Released on December 11, 2002
November's record job growth contributed to continued reductions inSaskatchewan's social assistance caseloads.
"Welfare caseloads are at their lowest level for the month of November
since 1991," Social Services Minister Glenn Hagel announced
today. "Between November 2001 and November 2002, caseloads dropped by
nearly 2,000, or 6.4 per cent."
Hagel attributed the significant decrease to three factors.
"Our Building Independence initiative has helped 6,000 families, including
13,500 children, leave welfare by removing barriers to work," Hagel
said. "As a result of our Partnership for Prosperity economic development
strategy, the provincial economy produced record numbers of jobs last
month. Furthermore, as a result of income tax reform, 55,000 people have
been removed from provincial tax rolls."
"Economic strategy that creates jobs, social programs that ensure everyone
can share in the opportunities that exist in this province, and tax policy
that reduces the burden on working families are working together to produce
a wide open future for all Saskatchewan families."
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For more information, contact
Doug Wakabayashi
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8689