News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) - The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) supports the changes to social assistance programs recently announced by the Department of Social Development, as they are consistent with the objectives of the Overcoming Poverty Together plan.

“We are delighted with this announcement,” said Shelley Clayton, co-chair for the corporation’s board of directors, representing citizens who experienced or are living in poverty. “The forthcoming improvements to social assistance programs will help many New Brunswickers better meet their basic needs and provide an opportunity to thrive in the community. This is a great start and we are excited to see what is to come in the next steps of this reform.”

These changes, announced as part of Social Assistance Reform, will provide social assistance recipients with more income starting Oct. 1.

Clayton said these changes align directly with the first priority action of the corporation's Overcoming Poverty Together 3 plan which is: Conduct a social assistance reform to remove barriers to employment for employable clients and provide adequate income support for multi-barriered clients who do not have the capacity to work.

“The changes made are fair. Beyond the monetary value associated with these changes, the Department of Social Development values the efforts of less fortunate people who want to work and contribute to the needs of their loved ones,” said Jean Allain, co-chair for the corporation’s board of directors, representing the non-profit sector. “By updating the definition of deaf, the ministry is demonstrating sensitivity to people with this condition and this will result in greater inclusion for all.”

Details of the Social Assistance Reform 2021 are available online.