News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Three new members have recently been appointed to the board of directors of the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.

Brittany Merrifield and Michel Guitard have been appointed as representatives from the business sector, and Shelley Clayton as a representative from the non-profit sector. The appointments are for terms of four years.

Earlier this year, Paul Levesque, representing citizens living in poverty, and Juliette Breau, representing the non-profit sector, had also been appointed.

“I am pleased that these people have accepted to serve on the corporation’s board of directors,” said Nick Ganong, chair of the board. “They bring experience and knowledge to a board which plays a crucial role in the management and implementation of Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan 2014-2019. I thank the outgoing members for their excellent work during their term.”

The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation is a Crown corporation that co-ordinates and supports the implementation of the Economic and Social Inclusion Plan. The corporation’s board of directors is made up of 17 members representing persons who experienced or are living in poverty, non-profit organizations, the business sector and the government. Members are appointed for terms up to four years. A recent call for interest to replace members whose terms will end in 2018 ended on Nov. 24, 2017.

Biographical notes of the new members:

Michel Guitard lives in McLeod. He has been the executive director of the CBDC Restigouche since 1997. He has 30 years experience in the business community, with expertise in program development, human resources, financial and risk management.

Shelley Clayton has been the director of financial aid at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton since 1997. She has volunteered with many organizations. She has completed research projects regarding young offenders and earned her 10-year pin for volunteering to help youth who are on probation in Halifax.

Brittany Merrifield is the owner and photographer of a photography studio in Saint John, and a freelance writer. A single mother of four children, she has been an active volunteer in the community.

Paul Levesque is from Edmundston. He brings a wealth of experience in the fields of mental health, community living and social inclusion. He is also a member of the board of directors of the North West Community Inclusion Network.

Juliette Breau lives in Neguac. She is the executive director of L’Échange, a community centre dedicated to mental health patients in Tracadie. She is involved in the non-profit sector and is also a member of the Acadian Peninsula Community Inclusion Network.