GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO CBO SUMMITS

Released on November 3, 2008

The Government today announced measures it is taking to respond to the five CBO (community-based organization) Summits that were held in September.

Participants at the CBO summits stressed the need to protect Saskatchewan's most vulnerable. They noted that the number of current residential and day support services is inadequate; and that it is appropriate for people with disabilities to expect and receive the services needed to live safe, secure and meaningful lives in their communities. They also suggested that a separate more dignified income support program for people with disabilities be investigated.

"CBOs told us loud and clear that they expect government to listen, take action and help them improve the services they provide to Saskatchewan people," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "I am pleased to announce that we have already acted on several of the ideas we heard at the summits.

"In addition to the several steps suggested at the CBO Summits, I am pleased to announce that the recently announced income tax refund will not be clawed back as has been the practice in the past."

Supports for disabilities:

• On October 23, the government announced a significant investment in programs and services for people with disabilities; addressing issues regarding residential, day and specialized programs. 
• The government has also committed to the creation of a separate income support program for people with disabilities.

Social assistance programs and services:

• In response to the tax cuts announced October 21, any 2008 tax refunds for recipients of social assistance programs will be excluded from income calculations and therefore, next year, all recipients will be able to keep their full income tax refund.
• Effective October 1, 2008, the mileage rate under the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP) increased five cents per kilometre. In future, social assistance mileage rates will be reviewed semi-annually.
• Also on October 1, clients of the Transitional Employment Allowance (TEA) and the Provincial Training Allowance (PTA) saw their home heating allowances increase in response to higher utility rates. Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP) clients will continue to have their actual utility costs paid, based on billings.

211 telephone service:

• The Province is contributing $30,000 to the United Way of Saskatoon and Area, in partnership with the Saskatoon Food Bank, to develop a strategy to bring a 211 phone service to Saskatchewan. CBO summit participants stressed the need for an easy-to-remember number to call for current information on a full range of community services.
• Included in that strategy is the development of a web directory for human services. This will not only support the telephone service, but will afford a modern and effective mechanism for CBOs to connect and share information. 

Long-term contracts for CBOs:

• As indicated in the Speech from the Throne delivered recently, the government plans to enter into long-term funding agreements with CBOs beginning in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Creating an open and collaborative relationship:

• The verbatim summit notes and feedback summaries are available on the ministry's website.

"As a government, we are committed to considering the ideas that our CBOs provided," Harpauer said. "We will be making changes where possible, and we will continue to explore those ideas that will require more work. Today's announcement is just the beginning."

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1479