Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Child, Youth and Family Services
Education and Early Childhood Development
February 8, 2016

A Focus on Collaboration

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Discuss Social Issues in Canada

Poverty reduction, removing barriers for persons with disabilities, and improving outcomes for Indigenous children and youth in care, were among the issues discussed on Friday, February 5, as federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for social services met in Edmonton. It was the first FPT meeting of its kind in 10 years.

�The meeting was a tremendous opportunity to learn more about the new Federal Government�s plans to address specific social issues, and for provincial and territorial jurisdictions to share best practices and common goals. In Newfoundland and Labrador, we are committed to working with the new government, in the spirit of collaboration, to reduce poverty, address housing issues, improve accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities, and to give all children the best possible start in life.�
- Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services

The federal Social Infrastructure Fund and a National Framework on Early Learning and Childcare were also among the agenda items at the meeting. With respect to social infrastructure, the Federal Government has proposed priorities around affordable housing, seniors housing, cultural or recreational infrastructure, and the creation of more early learning and child care spaces. The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, participated in those discussions by phone.

�I was very interested in learning more about the development of a National Framework on Early Learning and Child Care. This is an important issue that impacts families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased that our province will be represented on the working group, once it is established, to develop this framework.�
- Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

The meeting was hosted by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Honourable Irfan Sabir, Alberta Minister of Human Service.

For more information on the Edmonton discussions, see: www.scics.gc.ca/english/conferences.asp?a=viewdocument&id=2377 .

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Sherry Gambin Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, participated in federal, provincial and territorial meetings in Edmonton on Friday, February 5.
• Poverty reduction, removing barriers for person with disabilities and improving outcomes for Indigenous children and youth in care, were among the issues discussed.
• It was the first FPT meeting of its kind in 10 years.
• The meeting was hosted by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Honourable Irfan Sabir, Alberta Minister of Human Service.

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2016 02 08                             3:55 p.m.