Public input sought for renewal of NB’s Poverty Reduction Plan
Western Valley Regional Service Commission is seeking public input as it develops a strategy to reduce poverty and improve inclusion within the region.
In a news release, the commission said that Western New Brunswick Community Development (WNBCD) will host three Community Dialogue sessions on poverty reduction and economic and social inclusion in the coming weeks.
These dialogues – taking place in Southern Victoria, Woodstock and Carleton North – are designed to encourage public discussion on ways to reduce poverty.
Several sessions of this kind are scheduled throughout the province in February, March, and April. They will lead to the renewal of Overcoming Poverty Together, New Brunswick’s Poverty Reduction Plan.
WNBCD will host the first Western NB dialogue at the Perth Elks Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
It will hold the second session on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Woodstock.
The third session, an evening dialogue, will happen from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, at the Florenceville-Bristol Community Hall in Carleton North.
WVRSC Community Development Coordinator Wendy Marr said that participants’ input is essential in developing an effective strategy that will allow the community to work on solutions that will improve the chances of success for all citizens.
“I encourage local residents from all backgrounds to attend one of the sessions and to make sure Western New Brunswick’s voices are heard,” said Marr. “Poverty reduction and social inclusion are very important topics, and we can all be involved in the development of the next five-year plan.”
She explained the New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) invites everyone to engage in the renewal of Overcoming Poverty Together.
Marr said a comprehensive public engagement process, which includes an online questionnaire, community, sectorial and virtual dialogues, focus groups and a call for briefs on various themes, will lead to the renewal of the provincial plan.
She said input from citizens, non-profits, businesses, and all levels of government will help New Brunswick collectively develop a focused strategy that will support the improved quality of life of families, communities and the province.
To take the online questionnaire or to find out more about the process, visit www.NBTogether.ca
“Whether you participate in person, online or both ways, your ideas will be compiled and used to shape the next poverty reduction plan,” said Marr.
