To increase awareness and public access to more than 70 Provincial Government programs and services, a new guide, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Programs and Services for Individuals and Families is now available to residents of the province.

The new guide, an initiative of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, will help people find out about what Provincial Government programs and services are available to them including financial help, housing, shelter and home supports, education and learning help, employment and job assistance, health, justice and recreation. The guide contains basic information such as a program�s name and purpose, the relevant government department, a telephone number, and related e-mail and websites. It also outlines specific benefits for persons with disabilities, youth, and adults 65 years of age and older.

"In our 2007 Blue Print, our government committed to publish a guide to poverty reduction services for individuals and families," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The new guide meets an expressed need within our community for a convenient, single source of information that is easy to understand and which people can readily use to access our program and services."

The guide is on-line at www.hrle.gov.nl.ca/hrle/poverty/guidebook/. In addition to two standard versions available for download, the guide is also available in both audio and large print formats. Residents can call toll-free 1-866-883-6600 or e-mail povertyreduction@gov.nl.ca to request a print copy of the guide. Over time, the guide will reflect changes to programs and services and will be updated regularly through the website.

"Our government is firmly committed to a stronger social safety net that helps people break the cycle of poverty and develop to their full potential. The first step for many is access to information, and with the new guide people now can more easily embark on their journey to greater self-reliance," said Minister Skinner. "I am pleased to release this guide on the eve of the United Nations� International Day for the Eradication of Poverty."

To date the Provincial Government has committed over $100 million on an ongoing annual basis in support of initiatives to prevent, reduce and alleviate poverty.

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Media contact:

Ronalda Walsh
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-7903
ronaldawalsh@gov.nl.ca 

2008 10 16                                                    2:15 p.m.