Province to host public sessions on poverty, social inclusion

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New Brunswick will soon host another round of public engagement sessions to collect statements, thoughts and ideas on how to address poverty and social inclusion.

Marc Gosselin, spokesperson for the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, said Monday this will be the fourth round of public sessions. The dates and locations have not yet been set, but will be made public once the schedule is complete. 

Meanwhile, anyone who has an opinion may fill out the online survey at nbtogether.ca, and leave comments on how New Brunswick and its municipalities can address poverty. 

“The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation has developed a comprehensive public engagement process that includes an online questionnaire, in-person community and sectorial dialogues across the province, virtual dialogues, focus groups and briefs,” Jean Allain, chair of the corporation’s board, said in a news release. “The success of this initiative requires participation from everyone: the community non-profit organizations, businesses, citizens and governments.”

The province’s 12 community inclusion networks are partnering with the corporation to hold community conversations on ways to reduce poverty and promote economic and social inclusion. People are also encouraged to organize other dialogues in their own communities.

The province said a background document – Looking Back to Move Forward – outlining efforts of the last 12 years and the current situation will help participants prepare for the public engagement activities.

“Collaboration plays a vital role in making New Brunswick a better place for everyone,” Social Development Minister Jill Green said in the news release. “It is also important when working to overcome poverty. The upcoming public engagement sessions are an excellent opportunity for non-profits, businesses, government and citizens to have their voices heard.”

The Economic and Social Inclusion Act states that the corporation must renew the plan every five years through a public engagement process.

“Once this first stage of the process is completed, the ideas collected will be analyzed by subject matter experts. Taking into consideration those opinions, the corporation will then create a list of priority actions that will shape the new plan,” the new release said.

The Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation is a Crown corporation that co-ordinates and supports implementation of the Overcoming Poverty Together plan. The corporation’s board of directors consists of members representing government, business, non-profit groups and people who have experienced poverty.