Pillars
New Brunswick's economic and social inclusion efforts have been marked by a commitment from all sectors to work together to reduce poverty and create a province where all residents can fully participate. In Overcoming Poverty Together 3 (OPT3), the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) will focus on achieving economic and social inclusion impact through a targeted number of priority actions.
Pillar 1
Income SecurityIncome Security is about the adequacy of income to meet one’s needs. Income can come from various sources including employment earnings, progressive taxation policies, and targeted financial transfers from all levels of government. Income security is a priority that requires both public and private sector leadership.
Many employed New Brunswickers struggle to afford their basic needs. The low-skilled segment of the labor market is often marked by low wages, limited benefits, and less than full-time work hours. New Brunswick’s income assistance rates are among the lowest in the country and are not indexed to the cost of living.
Priority Action
Make investments through a new social finance fund to increase the capacity and sustainability of social enterprises within non-profit organizations in New Brunswick
Pillar 2
Coordination of Programs and ServicesCoordination of programs and services is about making information easy to find and understand and simplifying application processes. It is about streamlining service delivery and ensuring that New Brunswickers know about important supports that exist and how to access those that they are eligible for. Improved coordination will reduce duplication and result in better outcomes and increased collaboration between organizations and sectors.
Pillar 3
Inclusion and Healthy CommunitiesHealthy communities are about creating and improving the physical and social environments where New Brunswickers feel included. It is about equitable access to health services, educational opportunities, healthy food options, leisure and activities, adequate and safe housing, etc. It is creating an environment where individuals can live and thrive with dignity.
Priority Actions
Improve access to mental health and addiction services and reduce wait times.
Develop and implement regional transportation plans to increase accessibility, affordability, and availability of transportation services.
Work with partners to provide inclusive opportunities for sport, recreation, and leisure activities for low-income New Brunswickers.
Support children and youth by ensuring there are school food programs in all New Brunwickers.
