The ability to measure progress in reducing child poverty in the province is severely compromised due to the lack of credible data. According to the national report card released by Campaign 2000 in Toronto, the national child poverty rate was 14.3%, down slightly from the rate reported last year. The 2013 national report does not offer provincial breakdowns, citing similar data shortcomings.
The New Brunswick report is a complement to the national effort. In this year’s report we have chosen to highlight recent findings related to gender, food security and skills. The report also touches on the affordability of post secondary education and the deplorable conditions faced by many First Nations children. The report contains a number of recommendations, including indexing the minimum wage in New Brunswick and implementing a prescription drug program.