Government of New Brunswick


June 11, 2020

FREDERICTON – The New Brunswick Women’s Council has launched a digital library of content on the COVID-19 pandemic that considers marginalized populations, the not-for-profit sector, or uses a social justice lens.

“As long-term recovery is planned, we have to ensure that the experiences, concerns, and ideas of individuals and communities who are often excluded from decision-making are heard,” said Jody Dallaire, council co-chair. “This library will help ensure that decision-makers have access to emerging research and analysis on how sexism, racism, ableism and other forms of oppression are shaping the effects of the pandemic and what solutions vulnerable and marginalized people and communities are identifying and, in some cases, already implementing at a grassroots level.” 

While most of resources in the library focus on women or are otherwise gender-based, it also includes content based on other identity factors (such as race, sexual orientation, and disability) and vulnerable or marginalized populations even if they make no mention of women or gender. The library contains content specific to New Brunswick, as well as content at the regional, national, or international level that is general or broad enough to be relevant to the province.

“Rebuilding in a way that reduces disparity, supports the most vulnerable, and increases equity is not only possible, it is necessary,” said Jennifer Richard, council co-chair. “Visioning and co-creating a renewed New Brunswick that centers the voices of those often left out of decision-making will make our province more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous for all.”

This library was developed in collaboration with Code for Canada, the Canadian Digital Service, and the Canadian School of Public Service Digital Academy, as part of their joint #OpenCall program to help government teams during COVID-19. Through Open Call, the Women’s Council was connected to a civic tech team from Code for Canada who worked with council staff to create this library.

The Women’s Council is an independent advisory body for study and consultation on matters of importance, interest, and concern to women and their substantive equality.

Media contact:  Beth Lyons, Executive Director, New Brunswick Women’s Council,
506-462-5142  [email protected]