NEW MONEY HELPS HUMAN SERVICE CBOS ATTRACT AND RETAIN STAFF

The province is investing $30.1 million over three years to help human service Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) attract and retain staff by targeting new money for wages, benefits and operating costs. Over $21 million of this new money is earmarked for human service CBOs affiliated with the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC). Human service CBOs deliver a wide range of services on behalf of the provincial government, including group homes, early childhood intervention, employment supports, residential services for victims of violence, family support, food security, young offender programs and literacy.

"This significant funding boost moves us toward fair and reasonable compensation within our provincial system of CBOs," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Human service agencies affiliated with the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres were among the furthest behind in the sector with respect to wages. They made a compelling case for the need to address funding disparities within the sector, and today's announcement is due in large part to their efforts, particularly their human resource plan that clearly identified not only challenges but real solutions."

"It is really our clients, particularly people with disabilities, who will benefit most from this investment," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "When human service CBOs have a more stable workforce, their clients will receive an even higher level of service and can develop stronger relationships with those who work at CBOs."

"Today's announcement is about more than just funding. It is about hope. It is about making a real difference in the lives of persons with disabilities," SARC President Dawn Desautel said. "This funding will allow SARC and its members to move forward with its plan to address urgent recruitment and retention issues and to build capacity for the future."

Government's $30-million commitment over three years for CBOs was originally announced in the Throne Speech delivered November 7th. In addition to the SARC human service agencies, another broad sector of human service CBOs will receive the remaining funding of nearly $9 million.

A separate announcement for the Early Learning & Child Care sector is planned for the near future.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531

Jamie Ryan Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres Saskatoon Phone: (306)933-0616