Newfoundland and Labrador
Review of Social Assistance

Time Period

2002

Jurisdictional Focus

Newfoundland and Labrador

Key Players:

Department of Human Resources and Employment, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Relevant Report(s) Produced:

Investing in People: New Directions for Social Assistance Legislation (2002)

Report of a Consultation on the Social Assistance Act (2002)

Initiative Summary:

In 2002, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador reviewed and revised its Social Assistance Act, and invited its citizens to be involved. The document, Investing in People: New Directions for Social Assistance Legislation was designed to provide background information to Newfoundlanders who wished to participate in the consultation. Later in 2002, Report of a Consultation on the Social Assistance Act was released, summarizing what the government had learned from the consultation process.

During the consultation, Newfoundlanders provided a whole host of feedback, including a call for improved coordination of services for people living on low income, and an elimination of the gaps between government agencies that permit people to fall through the cracks. While this feedback was not specific to people with disabilities or to disability income supports, it clearly demonstrates the importance of governmental coordination.