Message from the Minister

I am very pleased that my department, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, is taking a coordinating role in the development of a strategy to reduce the level and depth of poverty in our province. This will be a multi-departmental strategy and will build on a number of initiatives announced in Budget 2005 to help alleviate and reduce poverty. Examples include $1.8 million to increase income support rates for couples and single clients without children, funding to increase the 1st child benefit of the Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit and $350,000 for an improved earning exemption for working income support clients. In the area of health care, there is $1.6 million this year in conjunction with a total of $16.8 million of federal funding over five years to increase the number of low income families accessing the Child Care Services Subsidy program. On the education front, funding was provided to our post-secondary institutions to allow them to extend a freeze on tuition, and additional funding was provided for Adult Basic Education Level 1 pilot programs. Because of the complex nature of poverty, it is clear that a broad, integrated approach is necessary and must involve the input of our community partners. This discussion paper is designed to stimulate your thoughts and ideas on how best government can move forward on this very important initiative.

Joan Burke Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing