The province announced a $155-million long-term plan to reduce poverty on Friday.
The biggest part of the plan involves $88 million for training workers with less than a Grade 12 education level. Money will be available for skills training, upgrading and helping with job searches.
“The poverty reduction strategy is a framework for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the standard of living for low-income Nova Scotians,” said Community Services Minister Chris d’Entremont.
The plan which was announced in Kentville also includes $59 million for affordable/public housing, plus $2 million to increase the income assistance rate by CPI. There’s $3.5 million towards subsidizing daycare and $2.5 million to expand Nova Scotia’s child benefit and low-income pharmacare.
The plan stems out of recommendations from the Poverty Reduction Working Group, which was supported unanimously by all parties.
The NDP responded with skepticism that the Tories will be able to follow through on their commitments.
It said some changes will take too long to be implemented, while others followup on years-old recommendations that should already be in place.
“The government has been dragging its feet on this strategy,” said NDP critic Marilyn More.
“If the government is truly committed to reducing poverty, it would provide stable funding to community-based organizations like women’s and family centres that are directly helping those in need.”
