The Human Development Council (HDC) has released its 2024 Child and Family Poverty Report Card, highlighting a rise in child poverty rates across New Brunswick.

Using 2022 tax filer data, the report found that 31,430 children in the province—21.9 percent—were living in poverty. This marks a 3.2 percentage point increase from the previous year and the highest rate since pre-pandemic declines.

New Brunswick’s child poverty rate now ranks fourth among Canadian provinces, exceeding the national rate of 18.1 percent.

The report also notes significant disparities within the province, with poverty rates surpassing 29 percent in Campbellton, Saint John, and Bathurst, while Dieppe recorded the lowest rate at 14 percent.

Certain populations remain disproportionately affected, including children under six, those in single-parent households, racialized children, and Indigenous children. These groups face higher-than-average poverty rates, underscoring the ongoing need for focused interventions.

The findings come as the country marks 35 years since the federal government’s pledge to eliminate child poverty by 2000.

The full report is available in English and French on the HDC’s website.