The Advisory Group on Poverty Reduction (AGPR) presented its final recommendations to Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer last week. Government will now begin the process of considering these recommendations as it works to develop Saskatchewan鈥檚 Poverty Reduction Strategy.
鈥淚 would like to thank the Advisory Group for the excel-lent work they have done in gathering so many different perspectives on this important issue,鈥� Harpauer said. 鈥淚 am confident the group鈥檚 recommendations reflect the ideas heard across our province on how we can reduce poverty. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations, and working with my colleagues to develop a plan that will help everyone benefit from our province鈥檚 prosperity.鈥�
The group鈥檚 recommendations are organized into six key priority areas: income security, housing and homelessness, early childhood development, education and training, employment and health, and food security.
鈥淥n behalf of the AGPR, I would like to thank Minister Harpauer for the opportunity to advise government as to how we can all work together to best meet the needs of those experiencing poverty in our province,鈥� AGPR Community Co-chair Alison Robertson said. 鈥淲e urge government to act quickly, as we know that addressing poverty as soon as possible will translate into better outcomes for people and families, and ultimately for the province as a whole.鈥�
As well as reflecting the ideas of Saskatchewan citizens, the Advisory Group鈥檚 recommendations build on other ma-jor initiatives related to poverty reduction. These initiatives include the Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy, and the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and M茅tis People.
鈥淚 look forward to sharing our government鈥檚 commitment to actions later this year,鈥� Harpauer said. 鈥淥ur government will consider the AGPR鈥檚 recommendations and come back at a later date with our next steps in the development of the province鈥檚 Poverty Reduction Strategy.鈥�
