Child poverty in N.B. remains alarmingly high, report says

A Human Development Council report says 21.9% of New Brunswick children lived in poverty in 2023, unchanged from the prior year, and cites rising costs of essentials; the report uses federal Canadian Income Survey data and notes the next survey release is scheduled for May.

A Human Development Council report released this week says child poverty in New Brunswick remains "alarmingly high." The report draws on federal Canadian Income Survey data and gives a snapshot for 2023. Council researchers identified rising costs for basic needs as a primary factor cited in the analysis. Key facts: - The overall child poverty rate in New Brunswick was 21.9% in 2023, unchanged from 2022. - The council reports that rising costs for rent, food and energy are limiting families' ability to keep up with basic expenses. - Disparities are highlighted: the 10 Indigenous reserves with data showed a child poverty rate of 51.2%, and children in single-parent households had a rate of 47.8%. - The report is based on federal survey data and notes the next Canadian Income Survey release is scheduled for May. Summary: The report indicates persistent levels of child poverty across the province, with higher rates in some communities and household types. Updated federal survey data due in May will provide the next full measure of income and poverty trends.