PROVINCE'S BUILDING INDEPENDENCE INITIATIVE PROVING SUCCESSFUL

Fewer Saskatchewan families now depend on social assistance thanks to the ongoing success of the Building Independence initiative.

Building Independence is a series of unique programs that help low-income people find jobs and enhance supports to stay employed. Since the initiative's introduction in 1997, 41 per cent fewer families depend on social assistance. During this time, the province has seen a reduction of 6,800 families and almost 15,000 children relying on social assistance. In addition, there has been a substantial increase in after-tax disposable income for families working for minimum wage and the lowest social assistance caseload since 1991.

This year's provincial budget includes $4.6 million in new funding for Building Independence programs:
- $2 million to increase the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement (SES) for families currently utilizing the program and for 680 additional families;
- $1.4 million to provide Family Health Benefits to an additional 2,700 families; and
- $1.2 million to enhance the Saskatchewan Child Benefit to provide additional support to 4,000 single-parent working families.

"We believe that work is the best path out of child and family poverty, and we are taking a leadership role nationally," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "Since 1997, we have been investing in people through the Building Independence programs. We are redesigning social assistance from the ground up in this province. These programs can help families achieve a good life by creating better access to safe and affordable housing, child care or job training and strong connections to the community." Crofford noted that today, at least 20,000 families in Saskatchewan access Building Independence programs.

SES, one of three Building Independence programs implemented in 1998, helps lower-income families to pay those costs associated with going to work, such as child care and transportation. Enhancements to SES, announced as part of this year's Provincial Budget on March 31st, are currently being implemented.

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For More Information, Contact:

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