Residents and community groups expressed an overall positive view of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. Representation at the various public and stakeholder sessions as well as that provided through other forms of feedback spoke of continued support for the intent and purpose of the Strategy. It is seen as a positive public policy initiative and investment. A total of 31 round table discussions and public sessions were held by Ministers as well as 11 focus group sessions by staff. Participants included persons with low income, advocacy groups, business, labour, and local community-based organizations. Overall, more than 700 residents in Newfoundland and Labrador participated in the consultations. The main themes arising from what was heard include:
People are seeing the Strategy’s impact reflected in individual, family and community life, and in particular, applaud the various measures undertaken to support parents and children with low income. This is noted in the following sample of comments.
“This is a good thing for the province to be doing”, Stephenville
“I think the strategy is making a difference for people”, Plum Point
“I have to applaud the efforts of government to move on this, it is important that this continues…”, Harbour Breton
“Poverty is a complicated thing to fix, I’m glad that they are trying to make it a bit better for people”, Low Income Focus Group Session
“No more school fees and free books is a great savings for families”, Community Advocates Focus Group Session
“We have a Kids Eat Smart program at the school and it’s a good thing for children who need access to healthy food everyday”, Stephenville
“The NLPDP has had a tremendous effect, now individuals can work without losing their access to the NLPDP”, Carbonear
“It is good to see an increase to the Rent Supplement Program and to see that some of these units are reserved for people with mental health issues”, Disability and Chronic Illness Roundtable
Residents feel that while the Provincial Government is moving in the right direction there remain a number of ongoing issues and challenges for individuals and families living in or vulnerable to poverty.
“Around here housing costs are rising fast and new affordable housing is non-existent, we have to address the shelter needs of low income people”, Labrador City
“People spend too much money to heat their homes, leaving very little for the rest of it”, Happy Valley-Goose Bay
“Women are not going to work because they do not have access to affordable child care”, Port Aux Basques
“Poverty touches all of us in different ways, for me better dental coverage would help my health and ability to pursue work”, Gander
“Very glad to see the NLPDP put in place but the co-pays are still very expensive”, St. John’s
“There are very few public transportation systems in the province…it is a major barrier to employment and education”, Harbour Breton
“The disincentives to employment for people with disabilities are overwhelming. Earning exemptions for people with disabilities need to continue and increase”, Disability and Chronic Illness Roundtable
“The cost of food is the biggest issue in this community. People cannot afford to eat healthy; they cannot afford fresh produce or milk”, Hopedale