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Advanced Education and Skills
Child, Youth and Family Services

March 27, 2014

Poverty Reduction Strategy Total Investments Surpass $1 Billion

With approximately $170 million in Budget 2014, the total investment in the Poverty Reduction Strategy to support the Provincial Government’s long-term approach to alleviate poverty has surpassed $1 billion. A highlight of this historic investment will help the most vulnerable with $4.8 million to raise the basic rate for people receiving Income Support by five per cent, beginning July 1, with a projected investment of $32.3 million over the following five years.

“By choosing to make an unprecedented level of investment for the Poverty Reduction Strategy of $170 million, this government continues to demonstrate a dedicated commitment to support our most vulnerable. As well, the five per cent increase in the basic rate for Income Support puts more money in the pockets of those who need it most. This latest funding in Budget 2014 will help further address poverty and restore the balance of opportunity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.” - The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Financial Supports for Seniors and Persons with Low Incomes
As referenced in the Department of Finance announcement, Budget 2014 includes an increase to the Seniors’ Benefit. The maximum payment seniors will receive in October 2014 will be the highest ever at $1,036, up from $971 in 2013.

Supports for Affordable Housing and Addressing Homelessness
Budget 2014 includes investments to support affordable housing through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. For example: • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and the Provincial Government will again partner with the Government of Canada to extend the $68 million Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement for an unprecedented five years.

Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Efforts to advance inclusion that indirectly support the aim and spirit of the Poverty Reduction Strategy will continue with the expected signing of a new Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities. The agreement will see a $12 million annual investment from the Provincial Government, supported by a Federal Government investment of $4.6 million.

Supports for Children, Youth and Families
Complementing the Poverty Reduction Strategy, Budget 2014 is providing additional supports to vulnerable children, youth and families, including approximately $1.5 million for an additional 20 new positions, including social worker supervisors and social workers.

"The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services continues to make significant progress in the areas of program and service delivery to our province’s most vulnerable children, youth and families. Budget 2014 builds on this progress with investments to hire 20 new positions including social work supervisors and social workers; implement a new mentoring team and hire two new community service workers for the Innu Zone; and, strengthen the capacity and role of the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association.” - The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

For further details see Backgrounder: Supports to Help Those Most Vulnerable.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

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Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca

2014 03 27                               3:00 p.m.

 
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