The New Brunswick Reference Group paper describes the rationale for social investment and advocated for improved collaboration between the public, private, and community sectors. As several reference group members were involved in the provincial Social Policy Review Process, both formal and informal linkages were made with that process. The Reference Group concluded that government, communities, and the private sector need to work together more effectively to ensure policies support key social investments to address social exclusion. Much has been learned about collaboration and partnerships. The most important thing learned is that collaboration is not easy nor should it be treated lightly.
Partnerships require trust, effort, commitment and time to establish.
There is a need for policies to mitigate against social exclusion and for policies to actually promote the social and economic inclusion of all citizens. As these papers have demonstrated, there are many different ways or strategies for action, in which political institutions, governments, communities and citizens can work together at many levels to ensure that all people are included in our society. These policies will enhance the health and well being of all citizen, develop community cohesion and resilience and lead to a better society for all. August 2000 References Janis Wood Catano, Report on Child Poverty in the Atlantic Region. Health Promotions and Program Branch, Health Canada, 1998.