News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers have received two awards for their poverty reduction initiatives at the Poverty Reduction Summit organized by the Tamarack Institute and Vibrant Communities in Hamilton.

Cathy Wright of Saint John received the Legacy Award, which is presented to a person who has gone above and beyond their work in poverty reduction initiatives over a substantial period of time. She is a longtime poverty reduction advocate and recently retired as executive director of Living SJ, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all Saint John residents. The award she received recognizes the energy and passion she brings to her work, as well as her capacity to inspire others.

The Business Champion Award was presented to Saint John’s Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative to recognize the partnership between a poverty reduction initiative and a business. The organization is dedicated to breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty in Saint John by working with business leaders, community organizations, and individuals.

“I congratulate Cathy and the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative for winning these prestigious national awards,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Ed Doherty, who is also the minister responsible for Poverty Reduction and the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation. “It is an example of how individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses and government can accomplish great things by working together to help improve the lives of all New Brunswickers.”

Tamarack’s Poverty Reduction Summit brings together leaders from across the country and beyond. The theme of this year’s summit is Cities Reducing Poverty: When Business is Engaged.

In February the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation hosted a poverty reduction summit in Saint John as part of the development of the New Brunswick Family Plan. The New Brunswick Family Plan Framework is intended to complement the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan and 10-year education plans and aims to ensure that families are supported, resulting in a healthier province.

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