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Fighting back against poverty Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Nunavut government announced several new initiatives in its fight against poverty earlier this month.
Premier Eva Aariak said reducing poverty is a specific goal of the Government of Nunavut's (GN) Tamapta Action Plan (2009-2013). She said the GN has approved $6.68 million in new spending to take immediate measures to address poverty issues identified by communities. "This anti-poverty reduction strategy initiative is engaging the people of Nunavut," said Aariak. "Nunavummiut are being approached first, before any sampling is given to them. "I find some people are more used to being approached and asked what they think after the framework has been established. "We're hearing from the public first in terms of identifying concerns and possible solutions, so it's a very exciting initiative." The GN's action plan is expected to be completed by the end of November. Aariak said many areas the GN can immediately address to some degree have already been identified, such as enhancing community breakfast and parenting support programming, and increasing the social assistance program's food and clothing allowance. "There hasn't been an increase to the clothing allowance since 1999 and, while $50 right now, it's a step in the right direction. "I know it can never be enough for many people, but it's the initiatives we're planning to address those kinds of issues that's important." The GN also announced a country food distribution program. Aariak said three communities will sponsor the construction of a new freezer within the first year, with more being added in future years. She said more than 500 people have participated in the GN's community dialogue, including youth, elders, community members and the business sector. "We'll be holding round tables in Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit. "We're using a collaborative approach in addressing this and working closely with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. "This is a long-term strategy and establishing a secretariat for anti-poverty reduction will help to sustain it in the future."
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