Released on November 22, 2000
For the second year in a row, Saskatchewan's child poverty rate has declined.Campaign 2000's Report Card on Child Poverty was released earlier this week and
shows the provincial child poverty rate is 18.7 per cent.
This year's report card rate is based on 1998 Statistics Canada data. In last
year's report card, Saskatchewan was the only province in Canada to see a
decline in child poverty since 1989.
"This report card clearly underlines the impact government income security
programs have in reducing child poverty," Van Mulligen said. "The report card
shows public investment in programs for low income families reduces the number
of children living in poverty by 35 per cent."
Van Mulligen noted the 2000 Report Card is based on 1998 data and does not
reflect the full impact of Building Independence.
"There are already 3,800 fewer families representing 8,100 children relying on
social assistance as a direct result of these programs," Van Mulligen said. "I
expect in next year's report card we will see a further decline in child
poverty due to Building Independence."
Building Independence includes several programs aimed at helping low-income
families move off social assistance and into the labour force. Programs
include the Saskatchewan Child Benefit, the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement,
Family Health Benefits and the Provincial Training Allowance.
The programs were recently studied by a visiting delegation of Members of
Parliament from the United Kingdom and have been cited by the Organization for
Economic Development and Co-operation as the best way to reduce poverty.
"Our approach makes the transition from social assistance to work easier for
low income families and supports parents in their decision to work," Van
Mulligen said. "While the success to date has been significant, much work
remains to be done."
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Saskatchewan Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8689