News Release Archive
COMMUNITY SERVICES--MINISTERS IDENTIFY SOCIAL PRIORITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------- Provincial and territorial ministers of social services will work toward a common position to improve the situation of children in poverty, said Community Services Minister John MacEachern today. Mr. MacEachern said that he and other social services ministers will meet next week to work on a national child benefit proposal, and will develop a range of child care program options. "Any programming will depend upon the funding available from the federal government, which, at this point, is still unclear," said Mr. MacEachern. "What is clear is that the concerns of children in poverty is a nationally recognized priority, and we are absolutely committed to developing a work plan on child benefits for presentation to the premiers in January." The second priority identified by the ministers is support for persons with disabilities. Federal funding through the Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons program (VRDP), is "essential to the continued provision of support to people with disabilities," said Mr. MacEachern. "As part of the report to the premiers in January, we will also be reviewing federal - provincial programs to identify gaps and overlaps, to begin the development of improving services to people with disabilities." Mr. MacEachern spoke last month to a Parliamentary committee reviewing programs for people with disabilities. He emphasized the positive effects of the programs offered through the federal - provincial cost-shared VRDP program. -30- Contact: Donna McCready 902-424-4326 trp Sept. 27, 1996 - 11:05 a.m.