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Poverty Reduction

The Poverty Reduction Strategy is a Government-wide approach to transform Newfoundland and Labrador from a province with the most poverty to one with the least over a ten year period. The strategy includes initiatives and programs which target the groups most vulnerable to poverty.

Poverty Reduction Initiatives

With Budget 2008, the ongoing annual investment in new initiatives to prevent, reduce and alleviate poverty to over 100 million dollars. Investments have been made in over 60 initiatives, including:

• Expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to include low income residents
• Free text books for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12
• Job Start Benefit to assist people leaving Income Support for work
• Family Board and Lodging Supplement for People with Disabilities
• Increase the operating budget for the 8 Women’s Centres in the province

Guiding Principles

We are committed to the following principles as we work with our partners to achieve our key directions of reducing, alleviating and preventing poverty:

• Taking a long-term approach
• Focusing on prevention
• Building on partnerships
• Finding the right policy mix
• Demonstrating accountability and measuring progress
• Taking an integrated and coordinated approach
• Addressing rural and urban differences
• Consideration of gender
• Consideration of Aboriginal issues

Documents and News Releases

• Programs and Services for Individuals and Families Guidebook
• 2008 Consultations
• Budget 2008 - Newfoundland and Labrador Continues to Invest to Lead the Country in Poverty Reduction Initiatives opens new window
• Budget 2007 - A vision of opportunity with New Actions to Address Poverty opens new window
• Budget 2006 - The Right Choices: Reducing Poverty; Increasing Self Reliance opens new window
• Poverty Reduction - An Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador PDF
• Related Documents
• News Releases

Partner Departments and Agenciess

• Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
• Department of Health and Community Services opens new window
• Department of Finance opens new window
• Department of Education opens new window
• Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development opens new window
• Department of Justice opens new window
• Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs opens new window
• Rural Secretariat opens new window
• Women’s Policy Office opens new window
• Labour Relations Agency opens new window
• Newfoundland Labrador Housing opens new window
• Volunteer and Non-Profit Secretariat

For further information or to provide feedback contact: