New Brunswick: one step closer to a poverty reduction strategy

In 2002, Quebec became the first province in Canada to introduce a poverty reduction strategy. Seven years later, four other provinces – Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia – have established strategies as well.

Now, New Brunswick is one step closer to establishing its own strategy to reduce poverty for the approximately 100,740 people in the province living on low income.

The process began in the fall of 2008, when the government of New Brunswick launched provincial-wide public consultations to create dialogue and gather input from citizens about a poverty reduction strategy. Almost 2,500 people took part in sharing their ideas of what programs, policies and investments could reduce poverty in the province.

Last week, a report summarizing the public consultations was released. A Choir of Voices: The “What Was Said” report details the suggestions and recommendations of the province’s citizens on how the government should go about reducing poverty. It includes an extensive list of program and policy suggestions that include increasing investments in early childhood learning and care; increasing social assistance rates; creating more sustainable employment; and increasing the minimum wage, among others.

The strategy has now moved onto “Phase II,” in which roundtable discussions will be held to determine the specific policies to be included in the strategy. These discussions will be followed by a final forum in November, in which the strategy will be completed and released. Stay tuned for updates on the strategy in the months ahead!