We are a poverty-reduction catalyst.
Established in 1997, BCAPI is driven by the belief that ‘breaking the cycle of poverty’ is vital for our society to thrive and that tackling this stubborn complex problem requires collective leadership by business, community and government. Knowing that children and youth are most at risk and that their wellbeing and education success are fundamental to life success, leaders in Saint John NB are working together to help every child succeed - from cradle to career.
One vision, a bold action plan, and a set of clearly defined outcomes are creating the changes that engage the whole community in preparing every child. The collective work closes the education and employment gap for vulnerable children, supports the families, and strengthens the capacity of our city and our province to thrive well into the future. The return on investment is outstanding and lasting.
Saint John’s poverty reduction journey
In 2021, with the support of J.D. Irving, Limited, we engaged Deloitte to conduct a study of Saint John’s Poverty Reduction Journey. The results show progress is being made, but we still have lots of work to do.
According to taxfiler data, 13.4% of those living in the Saint John Census Metropolitan Area (16,600 people) live in poverty. This represents a 20% decline in poverty rate (or 4,100 fewer people) since 2000.
Over the past seven years, the percent of children entering Kindergarten at the appropriate level of development has been accelerating in the 5 priority neighbourhoods, but is still well below the school district average.
Generational poverty in Saint John continues to be concentrated in 5 inner-city neighbourhoods.
Today, 19% of children and teens (4,780) in Saint John CMA live in poverty compared with 24% in 2000.
High school graduation rates in Saint John’s 5 priority neighbourhoods have been improving over the past decade but continue to be well below the School District average.
In Saint John (CMA), 1 in 7 youth aged 15-24 are not in employment, education or training – significantly more than the Canadian average of 1 in 11.
Saint John’s collective efforts have been gradually closing the education gap for vulnerable children but there is more to do.
GET INVOLVED TODAY
Saint John’s history of breaking the poverty cycle is impressive. Ending child poverty is an economic imperative. While the solutions are multi-faceted, all evidence points to our need to invest in children’s education success, particularly in their early years. It’s the right thing to do and the case for return on investment makes sense.
Scott McCain
ONGOING SUPPORT
Saint John’s local business community has rolled up its sleeves to help every child succeed. Today, more than 100 organizations are contributing their time, talents and resources to the cause.
Over the past 20 years, BCAPI has helped to incubate, support, advise, volunteer for, and cheer on organizations that are closing the gap for vulnerable children and youth, including the following :
ACTIVE PROJECTS
BCAPI provides support, in various ways, that help to strengthen the work of organizations that are helping to close the education gap for children who live in poverty.
Latest Reports
