at the new St. Stephen Youth Centre.

The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation is a Crown corporation that co-ordinates and supports the implementation of the Overcoming Poverty Together plan. The corporation’s board of directors is made up of members representing persons who experienced or are living in poverty, non-profit organizations, the business sector and the government.

 

12-05-16