Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
September 27, 2010Public
Consultations Announced Regarding Poverty Reduction Strategy
As part of an ongoing commitment to promote
self-reliance, opportunity, and access to key supports for persons
vulnerable to poverty, the Provincial Government today announced a
series of public consultations regarding the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
"These consultations are being held so that members of
the public can provide input that will inform our next four year Action
Plan," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources,
Labour and Employment and lead minister of the Poverty Reduction
Strategy. "Our strategy has created many positive outcomes since its
launch four years ago, and feedback from residents played a vital role
in achieving that success. I encourage the public to get involved in
this upcoming process so we can maintain our momentum in the fight
against poverty."
Fifteen public sessions will be held throughout the
province. Individuals can also provide feedback via e-mail, regular mail
or by telephone. In addition to the public sessions, focus groups and
roundtable meetings will be held in various parts of the province. A
discussion guide has been developed to help people participate in the
consultations, and it is available via the Provincial Government website
or upon request.
The Provincial Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy
was launched in 2006 with a budget of more than $30 million to support
20 initiatives aimed at preventing, reducing, and alleviating poverty.
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
allocated $134 million to the strategy to support more than 80
ongoing initiatives. The strategy includes a commitment to consult with
the public every two years to ensure initiatives reflect the priorities
of provincial stakeholders. The upcoming consultation process marks the
third set of poverty consultations held in this province, with previous
consultations informing the first Action Plan and the first Progress
Report.
"Addressing poverty restores the balance of
opportunity for all, therefore poverty reduction is essential to
building a truly prosperous province," said Minister Sullivan. "Our
provincial strategy should be a source of pride for all residents, as
advocacy groups throughout the country now recognize Newfoundland and
Labrador as a national leader with respect to addressing poverty. I look
forward to hearing input from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in the
coming weeks that will help us build on our ability to improve outcomes
for people who are vulnerable to poverty."
For further information about the consultations or to
provide input, please use the following contact information:
