More companies in Saskatoon are now offering a living wage

From the CBC: the ‘living wage’ movement continues to grow in Saskatoon. Four more companies in the city are now pledging to offer a wage that would support a family of four ($16.68 or higher).

The Living Wage YXE group is encouraging more companies to offer living wages, as it can help in the fight against poverty. Offering a living wage can also have benefits for businesses, for example, “lower employee turnover and better customer service.”

The article can be found here: http://thestarphoenix.com/storyline/four-saskatoon-companies-have-pledged-to-pay-employees-a-living-wage 

Living Wage Saskatoon launch Oct 28

The Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership is holding a launch event for for Living Wage Saskatoon
Oct 28th 2015, 9:30-11:00am
Le Relais (308 4th Ave N Saskatoon)
For more information see
“Business Case for Living Wage in Saskatoon” report livingwageyxe.ca
Twitter @livingwageYXE #LivingWageYXE
Contact:
Colleen Christopherson-Cote, Community Partnerships Facilitator
Saskatoon Poverty Reduction Partnership (SPRP)
rm 880 122 3rd Ave N Saskatoon, SK S7K2H6

 

 

New research about impact of poverty in Saskatoon Health Region

A new report by the Public Health Observatory of the Saskatoon Health Region discusses the need to address health inequities in the city. Residents living in lower-socioeconomic status neighbourhoods of Saskatoon tend to have lower life expectancies and poorer health (e.g. diabetes, injuries, and heart disease) compared to neighbourhoods with less deprivation.  For example, people living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the city have a life expectancy at birth of only 76 years, compared to 85 years in the most advantaged neighbourhoods. These health gaps have been persistent over the years.

Media article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/effects-of-poverty-in-saskatoon-are-illness-and-death-1.2685727

More information is available on the CommunityView Collaboration website: http://www.communityview.ca/infographic_SHR_health_equity_2014.html

Media attention shows concern for poverty

The PFS report Communities Respond has received considerable media attention, showing the importance this issue has in the public eye.

Included in CBC TV 6:00 PM news.

CKOM – Saskatoon coverage. http://www.newstalk650.com/story/organization-calls-province-wide-strategy-poverty/79515

Lead story on Global News http://www.globalregina.com/

Radio-Canada http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/saskatchewan/2012/10/15/003-pauvrete-rapport-saskatchewan.shtml

Regina Leader Post article – this article was on the Front page of the Leader Post today. http://www.leaderpost.com/Report+details+plan+tackle+poverty+Saskatchewan/7394120/story.html

Communities Respond – Report Released

The Communities Respond report was released by Poverty Free Saskatchewan today.

PFS Communities Respond – Highlights, Oct 15, 2012 final

PFS Communities Respond – Summary Report, Oct 15, 2012 final

Communities Respond documents the responses of participants in a series of public consultations held in 7 Saskatchewan locations in 2011 and 2012: North Battleford, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Tisdale, Nipawin and Melfort.

More than 170 participants attending the regional discussions said that it is time to move ahead on addressing poverty. People from the communities emphasized that many Saskatchewan residents are suffering greatly from the effects of poverty and this is preventing them from fully participating in our province.  Participants also identified many concrete positive actions that can be taken.

The Communities Respond report outlines the input received from the community discussions. These ideas will be used in future to develop an integrated and comprehensive poverty elimination plan. This plan will be built on the results of the community consultations, and a review of successful strategies in other provinces and in local Saskatchewan communities.

The document release is part of events in Saskatchewan and around the world honouring the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which occurs on Oct 17.

Communities Respond – report on consultations

Poverty Free Saskatchewan : Press Conference

 Monday, October 15 at 10:00 a.m., Family Service Regina Boardroom, 2020 Halifax Street

 The press conference will mark the release of the Communities Respond research document which summarizes information from community consultations held across Saskatchewan in 2011 and 2012.

 The event is occurring at the start of Anti-Poverty Week, leading up to the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17.

For more information, email PFS or call (306) 535-9570.