The Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction held a roundtable consultation in April to get input from members of community organizations and the general public into the development of the province’s upcoming poverty reduction strategy. Representatives from Poverty Free Saskatchewan were in attendance and provided feedback. This article by Charles Hamilton in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix showcases some opinions from advocates, including the need to have clear targets and timelines.
Tag: Saskatchewan
Public Online Consultation – Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction
The Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction has launched an online survey which aims to gain feedback from the public about root causes of poverty, priorities for action, and potential solutions. Saskatchewan residents are asked to fill out the survey to share their experiences and thoughts on how the provincial Poverty Reduction Strategy should be developed. The survey closes May 15, 2015.
Link to the survey: http://gos.fluidsurveys.com/surveys/eccs/poverty-reduction-survey/
A recent article was published on the CKRM website about the Advisory Group and their consultations: http://www.620ckrm.com/ckrm-on-air/ckrm-local-news/9248-saskatchewan-government-creates-advisory-group-on-povery
PFS Presentation to Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction
On March 31, 2015, representatives from Poverty Free Saskatchewan met with members of the Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction. PFS delivered a presentation to the group. This presentation provided background information on the structure and work of Poverty Free Saskatchewan (e.g. research, building connections and consultations). The presenters also discussed some ideas the AGPR should consider in moving forward e.g. the potential to create legislation as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce poverty, and the need to involve people with lived experience with poverty in the process in meaningful ways.
Budget 2015: Families will be hit
By Emma Graney, Leader-Post,
The article features opinions by Peter Gilmer from the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry and Poverty Free Saskatchewan. The provincial budget was released yesterday, which revealed cuts to many programs due to reduced oil revenues. Eligibility changes were announced for the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, Active Families Benefit and Seniors’ Drug Plan (meaning that fewer residents will qualify for these programs) and funding for child care subsidies, Transitional Employment Allowance, and rental housing supplements is being reduced. Concerns have been raised that these changes are going to make it more difficult for residents living in poverty. The provincial government announced that it would be working towards an antipoverty strategy late last year, but this budget “doesn’t move us in that direction at all” according to Gilmer.
Link: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/business/Budget+2015+Families+will/10901984/story.html
Aboriginal job seekers in Sask. feel unemployment crunch: CBC
As unemployment in the province rises, this article by the CBC notes that Aboriginal people are especially hit hard. This trend has implications for the income gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the SK.
Link to the article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/aboriginal-job-seekers-in-sask-feel-unemployment-crunch-1.2996070
Government announces poverty reduction strategy committee
Today Saskatchewan Social Services announced the formation of a committee to develop its poverty reduction strategy.
See the media release http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2014/december/22/eleven-help-reduce-poverty
PFS outlines need for comprehensive strategy
PFS has outlined the need for a comprehensive plan when the government develops its poverty reduction strategy
New Report: poverty costs the province of Saskatchewan $3.8 billion/year
A new report by the group, Poverty Costs, examines the current state of poverty in Saskatchewan and provides evidence for the need of a poverty reduction strategy.
To read the report and supplementary resources, please visit:
http://www.povertycosts.ca/resources
Poverty Costs campaign calls for poverty reduction strategy
An exciting development in Saskatchewan – a new group adds to the calls for a poverty reduction strategy!
The following are some articles about the launch of the Poverty Costs campaign.
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The Poverty Costs website
http://pover-upstream.nationbuilder.com/
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Poverty Costs website launches
Staff ~ The Prince Albert Daily Herald
Published on March 09, 2014
http://www.paherald.sk.ca/News/Local/2014-03-09/article-3642878/Poverty-Costs-website-launches/1
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Coalition launches campaign to reduce poverty in Saskatchewan
By Aaron Streck
Coalition launches campaign to reduce poverty in Saskatchewan
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Poverty reduction strategy sought
By Betty Ann Adam, The StarPhoenix
March 11, 2014
http://www.leaderpost.com/business/Poverty+reduction+strategy+sought/9602784/story.html
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A Living Wage for Regina
A family of 4 with a children 4 and 7 years need $58,000 per year to live on. Minimum wage provides about $34,000. The graphics in the report tell the story. View entire report at .https://www.
Paul Gingrich, Simon Enoch, and Brian Banks worked on this document.
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A Living Wage for Regina is $16.46/per hour.
While Saskatchewan’s economy has outperformed the rest of the country for the past few years, many underserved groups have not benefitted from the province’s economic expansion. The adoption of a Living Wage by Saskatchewan municipalities and employers would offer a chance to more equally share the benefits of a booming economy. The income security derived from the Living Wage benefits not only workers, but their families as well, improving health and child development outcomes. Moreover, the Living Wage can be a boon to local business, drastically reducing absenteeism and employee turnover, enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty and providing privileged access to a new market of Living Wage employers. Lastly, the Living Wage can improve the health of our local economies by injecting much-needed income into the hands of low-income earners who will immediately turn around and purchase local goods and services.
We know that the costs to adopt the Living Wage are negligible and are far outweighed by the positive impacts on our families, business and communities. Adopting a Living Wage is one way we can restore a measure of fairness and dignity to our economic system. We hope that this initial report on the Living Wage for the City of Regina can spark a successful Living Wage movement throughout Saskatchewan.
View the full release here:
https://www.
Simon Enoch, PhD
Director
CCPA Saskatchewan
G-2835 13th Avenue
Regina, SK
S4T 1N6
(306) 924 3372