A new fund with a focus on breaking the cycle of generational poverty in Saint John has been created thanks to a 10-million-dollar investment over five years from the provincial government.
Saint John has the dubious distinction of having some of the highest poverty rates in the country, and is tied with Toronto for having the highest child poverty rate in the country.
When we lift people out of poverty we are strengthening our workforce and the New Brunswick economy. https://t.co/sH4He89w6A
— Brian Gallant (@BrianGallantNB) May 23, 2017
It’s called the Social Innovation Fund and it is a partnership between the provincial government and Living SJ. The fund supports projects that are tackling the generational poverty problem in our area. Living SJ executive director Donna Gates calls this a game-changer for our community and the province.
Huge announcement @BrianGallantNB announces 10 Million in additional funding to support poverty reduction initiatives! @living_sj pic.twitter.com/Cb2WjTGwtn
— Wayne Long (@WayneLongSJ) May 23, 2017
“Saint John will be living lab,” says Gates, “so we’ll be able to test initiatives, be able to measure them and evaluate them, we’re looking for the most exciting innovative ideas possible to help break the cycle of generational poverty.”
“These projects will need to be…measured, to be evaluated, and to really see a social return on investment.”
The funding will be $2-million per year through the Regional Development Corporation and the Department of Social Development.
It won’t replace any already-existing government investments in programs which aim to end generational poverty.
Do you have a news tip?
Submit to NBNews@radioabl.ca.
