Poverty Reduction

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Poverty Reduction Strategy is a government-wide approach to promoting self-reliance, opportunity, and access to key supports for persons vulnerable to poverty. The strategy currently includes more than 80 ongoing initiatives that were informed by the input of the public and developed by 14 government departments and agencies in order to meet the needs of groups most vulnerable to poverty.

Poverty Reduction Initiatives

Examples of initiatives under the strategy include:

Expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to include low income residents
Creation of the Supportive Living Community Partnership Program to help community-based organizations address homelessness
Reduction of the income tax paid by low income earners
Introduction of the Job Start Benefit program to assist people leaving Income Support for work
Expansion of the operating budget for the 8 Women’s Centres in the province
Development of Employment and Education Initiatives for Persons with Disabilities

For a detailed list of initiatives under the Poverty Reduction Strategy, click here (147 KB)

Guiding Principles

We are committed to the following principles as we work with our partners to achieve our key directions of reducing, alleviating and preventing poverty:

Taking a long-term approach
Focusing on prevention
Building on partnerships
Finding the right policy mix
Demonstrating accountability and measuring progress
Taking an integrated and coordinated approach
Addressing rural and urban differences
Considering gender issues
Considering aboriginal issues

Documents and News Releases

Programs and Services for Individuals and Families Guidebook (877 KB)
2010 Consultation Guide (2.1 MB)
Empowering People, Engaging Community, Enabling Success: First Progress Report on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (4 MB)
Budget 2011 - A Clear Path to Opportunity, Self-Reliance and a Prosperous Future – Budget 2011 Stands Strong Against Poverty
Budget 2010 - Making the Right Investments to Support Self-Reliance
Budget 2009 - Standing Strong in the Fight Against Poverty
Budget 2008 - Newfoundland and Labrador Continues to Invest to Lead the Country in Poverty Reduction Initiatives
Budget 2007 - A vision of opportunity with New Actions to Address Poverty
Budget 2006 - The Right Choices: Reducing Poverty; Increasing Self Reliance
Poverty Reduction - An Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador (1.6 MB)
Key Documents
News Releases

Partner Departments and Agencies

For further information or to provide feedback contact: