Social development is about improving the well-being of every individual in society so they can reach their full potential.  The success of society is linked to the well-being of each and every citizen.

Social development means investing in people.  It requires the removal of barriers so that all citizens can journey toward their dreams with confidence and dignity.  It is about refusing to accept that people who live in poverty will always be poor.  It is about helping people so they can move forward on their path to self-sufficiency.

Every New Brunswicker must have the opportunity to grow, develop their own skills and contribute to their families and communities in a meaningful way.  If they are healthy, well educated and trained to enter the workforce and are able to make a decent wage they are better equipped to meet their basic needs and be successful.  Their families will also do well and the whole of society will benefit.

An affordable, high quality child care system is also needed for society to succeed.  When people know that their children are being well taken care of, they can be more productive in their jobs.  When employers have good employees their business is more likely to succeed.  When businesses succeed, the economic situation of a community is improved.  An investment today in good child care programs can provide many long term economic benefits for society.

In addition, a safe affordable place to live is very important in helping people achieve self-sufficiency.  It is the focus of family life; where families can live safely, nurture their children, build community relationships and care for aging parents.  Without a decent place to live, it is difficult to function as a productive member of society .

Other investments in people that contribute to the economic prosperity of society include youth programs and services, post-secondary education, job creation, promotion of healthy, active living and safe and secure communities

To reduce poverty we need to take a social development approach and invest in our people.  By investing in people we can reduce poverty.  We need to go beyond looking at government to find ways to develop our most valuable resources, our people.  We need to share responsibility with community organizations, businesses, universities and municipalities in the task of improving the well-being of all New Brunswickers and preventing and reducing poverty