 I am pleased to release our Government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Newfoundland and Labrador is only the second province in Canada to address
poverty reduction with a comprehensive and integrated strategy. We are
establishing a solid foundation to meet our goal to transform Newfoundland
and Labrador into the province with the least poverty in the country.
This plan is the result of working together with many stakeholders and
community groups who are engaged in poverty prevention and reduction. As we
move forward, we intend to continue to work collaboratively with our
community partners. We will take a long-term approach and find a balance of
policies that works for all people. We will continue to consult regularly
and dialogue with community-based agencies involved in poverty reduction.
Together, we can find solutions to address the needs of persons who are
living with poverty in our province.
The Poverty Reduction Strategy builds on our Budget 2006 commitments. We are
making investments of over $30 million in 2006-07 and over $60 million
annually to support expanded eligibility for the prescription drug program,
the elimination of school fees, increases to income support programs, and
enhanced Adult Basic Education (ABE) offerings. Government is investing in
our social safety-net to ensure that poverty reduction occurs in a
meaningful way over time.
This approach will lead to a more self-reliant population. We will reduce
disincentives to employment and increase the inclusiveness of our education
system. This will enable more people to enter the workforce and achieve
self-reliance.
Our priority is to ensure that future generations of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians are afforded every opportunity to be successful and contribute
to our province’s prosperity. I encourage citizens to become more informed
and to get involved in finding meaningful solutions to tackle poverty. Let’s
work together to prevent, reduce and finally eliminate poverty in
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Danny Williams, Q.C.
Premier
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