Overcoming Poverty Together 4
The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan (2025-2030)
Overcoming Poverty Together
is focused on poverty reduction and improving the quality of life for people living in our province. The plan has a unique and collaborative approach which requires the alignment of all sectors at the local, regional, and provincial level. Just as this plan is collaborative, it is also inclusive. It embraces diversity as each measure is intended to apply to all New Brunswickers.
The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC)
was established as a catalyst to promote and foster partnerships between the 4 key sectors in the community: non-profit, business, government, and citizens.
ESIC was also created to incubate, foster, and drive the plan. The Economic and Social Inclusion Act was adopted at the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick to support the plan and the Corporation’s efforts in its implementation.
The Act stipulates that the plan must be renewed every five years through a public engagement process. The fourth plan, Overcoming Poverty Together 4 (OPT4), was launched on February 19, 2025, after a thorough public engagement process. It includes 16 priority actions under 3 pillars.
Vision
A New Brunswick where every person can build a good life, where they have equitable access to services and benefits provided with compassion and dignity, and where they have a chance to flourish in their culture and community.
Target
In OPT4, ESIC remains committed to the pursuit of the goal of a 50%* reduction in poverty by 2030, which is consistent with established national and international goals.
*from 2015 poverty rates
Guiding Principles
Equity
Recognizing that one size does not fit all. Inequality results in different levels of access to opportunities.
Inclusion and Belonging
Ensuring that everyone can fully participate in their community and the economy.
Affordability
Helping people have the financial resources to meet their basic needs.
Wellbeing
Helping individuals thrive so everyone can reach their best quality of life.
3 Pillars, 16 Priority Actions
Pillar I: Basic Needs and Wellbeing
1 - Food Security
2 - Transportation
3 - Child care
4 - Housing
5 - Health
6 - Prescription drug coverage awareness
Pillar II: Income Security
7 - Connection to benefits
8 - Financial literacy
9 - Improved working conditions for workers with a low income
10 - Unique challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities
11 - Review of asset exemption thresholds for government programs and services
12 - Creation of an advisory committee on income security
Pillar III: Strengthening People-Focused Service Delivery
13 - Reduced barriers to better connect
14 - Sensitization training opportunities
15 - Expanded support for youth who have reached the age of leaving the care of the Minister
16 - Support of the non-profit sector
Want to know more about the progress of the Priority Actions? Check out our Dashboards!
Renewal Process and Launch
Approximately
42,000 comments
were received from some
4,416 participants
through community and mini dialogues, focus groups, an online questionnaire, sectorial dialogues, a virtual dialogue, and general and thematic brief submissions.
Sign the Pledge!
Make a bold move now and begin a ripple of change that will transform your community into a place where all people can thrive. Start today by taking the Pledge! Even better: Raise your level of engagement and lead by example by displaying your signed Pledge and sending it to ESIC!
Click on the image to open the Pledge in PDF format