New Brunswick is not doing well when it comes to poverty reduction efforts.

That is according to the latest poverty report card from Food Banks Canada.

Our province received a grade of D- for the second consecutive year.

The report grades each province on 13 indicators spread across four different categories.

They include experience of poverty, measurements of poverty, a standard of living, and legislative progress.

New Brunswick received a D- on poverty experiences, an F on poverty measures, a D+ on standards of living, and a D on legislative processes.

“Despite being among the more affected provinces, the New Brunswick government has hesitated to introduce poverty reduction strategies that will have a real and lasting impact on residents,” said the report.

One of the key findings in the report is that 37 per cent of people are spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.

Food Banks Canada made several recommendations, which include establishing a formal rent control guideline.

The organization said we should also establish a low-cost loan program to help spur more housing development.

“With a 2024 election on the horizon, parties will need to demonstrate that poverty reduction is a top priority,” said the report.

Across the country, seven out of 10 provinces received a D- for their approach to poverty reduction

Quebec received the highest score with a C+ while Prince Edward Island scored a C- grade.