I rise today to acknowledge the leadership of government and public sector staff in developing the Poverty Reduction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador. This strategy demonstrates how the efforts of public sector employees can improve the well-being and quality of life for citizens in the province. Our employees were recently recognized nationally at a ceremony in Ottawa, as finalists, for a prestigious award for their efforts in the development and implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. I would like to note that many of those employees are with us today in the gallery.

These employees were finalists in the Institute of Public Administration Canada �(IPAC)/Deloitte Public Sector Leadership Awards program which recognizes organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership by taking bold steps to improve Canada, through advancements in public policy and management. I want to extend my congratulations on behalf of government to a truly professional team of highly dedicated public servants for their leadership and innovation in advancing the goals and objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

In June 2006, our government embarked down a new road to implement a Poverty Reduction Strategy. Built on consultation, it is our earnest commitment to transform Newfoundland and Labrador over a 10-year period from a province with the most poverty to one with the least. Indeed, our approach is well recognized as a best practice and model throughout the country. We are investing on an ongoing yearly basis over $100 million to support 60 new initiatives through the strategy. We are also working to consult with the public and stakeholders on how we can build upon this exceptional work.

It is through the hard work and dedication of our staff that our government can move forward in preventing, reducing and alleviating poverty in Newfoundland and Labrador. So, it is with a strong sense of pride that we celebrate the accomplishments of our public service and this team. Their demonstrated commitment to hard work, both within government, and more broadly in their active collaboration with other members of the community, has resulted in this well deserved national acknowledgement of our province�s efforts to tackle poverty.

It is by working together that we realize the benefits of this important aspect of our provincial public policy. Through the Poverty Reduction Strategy, staff are helping to ensure that barriers to opportunity are removed so that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can move forward and achieve greater self-reliance and participate fully in the life of the province.

I would ask that all honourable members of the house join me in acknowledging and thanking this group of individuals for their tremendous work on behalf of the province and for their commitment to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.