The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the United Nations’ International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which took place on Saturday, October 17.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was first observed in 1993. It is a day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries. ‘Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all’ is this year’s theme.

Our government recognizes that these are challenging times for individuals and families. Poverty is complex and there is no one size fits all solution. Our focus is to empower people across their lifespan to prevent, reduce, and alleviate poverty.

Programs supported through Budget 2020 focused on poverty reduction include assistance for expectant mothers, ensuring that school-aged children receive nutritious meals, providing affordable housing and preventing homelessness, new resources for the K-12 education system, supports such as $25 a day childcare and benefits for low income seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities.

Through my Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, we are leading the development of a renewed 10-year poverty reduction strategy in consultation with other government departments and agencies, as well as leaders, stakeholders and community experts, including people with lived experience.

In fact, I recently met with representatives from the Coalition for a Just Recovery NL. This group consists of a growing number of agencies from across the province outlining a vision for an inclusive, empowering, and just recovery for Newfoundland and Labrador. It is groups like this that will be engaged as work begins on a renewed strategy.

As a government, we will continue to explore, develop and implement new options and approaches that best meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Thank you.