DECLINE IN WELFARE CASES IN NIPAWIN

Released on July 5, 2001

Social assistance caseloads in Nipawin are now 17 per cent lower than they

were seven years ago.



"A strong economy and social programming that makes it easier for people to

work than to receive welfare are the driving factors behind these trends,"

Social Services Minister Harry Van Mulligen said.



Administrative changes also account for part of the decline in Nipawin.

The number of cases has declined from 725 in June 1994 to 602 in June 2001

(a case may be a family group or an individual). Across the province, the

number of beneficiaries dependent on social assistance has declined by 27.7

per cent from June 1992 (83,241 beneficiaries) to June 2001 (60,174 people).



"As a result of Phase I of Building Independence 3,800 fewer families,

including 8,100 children, no longer rely on social assistance in this

province," Van Mulligen said. "The success of this program shows providing

support to families outside of the welfare system lowers the welfare wall

and helps people make the transition from assistance to employment."



Building Independence is comprised of the Saskatchewan Child Benefit, the

Saskatchewan Employment Supplement, Family Health Benefits and the

Provincial Training Allowance. These programs make it easier for families

to move into, and remain in, the workforce.



"While this historic decrease in the number of people on social assistance

is impressive, there is still much more we can do," Van Mulligen said. "We

will continue with Phase II of Building Independence, and make jobs the

real solution to poverty in this province, not welfare."



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For more information, contact:



Bill Carney

Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0916