Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
March 9, 2015

Media Advisory: Minister to Address Poverty Reduction Summit

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, will address the Provincial Government�s Poverty Reduction Summit, to be held at The Lantern, 35 Barnes Road in St. John�s, on Wednesday, March 11, at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Members of the media who wish to attend any portion of the day-long event (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) are asked to register by calling 729-3609 or via e-mail at: povertryreduction@gov.nl.ca.

The Poverty Reduction Summit is a culmination of a province-wide engagement process which has seen more than 1,000 people, primarily those who have experienced poverty, provide input through community-led sessions, an online feedback form, written submissions, email or by phone. The summit, which will target key stakeholders and organizations, is an opportunity to reflect on what was heard during the engagement process, and how it will be used to help inform the Poverty Reduction Strategy�s next action plan.

More than $1 billion has been approved for poverty reduction initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador since the launch of Reducing Poverty: An Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador in 2006. A report outlining progress on the initiative was released in June 2014, and can be viewed at: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/poverty/pdf/prs_progress_report.pdf.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 09                             2:35 p.m.