New Brunswick is Canada’s largest Maritime province by area; boasts a population of 760,000; and is Canada’s only officially bilingual province, with 30% of residents identifying French as a first language. It is known for its laid-back and friendly culture, strong sense of community, lush natural spaces, and large fishing and agricultural industries. With only three urban centres (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton), it is also amongst Canada’s highest rural non-farm populations.
New Brunswick’s study highlights the benefits of a systemic shift from a needs-based framework to a strengths-focused, asset-based approach to poverty reduction. When governments align with, and resource, communities to identify the unique strengths and aspirations that exist in each unique community, building capacity to support the gaps, it creates a stronger foundation from which to foster prosperity for all.