Human Resources, Labour and Employment
December 16, 2010
The following statement was given
today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Joan Burke,
Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment:
Poverty Reduction Strategy 2010
Consultations Completed
I rise today in this Honourable House
to provide an update on the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
In keeping with the Provincial
Government�s commitment to consult the public every two years
about poverty, an extensive set of consultations was conducted
this past fall. In fact, this is the third set of consultations
we have held since 2005, demonstrating the significance of
public input in the initial development and continuation of our
anti-poverty efforts. These latest consultations are especially
significant, as they will help inform the development of the
next four-year action plan to fight poverty in Newfoundland and
Labrador.
I am pleased to report that
participation in the process was quite strong. More than 350
people attended the public consultation sessions held in
communities throughout the province. Three hundred more
individuals participated in roundtables and focus groups. We
also received numerous private submissions. In total, more than
650 stakeholders provided input that will help strengthen our
strategy as we go forward.
We can take pride in the fact that the
next four-year action plan will be built on the solid foundation
that was created by our first four years of work. Our Poverty
Reduction Strategy has been praised by advocates throughout the
country because of our long-term approach, our co-operation
among departments, our willingness to engage the public, and our
substantial investments.
For example, our government made an
additional commitment of $2.5 million through Budget 2010 to
support improvements to the Access Plan under the Newfoundland
and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The Access Plan gives
individuals and families with low incomes access to eligible
prescription medications. This enhancement to the plan gives
even more residents throughout the province access to the
prescriptions they need, and this initiative represents just one
of more than 80 ongoing initiatives under our strategy that are
having a positive impact throughout our province.
This government knows there is still
much work to be done and many challenges to be faced with
respect to fighting poverty. However, with the continued support
of advocates and the public, we will navigate those challenges.
I look forward to launching our next action plan, and continuing
this great work.
2010 12 16
1:45 p.m.
|