News Release

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

Mary Lesage, from Saint John, has been appointed as a person representing citizens who have experienced or are living in poverty. Jean Allain, Germaine Guimond and Chantal Landry have been appointed as representatives from the non-profit sector.

“The new members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the corporation’s board of directors,” said Nick Ganong, chair of the board. “Their presence will be a significant asset to the management and implementation of Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan 2020-2025.”

Outgoing board members Juanita Black, Jennifer Melanson and Monique Richard have served on the corporation’s board since its inception in 2010, representing citizens who have experienced life in poverty. Roger Martin, the fourth outgoing member, had joined the board in 2013 representing the non-profit sector.

“These caring women and men from around the province have dedicated many hours of their valuable time through the years to improving the quality of life of vulnerable New Brunswickers,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch, who is also minister responsible for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation. “They have played a critical role in building a better province and I thank them sincerely for their commitment.”

The appointments are for terms of four years.

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 comprises 17 members representing people 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.

Biographical notes of the new members:

Mary LeSage, in Saint John, is the operations manager of the non-profit group People United in the Lower South End. A single mother of three who experienced being on income assistance, she is active in her community.

Jean Allain, in Beresford, is a retired community college instructor and administrator. He has been involved with Scouts Canada and with other community organizations which focus on economic development, family services and poverty reduction.

Chantal Landry, in Dieppe, is the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Moncton. She has worked in the non-profit sector for most of her adult life, most notably for the Common Front for Social Justice of New Brunswick and Youth Impact Jeunesse.

Germaine Guimond, in Richibucto, has worked for 25 years at the Department of Social Development regional office. She has worked nearly 30 years in organizations that focus on social development and community inclusion, including the Kent Community Inclusion Network and the Rural and Urban Transportation Advisory Committee.